ASIS 2013ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibit “the epicenter for security education and technology”
ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibit, which will take place 24-27 September in Chicago, may well be the epicenter for security education and technology, says Geoff Craighead, ASIS president. With a show floor spanning 230,000 sq. feet, attendees from more than eighty countries, more than 200 education sessions, and a variety of ways to connect with colleagues and strengthen business relationships, ASIS 2013 is the place to be.
Geoff Craighead, CPP, ASIS president, says that the Annual Seminar and Exhibit, which will take place 24-27 September in Chicago, has long been one of his favorite events. With a show floor spanning 230,000 sq. feet, it is truly the epicenter for security education and technology.
He says he is not alone in his thinking. The Seminar is widely regarded as the place for security management practitioners to find the tools, technologies, and top-notch education needed to stay ahead in the global business marketplace. This year is no exception. ASIS preregistration statistics are strong and the organization expects practitioners from eighty countries to make the trip to Chicago.
The education program features more than 200 education sessions, an impressive exhibits floor featuring expanded Career Pavilion activities, interactive Tech Talks, informative poster sessions, and plenty of networking and old-fashioned fun.
Craigheadsays that one noteworthy change that he is particularly excited about is the addition of the keynote sessions with exhibits-only registration. Now all attendees can access these high-level, sometimes controversial, but always thought-provoking presentations. He urged attendees to join him in hearing what Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, John Howard, former prime minister of Australia, and NFL coach Mike Ditka have to say.
ASIS’s continued partnership with (ISC)2, now in its third year, has resulted in a broader scope of educational programs and encourages collaboration between those on the frontlines of both traditional and IT security. In addition, ASIS has aligned with several professional and trade organizations to enhance and expand education and networking opportunities. From the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) to the Electronic Security Association (ESA), BICSI, the Security Industry Association (SIA), and the PSA Security Network, ASIS has programming for every professional and practice area across this diverse profession.
Craighead notes that the education tracks address issues from crime/loss prevention to cloud security to crisis management. In keeping with ASIS emphasis on attracting women and young professionals to the industry, the organization will have education sessions specifically for young professionals, as well as a roundtable session and networking reception for women in security. On Thursday, the meeting will salute active-duty military and law enforcement personnel as part of the event’s popular Law Enforcement/Military Appreciation Day.
And Friday’s General Sessions, says Craighead, promise to offer some lively exchanges of views!
The challenge for many will be navigating the expansive show floor. Craighead encourages attendees to take advantage of the online tools ASIS offers to make the most of their time in Chicago. The online planner allows attendees to review sessions and exhibitor information. Soon they will be able to download the ASIS 2013 mobile app. Available for the iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, and Android, the app will put all Seminar news and information at attendees’ fingertips.
There will also be a variety of ways to connect with colleagues, renew friendships, and strengthen business relationships. The networking starts with a jam-packed Monday featuring pre-Seminar tours, the ASIS Foundation Golf Tournament, Young Professionals Reception, ASISPAC Dinner, and New Member/First Time Attendee Welcome Reception. Monday-Wednesday will see plenty of networking lunches, council get-togethers, and special interest networking events. Craighead urges attendees to save the date and plan to attend Tuesday night’s President’s Reception at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Finally, on Thursday, you may want to help close out Seminar by joining your peers at the ASIS Foundation event on the 99th floor of the Willis Tower.
It will be a whirlwind week! With so much to offer, it is easy to see that attending will be both personally rewarding and professionally beneficial. “The amount of training, peer-to-peer learning, and exposure to new products and services is outstanding. You’d be hard pressed to find a better bang for your training/professional development buck. I hope to see you there,” Craighead says.
