Sprawling over an area of more than 5 hectares at the Lahti Fair Centre, the national security and defence exhibition has never previously been organised on this large a scale. A massive amount of security information and expertise will be exhibited. Important topics for the general public include everyday security and protecting the vital functions of society. Nearly 150 displays, information sessions and seminars will be arranged during the weekend. So far, there are over 130 confirmed exhibitors from Finland, Sweden, Norway and China.  

Security and Defence 2008 presents the big picture of securing the functioning of society. The vital functions of society include internal security, the national military defence, international activities, psychological crisis tolerance, the functioning of the economy and infrastructure, the management of government affairs and the population's income security and ability to function. The protection of society's vital functions is presented in a joint exhibition of ministries, authorities, administrative branches and collaborating organisations with an exhibition space of more than 4 000 square metres. The dedicated exhibition area (hall A) will offer important information to all citizens on how to contribute to everyday security and how to act in crisis situations.

The exhibition programme will be a rare treat for visiting professionals as well as all those interested in security and defence technologies. Exhibits will include some rarely displayed technologies and some of the most recent equipment of the Finnish defence forces, police, rescue authorities, customs authorities, radiation and nuclear safety authority and border guard. The defence forces will bring in, for example, the latest NH90 helicopter, the customs authorities their mobile X-ray unit for scanning lorries and the border guard their diving robot. The technological offering is supplemented with the most comprehensive-ever education and recruitment exhibition of businesses and 21 institutions in the field. The exhibition, which is running under the theme "Security is the career path of the future", is targeted at secondary school students and teachers.

On Saturday, the Lahti port will be the stage for TUPU08, a disaster demonstration to be led by the Päijät-Häme rescue department with the participation of the police, navy, Centre of Military Medicine, emergency response centre administration, border guard, local lake rescue association, Finnish Red Cross and WWF. The demonstration involves searching for a bomb at the bottom of the lake based on a tip. In connection with the search, a passenger ship departing from the port runs aground at the diving site. In the aftermath of the grounding, professionals rescue floating and injured passengers, put out a fire and give first aid. 

The programme of the Security and Defence 2008 culminates on Friday and Saturday in a festive reception and dinner and the Tattoo 2008 show celebrating the 90th jubilee year of the Finnish Defence Forces.