I recently returned from the International Association of Professional Security Consultants’ (IAPSC) 25th annual conference, held in Palm Springs, CA. The conference was a great success and attendance matched the highest levels in the conference’s history. Sponsor attendance and support was at an all time high, no small feat in light of the downturn in the economy.
Conference sponsors included: Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Dynasound, Inc., Lenel Systems International, Panasonic Systems Solutions, Pixim, Inc., STENTOFON/Zenitel Group, Milestone Systems, NEC Corporation, Software House/American Dynamics, TAC, AMAG Technology, Gallagher Security Management Systems, Gunnebo Entrance Controls, IQinVision, S2 Security Corporation, Salient Systems, Talk-A-Phone, and Vicon Industries, Inc.
Topic sessions included:
Succeeding When the Economy Is Receding, by David Zahn author of “How to Succeed as an Independent Consultant.” This was a very informative session. Lots of great tips!
The Emerging World of International Security Standards, by Colin Braziel and Allan Hildage of Griffin Security Group, located in London. The speakers discussed, in depth, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This discussion in cluded ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 28000 and coming soon - BS25999.
How to Obtain and Maintain Top Organic (FREE) Google Rankings and How to Gain a Competitive Edge with Your Internet Marketing, by Ed Taylor. Ed Taylor is a Speaker/Author/Consultant, Website Strategist, SEO & Conversion Specialist. I spent part of my weekend implementing many of the ideas and tips I received from Mr. Taylor.
Making Money When Others Aren’t, by Al Zajic, Karim Vellani and Jack Case. The speakers, all nationally and internationally recognized consultants talked about business planning, marketing and advertising, budgeting and cost cutting.
Using the Latest Forensic Methodology and Jumpstarting Your Practice, by Norm Bates and Ralph Witherspoon. This session was about the recently developed IAPSC Forensic Methodology and validated by a recent Kentucky Federal Court opinion.
Emergency Planning – Protecting Their Business While Expanding Yours, by Bo Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell talked about expanding your service offer with Emergency Planning in you Threat Assessments.
There was also a Publications panel consisting of noted IAPSC authors, Brian Gouin, Mike Khairallah, Chuck Sennewald, John Strauchs and moderated by Bill Mattman. Topics included the direct effects of publishing, the process of publishing, motivation for and expectations of being published, actual vs. expected results and Hollywood and motion pictures.
On the morning of the last day, there was a well-attended session on forensics, technology and consulting.
This was a well-attended conference by longtime IAPSC members, new IAPSC members and included non-member attendees. Anyone looking to learn more about the IAPSC may contact me directly or visit the IAPSC website IAPSC.org. 
