The Big Show

ASIS International presents annual seminar, exhibits in Dallas

• By Joseph R. Granger
• Sep 01, 2010

More than 20,000 professionals from all vertical industries and government sectors -- from Fortune 100 companies to the Department of Homeland Security -- will gather in Dallas Oct. 12 to 15, for the ASIS International 56th annual seminar and exhibits.

For thousands of security management professionals from around the world, and hundreds of product manufacturers and service providers, ASIS 2010 is the best place to meet peers face-to-face, share information and best practices, and discover how others are solving security challenges in today’s complex environment.

Keep the Pace
ASIS 2010 attendees will be able to pursue professional development opportunities and choose from more than 160 educational sessions that address timely security topics and critical issues. Attendees may select from among 18 comprehensive tracks to design personalized programs. Track categories include crime and loss prevention, crisis management, critical infrastructure, government/military, homeland security, information protection, physical security and terrorism. A track also will be presented in Spanish.

“ASIS provides the most consistent and thorough single source for accessing educational, networking, products and services, and overall best-practice ideas in the world,” said Michael R. Cummings, chairman of the ASIS board of directors. “Our profession and the demands on us continue to change. To be successful, we need to keep pace, and attending the seminar and exhibits allows me to do that.”

ASIS is partnering with key professional organizations that specialize in distinct aspects of security to support and expand this year’s educational offerings. ISACA, IT-ISAC and (ISC)2 will bring their expertise in information security. The International Facility Management Association and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants also are providing programming.

Additionally, the CSO Roundtable, a dedicated forum for the most senior security professionals, has developed a track of sessions targeting the specific needs of chief security officers and their top deputies. Topics include an update on enterprise security risk management and conducting international due diligence.

“If you think our world is fast paced with e-mails, text messages, Facebook, Twitter and the other electronic speed-of-light gizmos, why not take a deep breath and attend the seminar,” said ASIS International President-elect Raymond T. O’Hara. “We still need face time to network. I think this is one of the significant values of attending in person. We all need mentoring to some degree and getting it face-to-face is valuable.”

New and Notable
More than 700 exhibitors will showcase everything from IP technology, biometrics, thermal imaging devices, robotics, explosives detection and much more. The exhibits, covering more than 220,000 square feet, are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 12 to 14. Admission to the exhibits is free with advance registration. ASIS Accolades award winners will be highlighted during the popular “What’s New on the Floor” session, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 1:45 p.m.

The new online show planner will be integrated with ASIS Mobile -- for use on a smart phone -- making it easier than ever to schedule the sessions, exhibitors, show specials and networking events that interest attendees.

Keynote speakers are Pervez Musharraf, former president of Pakistan, and pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III.

Following the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the United States sought Musharraf’s support to fight the Taliban. With a vision for a modern, democratic, non-fundamentalist Islamic Pakistan, he was one of America’s greatest allies. Musharraf will share his experiences at 8 a.m., Oct. 14.

Sullenberger became an international hero in January 2009 when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River, saving the lives of 155 people. The Airbus A320’s two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. The captain of what has been dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson,” Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator. He will speak at 8 a.m. on Oct. 13.

On Oct. 15, humorist and best-selling author Dave Barry will address attendees at the closing luncheon. For 25 years, Barry was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. He has written 30 books.

General sessions on Oct. 15 include presentations on cloud computing, supply chain security and corporate ethics.

Networking events include the ASIS Foundation 14th Annual Golf Classic; various receptions, including the President’s Reception and events for young professionals and women in security; breakfasts and luncheons; and Law Enforcement/ Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, Oct. 14. Active law enforcement and military professionals are invited to attend the keynote, as well as all educational sessions on that day, free of charge. Complimentary registration is available on site (government or military photo ID is required).

“With the economy as it is and increased scrutiny on expenditures, you have to take advantage of where you can get the best bang for your buck and maximize your spend,” O’Hara said. “From new technology to networking, and from women in security to young professionals, ASIS 2010 is it. For anyone who would like to contribute to the profession, this is the place to do that.”

This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue of Security Today.