ESI Convergent - Experts & Thought Leaders

ISC East, with its premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), and in partnership with the ASIS NYC Chapter, announced 2024’s slate of speakers that will headline the Keynote Series at The Bridge, ISC East’s mainstage destination. ISC East Keynote Series Day 1 Keynote: Proactive Security Strategies at Navy Pier, Chicago: A Unified Approach to Emergency Preparedness and Response – Brian Murphy, chief operating officer at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, will discuss how the Navy Pier has developed a comprehensive security strategy that emphasises proactive measures and unified emergency preparedness. This approach integrates advanced technologies, coordinated efforts among various public safety agencies, and continuous training to ensure a safe environment for all visitors. Day 2 Keynote, Presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum: Commissioner Jackie Bray. (Sponsored by Axis Communications) – Join them for an engaging keynote event presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), a professional community committed to engaging all security professionals in promoting, recruiting, and cultivating the leadership of women for a stronger and more inclusive industry. Hear from Jackie Bray, the first female commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. SIA Education@ISC programme ISC East will also place special emphasis on critical infrastructure protection and addressing the risks In addition to the Keynote Series, the event will offer its largest SIA Education@ISC programme yet with 70+ sessions and 150 speakers – all carefully curated by the newly formed SIA Education@ISC Advisory Board. This team of industry experts provides critical guidance on the newest trends and most relevant technologies in the world of security to best inform show programming. ISC East will also place special emphasis on critical infrastructure protection and addressing the risks and vulnerabilities associated with safeguarding the country’s essential service sectors. Up-to-date programming “ISC East takes stock of the current safety and security landscape to provide the most up-to-date programming for our attendees and exhibitors,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, ISC event vice president. “With the help of the SIA Education@ISC Advisory Board, we have prepared a dynamic lineup of industry thought pioneers for the Keynote Series and an engaging education schedule highlighting the most innovative topics and solutions in the field. With ISC East two months away, we are eager to present these offerings to our dedicated customers who return to our show year after year to continuously build on their security knowledge.” Technical training and case studies “At the SIA Education at ISC East conference, attendees can uncover a robust variety of compelling sessions on the most pressing issues in our industry across public safety, emergency preparedness and response, and homeland security,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “In addition to high-quality keynote presentations from Navy Pier’s Brian Murphy and Commissioner Jackie Bray, the 2024 programme boasts more offerings than ever before and a unique mix of interactive panel discussions, technical training, and case studies to help security professionals advance their careers, their businesses and the industry as a whole.” Featured SIA Education@ISC Sessions A Deep Dive Into OT Cybersecurity – Securing the World’s Critical Infrastructure Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11:00 – 11:45 am. | 1A24 Speakers: Christopher Walcutt, chief security officer, DirectDefense Adi Karisik, division vice president, global strategy and operations – cyber and intelligence, Jacobs Pierre M. Bourgeix, CEO and founder, of ESI Convergent Joey St. Jacques, CEO of Utility Intelligence International, Chair – SIA Utilities Advisory Board Cybersecurity in the future The focus will include dealing with AI, utilising AI to protect, and advanced uses for data from these critical systems This panel will cover a variety of topics surrounding cybersecurity in the future of protecting critical infrastructure. The focus will include dealing with AI, utilising AI to protect, advanced uses for data from these critical systems, and new and different approaches to solving old problems in the critical infrastructure cyber and physical security space. Panelists will include system designers, integrators, former utility employees, and consultants who actively design and operate defenses in this space. Lessons From the Frontlines: Cybersecurity Case Studies for the Physical Security World Wednesday, Nov. 20, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | 1A24 Speaker: William Knehr, senior manager of information security and data privacy, i-PRO Americas Tactics compromise physical security systems The lines between cybersecurity and physical security continue to blur. In this presentation, he will dive into real-world case studies that expose the tactics cybercriminals use to compromise physical security systems. Attendees will analyse how these attacks unfolded and explore the devastating consequences for facilities, operations, and even personnel safety. Security Risk and Return on Investment: Are You Looking at Just the Tip of the Iceberg? Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | 1A06 Speakers: Rachelle Loyear, vice president of integrated security solutions, Allied Universal James Marcella, director of industry relations, Axis Communications Security risk management The session will feature insights from an enterprise security risk consultant and expert This engaging panel discussion will delve into the complexities of security risk management and programme value assessment, emphasising the importance of looking beyond upfront costs to understand the full spectrum of potential risks and long-term expenses. The session will feature insights from an enterprise security risk consultant and expert and a security technology manufacturer, each providing unique perspectives on risk-led security design. Keeping the Skies of NYC Safe: Critical Infrastructure Sites Collaborate with NYPD Thursday, Nov. 21, 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | 1A06 Speakers: Jackson Markey, director of U.S. commercial sales, Dedrone Lieutenant James Reilly, Counter Terrorism Division, New York City Police Department Scott Gross, facility security officer, Con Edison of New York Counter-drone security protocols New York City has strict drone permitting regulations – developed in response to a growing number of drone incidents in areas like Hudson Yards (not far from the Javits Center) and near Con Edison facilities.  While the NYPD handles enforcement, private entities also recognise the risks of illegal drones. This session, featuring public and private representatives, will use NYC as a case study to show how different organisations collaborate to create effective counter-drone security protocols and aid in apprehensions.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) is pleased to announce the first members of its Utilities Advisory Board Steering Committee. SIA created the Utilities Advisory Board to offer insight and education to security practitioners, members of the security industry and other stakeholders about emerging security trends, regulatory compliance issues, and recommended practices for protecting utility infrastructure. Steering committee members The steering committee members, listed below, represent a broad range of expertise in the security industry: Chair: Joey St. Jacques, ACRE Vice Chair: David Lathrop, Unlimited Technology Pierre Bourgeix, ESI Convergent Hyong Cho, RFI Communications and Security Systems Jasvir Gill, AlertEnterprise Scott Gross, Con Edison Benji Hutchinson, Paravision Dan Krantz, Secure Worker Access Consortium Steve Lindsay, XTec Harry Regan, SixtyBit Consulting Patrick Simon, Beehive Technology Solutions Steven Sinclair, Convergint Dave Stolerow, Siemens Nathan Vank, IronYun Christopher Walcutt, DirectDefense Gladys Wanyeki, Salto Systems Linda Ziemba, AeroDefense SIA Utilities Advisory Board We are excited to have such an extraordinary group of people leading the SIA Utilities Advisory Board" Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Don Erickson, said “We are excited to have such an extraordinary group of people leading the SIA Utilities Advisory Board. As part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, utilities have unique security challenges, and this esteemed group is extremely qualified to address those challenges.” Chair Joey St. Jacques said he is honoured to lead the group in its vital tasks of educating SIA membership while also helping to protect the utility sector through the delivery of high-quality information. “I’m incredibly impressed with the expertise and unique value that each committee member brings to the table,” said Joey St. Jacques, adding “Their energy, passion and knowledge is overwhelming. I look forward to the Utilities Advisory Board delivering valuable insights and guidance to SIA members and utility security practitioners.” Featuring five subcommittees The SIA Utilities Advisory Board includes five subcommittees focused on cyber security, regulations, technology, security practitioners and partnerships. The subcommittee chairs are: Cyber security Subcommittee: Patrick Simon, Beehive Technology Solutions Regulations Subcommittee: Christopher Walcutt, DirectDefense Technology Subcommittee: Jasvir Gill, AlertEnterprise Security Practitioners Subcommittee: Steven Sinclair, Convergint Partnerships Subcommittee: Pierre Bourgeix, ESI Convergent Membership in the subcommittees is open to all utility security practitioners, SIA members and other interested parties, regardless of whether they are on the steering committee.

