Page 102 - Security Today, July 2017

INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to Dallas, Y’all SAeminar 2017 is better than ever
With Thomas J. Langer
s the 2017 President of ASIS International, it’s my honor to welcome security professionals to Dallas for the ASIS In-
ternational 63rd Annual Seminar and Ex- hibits (ASIS 2017) this Sept. 25-28. As the only event with the power of the world’s leading association dedicated to the ad- vancement of the security profession be- hind it, ASIS 2017 provides hands-down, the best opportunity for security profes- sionals across all sectors to learn, share best practices, and build relationships that they can turn to year-round for support and guidance.
It’s an exciting time to be leading ASIS. The changes sweeping across the Society— new executive leadership, ambitious strategic priorities, and a commitment to transpar- ency, partnership and collaboration—are re- flected in the program, which is significantly different from previous years. We solicited attendee and exhibitor feedback, as well as reached out to partners to gain a better un- derstanding of how we could better align our respective constituencies. As a result, the ASIS HQ team has implemented many ex- citing changes, from new networking events and expo floor innovations to new partner- ships and revamped learning formats, all aimed at revitalizing the overall experience for attendees and exhibitors.
One of the big changes is holding the expo on Tuesday, September 26, through Thursday, September 28. That leaves a full day for uninterrupted education on Monday, while providing our exhibitors an extra day for setup. Front-loading education creates more exclusive hours for attendees to explore the thousands of innovative security services and solutions available in the exhibit hall later in the week.
The President’s Reception is also moving to a new night this year—Wednesday, Sep- tember 27—at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Speaking from personal experience, this has always been one of the most anticipated events at Seminar, and this year’s party will be another memorable expe- rience. Attendees can participate in on-the- field games and drills, tour the locker rooms, and relive the excitement of the week with plenty of food, fun, and revelry. It’s truly a must-attend event.
A terrific line-up of keynotes will frame the conversations that will take place throughout the week. Former U.S. Presi- dent George W. Bush, will open the event on Monday morning.
On Tuesday, futurist Scott Klososky will discuss “The Technology Integration of Man” during his Tuesday keynote remarks. Wednesday will see Edward F. Davis, III, for- mer Boston police commissioner, and Rick DesLauriers, former special agent in charge of the Boston FBI, delivering a special pre- sentation as part of the annual Law Enforce- ment and Military Appreciation Day, “Re- membering Patriots Day: The Hunt for the Tsarnaev Brothers and the True Meaning of #BostonStrong.”
The education program, featuring 22 tracks, includes new learning formats, pri- oritizing interactive programs and seating arrangements to better engage attendees. All sessions will also be categorized by experi- ence level (new to industry, mid-career, ad- vanced, CSO-level), so you will know which ones are the best fit for your needs.
ASIS brings even more value to Expo-On- ly attendees with multiple theatres on the show floor featuring education and product dem- onstrations, technology showcases, thought leader sessions, and a Tuesday networking
happy hour. The exhibit floor will also include a central ASIS hub, with the latest informa- tion on the Society’s certifications, standards and guidelines, education, chapters, councils, global events, membership, and more.
InfraGard will once again hold its An- nual Congress and Conference at Seminar. And for the first time, Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), a global orga- nization of information security profession- als will develop information security tracks for the education program. In addition, ISSA will showcase cybersecurity-focused solutions providers on the ASIS exhibit floor and host organizational meetings and social events for its members.
Partnerships, collaboration, security so- lution excellence, and building—and renew- ing—relationships with peers are all hall- marks of our Society and core to the ASIS 2017 program. This event embodies our profession’s shared mission—across practi- tioners and service and technology provid- ers—to making the world a safer place to live, work, and play. It’s this dedicated com- munity that comes back year after year that makes this event so special.
Hone your professional skills, learn the tools of the trade, and connect with peers from around the globe. I look forward to see- ing you in Dallas.
Thomas J. Langer is the 2017 President, ASIS International.
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