Alexandria, Va. (August 28, 2012) – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will address attendees at the ASIS International 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2012), the world’s largest educational event and trade show dedicated to security, on Monday, September 10 at noon. The Seminar and Exhibits will bring more than 20,000 security professionals from industry, government and law enforcement to Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 10-13. The attendees, who are responsible for protecting their organization’s human, logical, or physical assets, will come from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries to learn about best practices in the industry, connect with their peers and see the latest innovations and products on the exhibit floor.
Reflecting the rapid fusion of information technology and traditional security, (ISC)² (“ISC-squared”),
the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals and administrators of the CISSP, is again colocating its global conference with ASIS 2012. This partnership, which began with ASIS 2011, broadens the scope of the educational programs and fosters dialogue on a wide range of global information security issues.
“We all need to protect our organizations and facilities in these challenging times. ASIS 2012 is the best place to discover what’s new in the industry and learn how to maintain strategic growth in any threat environment,” said Eduard J. Emde, CPP, president, ASIS.
More than 200 education sessions in 24 tracks will be presented along with keynotes, networking events, and an exhibit floor of 700+ manufacturers, inventors, service providers, and entrepreneurs.
Among the offerings is a Systems Integrator Track, which was well-received when it debuted in 2011 as a way to help integrators better market their services and reinforce their value to current and prospective clients. "Doing more with less, maintaining pace with trends, technology improvements, complex facility types serviced and minimizing risk in challenging economic times will be track themes this year,” said Steve Surfaro, Axis Communications and Vice Chair of the ASIS Physical Security Council.
Education
More than 200 peer-reviewed educational sessions, including expanded IT security offerings in collaboration with (ISC)², are on the agenda. They cover a wide range of topics that reflect current issues in the news today such as cyberbullying in the workplace, helping citizens operate community surveillance programs effectively, how healthcare reform will affect the industry, using social media in security, and cruise ship safety as well as the core body of knowledge and best practices in security.
Prior to ASIS 2012, intensive Pre-Seminar Programs will delve into topics such as securing houses of worship, detecting deception in verbal and written statements, security officer life safety and organizational resilience. Attendees who arrive early also will be able to take advantage of a special tour of U.S. Mint. For those pursuing professional industry certifications through ASIS or (ISC²), preparation programs will be offered in the days ahead of ASIS 2012.
Keynote Speakers
In addition to Secretary Napolitano, this year’s Seminar features Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1997 to 2009 (on Sept. 11 at 8 a.m.), Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011 (Sept. 12 at 8 a.m.), political broadcaster Chris Wallace (Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m.) and a closing luncheon keynote by astrophysicists Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium and the face of PBS NOVA Science NOW. Two panels will address information security challenges and opportunities as well as the increasing concerns around social unrest amid movements such as Occupy Wall Street and the Arab Spring.
Exhibits
More than 700 companies will demonstrate the latest in traditional and IT security products and services on the exhibit floor, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 10-11 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Exhibits-only registration is complimentary for security professionals who register in advance by Sept. 6 (3 p.m. EDT); $75 for nonmembers after Sept. 6.
Special Events and Networking
Networking opportunities include the First-Time Seminar Attendee/New Member Reception, Opening Ceremony, luncheons, and the President’s Reception. The ASIS Foundation is sponsoring the 16th Annual Golf Tournament and a Night at the Field House on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Law Enforcement/Military Appreciation Day will be held Sept. 12. Active law enforcement or military professionals (who should register onsite at the Philadelphia Convention Center) will be granted free admission on this day to attend all of the day’s educational programs, the exhibit floor and the keynote address by Robert Gates. Law enforcement or military ID is required.
