From São Paulo to London: Derek Pucci at International Security Expo 2026
What makes a trip from São Paulo to London worthwhile for a protection professional? The chance to see new developments up close, ask practical questions and bring fresh ideas back to the people doing the work.
Derek Pucci, founder of Unique Close Protection, travelled to London specifically to attend International Security Expo 2026 at Olympia on 29–30 September. After more than 20 years working in security and protection in Brazil, his reason for attending was straightforward: there is always something new to learn.
From São Paulo to Olympia
Stepping away from daily operations creates space to look at the wider industry. Ahead of the Expo, Derek highlighted protective security, risk management, resilience and security operations as areas he wanted to explore.
Over two days in London, the value came from seeing developments in person and speaking with the people behind the products and services. Those conversations offer an opportunity to go beyond a brochure and ask how an approach might fit the demands of a real assignment.
Communication and visibility during a journey
Communications and live journey monitoring were among the areas that stood out to Derek. Both have a clear connection to executive travel, where airport arrivals, meetings, hotel transfers and evening engagements need to fit together.
For a protection team, a change to one part of the schedule can affect the rest of the day. Clear communication between the driver, protection operative and those coordinating the visit helps keep arrangements aligned. Journey-monitoring tools are another area to assess when considering how teams maintain visibility as travel plans evolve.
For clients visiting São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, the practical question is how any tool supports a well-coordinated journey. Its usefulness depends on the people using it, the environment and the requirements of the assignment.
Secure-driver training and protective equipment
Derek also highlighted secure-driver training and protective equipment in his reflections after the event. These topics connect technology with the judgement and preparation of the professionals responsible for a client’s movements.
Driving is an important part of the wider protection plan. Routes, timings, pick-up points and coordination with the protection operative all influence how a visit runs. Exploring developments in training provides an opportunity to consider those responsibilities from different perspectives.
Protective equipment deserves the same practical assessment: how suitable is it for the task, and how does it fit the working environment? Seeing equipment in person and asking questions helps inform that assessment.
Fresh ideas for the team in Brazil
Derek’s takeaway from the Expo was a set of fresh ideas to discuss with the team in São Paulo. The next step is to consider their relevance to UCP’s work in Brazil and the needs of international clients.
Unique Close Protection has operated in Brazil since 2008. Derek’s background includes 15 years of public-security service in São Paulo and selection for IOPE / Special Operations. That local experience provides the context for evaluating developments from the wider security industry.
For executives, families and private travellers, continued professional learning matters because protection has to keep pace with changing itineraries, environments and expectations. Derek’s visit to London reflects that ongoing commitment to examining how the team works.
Planning a visit to Brazil?
UCP provides discreet executive protection and secure transportation in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and across Brazil. Tell us your travel dates, itinerary and requirements, and we’ll prepare a tailored proposal around your visit.
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