We can call it a successful weekend, but once again, it flew by quickly. After a long three-year break, the international exhibition LockFest took place on the last weekend of September at the Thermal Hotel in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Friday morning started early, as booths had to be set up, exhibitors arrived throughout the day, and everyone was busy preparing. By the evening, we could finally relax and enjoy the Welcome Drink, which included a wine tasting of the Village series (Nové Vinařství) from the Mikulov wine region, near the Pálava Hills. A rich buffet with both hot and cold dishes was also prepared for all attendees.
What About Saturday? Saturday was packed with activity! The exhibition featured around 50 booths, showcasing everything from lock opening tools, chips, and keys to automotive diagnostics and security systems. Additionally, two training rooms hosted various workshops and seminars throughout the day. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest advancements from leading manufacturers of lock opening technology, including: safe lock decoders, auto dialers for mechanical combination locks, special tools for automotive locks and techniques for opening locked doors. There were product training sessions from companies such as EVVA, ASSA ABLOY SOLUTION CZ (FAB & Mul-T-Lock), Tokoz, Rostex, and SPVG Systems. We also got hands-on experience with impressioning, the delicate skill of crafting a working key from a blank.
On Saturday morning, the Czech Lockpickers Association hosted a training session, followed by the Mini Lockpicking Competition in the afternoon. Nearly 20 lockpickers from various countries competed in this challenge. The winners were announced during the Gala Dinner, an event accompanied by live music from the Sokrat Orchestra. The evening had a James Bond theme, featuring a mobile casino with roulette and Bond girls. Guests could use their casino winnings to participate in an auction, where valuable prizes were donated by EVVA, A. Wendt (Zieh-Fix), dormakaba, and Assa Abloy Solution CZ (Mul-T-Lock).
Awards for the Most Interesting Products, as always, LockFest featured a competition for the most interesting product, divided into three categories:
🏆 Category A – Mechanical & Mechatronic Security, Key Machines
Winner: EVVA
🏆 Category B – Electronic Car Key Programming
Winner: X-Horse
🏆 Category C – Lock Opening Technology
Winner: MPM Decoders
Hall of Fame Inductions, each year, LockFest honors both a Czech and an international figure in the Hall of Fame.
- Czech Republic: This year’s award went to Ing. Petr Koktan
- International: The honored recipient was Mr. Peter Field
Sunday was much more relaxed, with fewer visitors. In the afternoon, LockFest 2021 officially came to an end, as we closed the doors of the Thermal Hotel. We hope to open them again next year! Once again, it all went by so fast—so let’s hope we meet next year in Karlovy Vary!
