Locksmithing is moving quickly.
Digital access. Smart locks. Fire door standards. Access control. Compliance changes. Connected security. New legislation.
A few years ago, some of these things barely came up in day-to-day locksmithing. Now they are becoming part of regular conversations across the trade.
That is what MLA Unlocked is all about.
Taking place on 13–14 November at the Delta Hotels, Waltham Abbey, Essex, MLA Unlocked is a new free event for locksmiths built around hands-on demonstrations, practical sessions, new products, technical conversations, and the real-world changes happening across the industry right now.
And this is just the start.
The plan is for MLA Unlocked events to take place in different locations across the country — bringing locksmiths, suppliers, manufacturers, and trainers together more regularly to share knowledge, explore new ideas, and stay connected to where the trade is heading.
See What’s Changing — Properly
Some of the biggest shifts in locksmithing are happening around:
- digital access systems
- smart locking
- commercial hardware
- fire door compliance
- access control
- legislation and standards
For some locksmiths, that is exciting.
For others, it can feel like there is a lot to keep up with.
MLA Unlocked is designed to make those conversations feel more practical and accessible.
Sessions already confirmed include:
- live safe opening
- Martyn’s Law and what locksmiths should be preparing for
- NSI NCP109 access control requirements
- BS8214 fire door standards
- digital access and smart locking systems
Alongside this, 26 suppliers and manufacturers from across the industry will be bringing products, live demos, and hands-on opportunities across the two days – covering everything from safes, cylinders, and specialist hardware through to connected locking systems, automotive technology, gate security, and access control solutions.
Visitors will be able to get hands-on with new electronic cylinders, modular master key systems, restricted key platforms, smart locking solutions, automotive programming and duplication technology, access control systems, gate security products, high-security padlocks, and specialist commercial hardware.
There will also be live demonstrations, technical advice, practical product walkthroughs, and the opportunity to explore how these systems are being used in real-world environments across both domestic and commercial locksmithing.
It’s About the Conversations Too
Anyone who has spent time around locksmith events knows some of the most useful conversations happen away from the presentations.
- Talking through problems.
- Seeing products in action.
- Finding out what others are using.
- Catching up with suppliers.
- Hearing how locksmiths are adapting to changes across the trade.
That is a big part of MLA Unlocked too.
Whether you are already working in commercial security, starting to look at digital systems, interested in safes, or simply want to spend a couple of days around people who understand the trade properly, the event is designed to be approachable, practical, and genuinely useful.
And if you want to find out more about the MLA, training, qualifications, regional meetings, or professional development opportunities, there will be plenty of opportunities to do that too.
MLA Unlocked
13–14 November
Delta Hotels, Waltham Abbey, Essex
Free for locksmiths to attend, with some optional specialist training sessions that maybe charged for.
Scan to follow the MLA EXPO & Events Facebook page — one place to keep up with what’s happening across the trade.
Because locksmithing does not stand still — and neither should the conversations around it.