In January 2025, the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre hosted SecD-Day, Finland’s largest event for the defense, security, aerospace, and aviation industries.
Organized by the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries (PIA ry), SecD-Day featured both a stage program and an exhibition. The event brought together 190 exhibitors from 15 different countries. Despite expanding the exhibition space twice, the event sold out completely, leaving some companies unable to participate. The theme was “There is no security without industry.” All in all, the two-day event had an impressive 4,191 visitors!
Sähkölehto Showcased the Best Connector Selection at the Event
Sähkölehto secured its exhibition stand well before the event. As planning progressed, it was clear that we also needed more booth space, and thanks to our exhibition partner, we were able to expand our original 15 m² booth to 18 m².
At SecD-Day, we showcased ODU’s connector solutions and cable assemblies designed specifically for military and security applications. In addition to connector samples, visitors were able to explore reference products demonstrating their real-world use. With the extra space, we were able to present ODU’s latest innovation, launched in January: ODU Expanded Beam Performance, a fiber optic solution compliant with VITA 95 and 96 standards, meeting the requirements of military aviation.
Manufacturer’s Experts On Site
Our booth’s strength was formed by Sähkölehto’s team members Kimmo Samppa, Miikka Laukkanen, and Johan Talihärm, as well as two representatives from ODU: Thomas Ullner, a Regional Sales Manager from Denmark, and Christian Hobmaier, a Product Manager from Germany, who specializes in the new ODU Expanded Beam Performance product portfolio, which was showcased at the booth. With his expertise, visitors were able to receive in-depth knowledge about the newly launched solution, which had been announced just two weeks before SecD-Day.
Meeting End Users
For some attendees, this was their first introduction to Sähkölehto, while others visited our booth as they knew where to come for discussions on connectors and industry updates. The booth served as an excellent opportunity for new contacts to meet our team, connect with the manufacturer, and explore our industry-specific product lineup.
The event’s high visitor numbers and engaging atmosphere surprised both exhibitors and organizers. We had numerous discussions about connectors, defense, and security with representatives from the Finnish Defense Forces and private sector professionals. Some visitors had immediate connector needs for their ongoing projects, while others were interested in how the connector industry has developed and is evolving—in which ODU’s latest launch played a perfect role.
As a connector supplier, we primarily work with device manufacturers. However, SecD-Day provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with end users, raising awareness about connectors among them while also meeting many of our existing customers, many of whom were exhibitors themselves.
Our exhibition team thanks all participants for the insightful discussions and an outstanding event:
Kimmo Samppa, Miikka Laukkanen, Johan Talihärm, Sami Viberg, Thomas Ullner (ODU Denmark ApS), Christian Hobmaier (ODU GmbH & Co. KG).
Sähkölehto has already secured its stand for the next SecD-Day, which will take place in 2027 and feature an even larger exhibition space!
Photo gallery and summary video at the end:
