Protecting people, property, and data continues to be a top priority for executives and managers across all industry and government sectors, driving attendance at the many educational sessions at ASIS 2013, Sept. 24-27 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
From innovative technology solutions to a wealth of education developed by subject-matter experts to face-to-face connections with peers from around the globe, providing the latest information, tools, and techniques for those dealing with the evolving threats remains the primary goal of the event.
The more than 200 sessions and 24 different trackscover a wide range of topics, including active shooter mitigation, enterprise risk management, cyber security issues, and executive protection. Markets range from schools to homeland security and many more.
Here’s a look at just a few specific sessions—for a complete listing of all educational sessions and overviews, visit www.ASIS2013.org.
- Boston Marathon Bombing: Protecting a Major Hospital During a Time of Terror (Sept. 24, 11 a.m.)
- Active Shooters: New Trends and Challenges (Sept. 24, 11 a.m.)
- Lessons Learned From Sandy Hook: A CPTED Case Study Of Greenwich, CT (sept. 24, 1:45 p.m.)
- Protecting Against Insider Threats (Sept. 25, 11 a.m.)
- Proactive City-wide Surveillance (Sept. 25, 11 a.m.)
- The Security Implications of Superstorm Sandy (Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m.)
- Developing an Enterprise Security Strategy (Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m.)
- Investigating the C-Suite (Sept. 26, 1:45 p.m.)
- Conducting High Risk Terminations (Sept. 26, 3:30 p.m.)
Other aspects of the program include pre-seminar programs, Certification Reviews, keynotes and general sessions, as well as free learning sessions on the show floor. Reflecting the interdependence of information technology and operational security, (ISC)², the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals worldwide, will colocate its third annual Security Congress with ASIS 2013. The partnership, now in its third year, broadens the scope of educational programs offered and encourages dialogue and collaboration between those on the frontlines of both traditional and IT security.
This year BICSI, the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), PSA Security Network, and Security Industry Association (SIA) also are partnering with ASIS 2013 to provide additional topics of interest to the entire distribution channel.
“The need for sharing of information and ideas, successes and failures, trends, and outlooks for the future has never been greater,” says Geoff T. Craighead, CPP, president, ASIS. “The lines between departments and functional units, as well as between professions, are blurring as the emphasis on cyber security increases. We must work as a team to deal with today’s worldwide threats.”
The exhibit hall will bring together more than 700 exhibitors displaying thousands of cutting-edge technologies, products and services. Attendees have a once-a-year opportunity to compare the latest innovations, see demonstrations, talk to product experts face-to-face, and do a year’s worth of research in three days.
This year’s keynote speakers include Steve Wozniak, Silicon Valley icon and cofounder of Apple Computer, who will address the group on Sept. 25 at 8:00 a.m. A unique world-view will be presented Sept. 26 at 8:00 a.m. by The Honorable John Winston Howard, the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, who served from 1996 to 2007. U.S. sports legend Mike Ditka will be the closing luncheon speaker on Sept. 27 at 12:00 p.m., sharing lessons learned during his time as player, assistant coach, and head coach of the Chicago Bears football team.
An International Policy Roundtable, “From Victims to Vigilantes: Cyber Security Strategies Going on the Offensive,” will be presented by (ISC)2 on Sept. 27 at 8:00 a.m., followed by “Counterfeiting: From Potions and Lotions to Tractors and Turbines” at 9:30 a.m. The final General Session at 11:00 a.m., “The Security Professional as a Trusted Advisor,” will present diverse ways for security professionals to work with the C-suite.
Several special networking events offer participants from around the world a venue to connect. One of the most popular events is the President’s Reception, which this year will be held at the Museum of Science and Industry — the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere — on Sept. 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. The Foundation Golf Tournament, receptions, luncheons, special interest events, and opportunities to network on and off the show floor provide both attendees and exhibitors limitless ways to make valuable connections.
