ASIS 2012 Preview: Learn and Connect

Aug. 2, 2012
In-depth on the pre-seminar and other educational offerings at the Sept. 10 show

The opening of the ASIS International 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits and the collocated (ISC)2 Security Congress is set for Sept. 10-13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. This year’s event will offer security practitioners a forum for education and networking.

Whether you are a young careerist looking to strengthen your understanding of industry best practices and expand your professional network or a senior practitioner in a large organization in search of leadership and business skills, you will find a range of timely, compelling education programs to attend at ASIS 2012.

Education programs and events actually begin before the official opening of ASIS 2012 and the Security Congress, with several intensive pre-seminar programs beginning Sept. 7, including certification reviews and clinics, professional tours and educational sessions.

Professionals pursuing ASIS board certification or (ISC)2 credentials may consider attending preparation programs in the days preceding the Seminar and Congress. ASIS certification reviews will be offered Sept. 7-8 for the Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), and Physical Security Professional (PSP) examinations. In addition, a series of (ISC)2 credential clinics are scheduled (CISSP, CSSLP, CAP, and SSCP), as well as an official two-day review seminar for both CSSLP and CISSP.
This year’s professional tours on Sept. 9 are:

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) MegaCenter monitors multiple types of alarm systems, surveillance cameras and wireless dispatch communications within federal facilities throughout the nation. Always in operation, the Center is equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems to make it a unique and vital communications link between FPS law enforcement personnel on the street and contract security guards located at various FPS-protected facilities.

The Philadelphia Mint makes circulating coins of all denominations. Tour participants will view the actual coining operations. Security personnel will be on hand to discuss the special issues relating to securing a public museum and a working mint.

Pre-Seminar education programs begin on Sept. 8. In all, security professionals will have 11 programs to attend during the two days leading to the show open. Many programs have been developed by ASIS Councils or are offered in partnership with other security organizations. The Intl. Foundation for Cultural Property Protection will present two, concurrent sessions on Sunday: “Are Your Security Officers Safe? Security Officer Life Safety” and “Beyond the Basics in Security Management.” The Intl. Association of Professionals Security Consultants (IAPSC) will also deliver a session for those launching a new consultancy.

On Sept. 10, the full ASIS 2012 education program opens and registrants will have access to more than 200 education programs. Sessions are organized across several focused programming tracks, including topics such as crime/loss prevention, investigations, legal, physical security and business management. Several tracks are dedicated to best practices in the public sector.

ASIS has also collaborated with PSA Security on the development of a dedicated education track for systems integrators. “Maintaining pace with trends and technology improvements, meeting the requirements of complex facilities, and minimizing risk in challenging economic times will all be enhanced themes this year,” says lead track developer Steve Surfaro of Axis Communications.

The CSO Roundtable will host a track of sessions for its members focusing on issues that affect senior security professionals at the world’s largest organizations. The CSO track includes exclusive entry to closed-door talks from keynote speakers as well as open panel discussions under Chatham House Rule.

For those who have earned their CPPs, PCIs, or PSPs designation, attending the education programs is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to acquire the required credits for recertification. You can earn up to 19 credits with a full Seminar registration — 16 for attending education programs and an additional three for touring the exhibit floor.

If you are not a current ASIS member, you may join before the show and receive a $100 education credit, which can be applied to your ASIS 2012 registration.

Eduard J. Emde, CPP is the current ASIS president.