Tom Ridge to Be Featured Speaker at GE Security Conference

April 21, 2005
Ridge will join former president of Spain Jose Maria Aznar in addressing attendees

GE Infrastructure's Security business has announced that the annual GE Security Conference and Workshop, that now includes the former residential market GE Security Pro Conference, will be held June 13-17, 2005 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla. More than 700 public and private sector security professionals who provide and use some of the most sophisticated systems in the world are expected to take advantage of four days of intensive interaction and in-depth, value-added presentations and breakout sessions.

Highlighting this premier industry event, which provides priceless education and networking for multi-market security professionals and end users, will be featured speakers Tom Ridge, the United States' first Secretary of Homeland Security, Jose Maria Aznar, President of Spain, 1996-2004, Chief Security Officers of major corporations and the Los Angeles Police Department. Special invited guest speaker is Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

"The conference also features a series of valuable instructional seminars hosted by subject matter experts, opportunities to speak one-on-one with the finest minds in the security industry, and networking with peers from around the globe," said GE Vice President of Global Sales Jim Clark. "The focus of the conference is to highlight, discuss and get leading expert opinions on current trends in security such as the convergence of information technology and physical security as well as the continued integration of security products into business solutions."

According to Clark, the continued convergence of physical security with information technology (IT), including the drive to IP-based surveillance, creates a need for new knowledge and skills on the part of end users, dealers/integrators and manufacturers. To remain competitive, each must recognize and respond to emerging trends in the networking of security systems with data communications, telecommunications, voice over IP (VOIP) and IT networks.

This year's agenda has also been expanded to include residential as well as commercial, enterprise and homeland security solutions. Security professionals will be able to see a host of recently introduced and about-to-be-introduced security technologies. Attendees will also learn about new technology trends in access control, video surveillance, intrusion, transmission, fire and safety, and other security sectors in multiple industries such as healthcare, education, retail, financial services, critical infrastructure, residential, corrections and others.

End-users can attend sessions on insurance, financing, crime prevention through environmental design, workplace violence, managing infrastructure growth and administration, and security best practices that will help them add value to their departments.

Business partners will learn how to improve their companies by attending breakout sessions on topics such as presentation skills, creating effective proposals, selling service contracts, building business through marketing, selling video solutions, developing government sales and leveraging emerging technologies.

Registration is available online: www.gesecurity.com.