ONVIF, a global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced that it will be presenting at TechSec Solutions 2018, as part of a panel discussion on trends in new technology in access control. Bob Dolan, who sits on the ONVIF Technical Services Committee, will be one of four panelists discussing ‘Access Control Holds the Keys to New Tech'. The panelists will examine how far access control has come, where it is headed, and how it will help to shape the future of the physical security industry. Dolan, who also serves as the Director of Technology, Security Solutions at Anixter, will provide perspective on how standards such as those provided by ONVIF can extend the possibilities of access control through interoperability with other technologies. Smart building environment “Access control technology is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of our industry, as physical security continues to integrate with other technologies in a smart building environment,” said Per Björkdahl, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “Bob will provide insight on the importance of standardisation and how ONVIF specifications can assist in implementing access control in conjunction with new technologies, including data analytics, biometrics, IoT and building automation.” Other panelists include Rob Martens of Allegion, Gary Larson of AMT and Peter Boriskin of ASSA ABLOY Americas. The panel will be moderated by Pierre Bourgeix, President of ESICONVERGENT.

The security industry is full of individuals who call themselves consultants. It’s a term that is thrown around rather loosely, and in some situations the term can be roughly translated as “between jobs.” But “real” consultants provide real value to their clients in a variety of subject matter specialties. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What role should consultants play in the security technology buying decision?

Thousands of security professionals gathered Nov. 14-15 at the Javits Center in New York City to explore new products, solutions and technologies, network with security luminaries and obtain high-quality industry education. ISC East, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), is the Northeast’s largest security industry event; more than 7,000 security professionals attended or exhibited at this year’s conference. Following day 1 of ISC East, SIA gathered industry luminaries and experts for SIA Honors Night, an annual event featuring a cocktail reception, a gala dinner benefiting Mission 500, engaging entertainment and an awards ceremony recognising industry leaders. Sold-out event SIA Honors Night 2018 was a sold-out event held at the Current at Chelsea Piers. The awards presented at SIA Honors Night 2018 were: SIA Progress Award (presented by SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Eddie Reynolds, president and CEO, iluminar Inc. Women in Biometrics Awards (co-founded by SIA and SecureIDNews and co-presented with sponsors FindBiometrics, IDEMIA and SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Kelly Gallagher, senior account manager at NEC Corporation of America; Lisa MacDonald, director of the Identity Management Division in the Office of Biometric identity Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Colleen Manaher, executive director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Lora Sims, senior biometric examiner at Ideal Innovations, Inc.; and Anne Wang, director of biometric technology research and development at Gemalto Cogent SIA Insightful Practitioner Award – Guy M. Grace, Jr., chair of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools Steering Committee and director of security and emergency planning for Littleton Public Schools in the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award – Larry Folsom, co-founder and president, I-View Now George R. Lippert Memorial Award – Pat Comunale, retired security industry veteran, former member of the SIA Board of Directors and former CEO and president for Tri-Ed Distribution, an Anixter company Standout keynotes SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States Honors Night guests enjoyed keynote remarks from Bonnie St. John, a Paralympic ski medalist, Fortune 500 business consultant, Rhodes scholar, former White House official and best-selling author. St. John discussed her journey to become the first African-American ever to win medals in Winter Olympic competition despite having her right leg amputated at age five and shared her top lessons from mentors and her advice for cultivating resilience. SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States; each year, SIA Honors Night raises funds for Mission 500. SIA presented 26 engaging education sessions through the SIA Education @ ISC East program, including two standout keynotes and four hands-on workshops. Hundreds of conference attendees participated in these sessions, with impressive speakers like Valerie Thomas, ethical hacker and executive consultant at Securicon; Pierre Bourgeix, president at ESI Convergent; Scott Swann, president and CEO of IDEMIA National Security Solutions; and Jumbi Edulbehram, regional president – Americas, Oncam. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event Confronting emerging threats Highlighted education sessions at this year’s conference included: Friend or Foe? Technology Disruption and the Physical Security Industry, a keynote address by Philip Halpin, senior vice president and head of global security at Brown Brothers Harriman, one of the country’s oldest and largest privately held financial firms 21st Century Best Practices: Reporting From the Front Lines on How Law Enforcement and the Security Industry Are Confronting Emerging Threats, a keynote address by James A. Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, CNN law enforcement analyst and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University Cybersecurity professionals ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo Additional cutting-edge topics covered in the education sessions included the move to smart cities, convergence in the security industry and the use of artificial intelligence in video analytics. ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event, which featured a presentation from world-famous hacker Kevin Mitnick, insights from Dave Hogue of the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Threat Operations Center, a discussion on the cyber skills shortage gap and ways to attract, develop and retain talented cybersecurity professionals and more. Handle sensitive data Additional events at ISC East 2018 included: A breakfast presented by ISC Security Events and SIA’s Women in Security Forum featuring a panel discussion celebrating women in security and supporting the participation and advancement of women in the industry Paid hands-on workshops providing cutting-edge information and valuable insights on the most current business trends, technologies and new developments in security Free exhibitor product training sessions sharing live, in-depth demonstrations A meeting with SIA’s Data Privacy Advisory Board, which provides information and best practices to help SIA members handle sensitive data in a safe and secure manner to protect the personally identifiable information of their employees, partners and customers from potential breaches

ISC East is making a name for itself as a must-attend regional conference and trade show in New York City that brings together the large community of law enforcement and private sector security professionals from the Tri-State area. ISC East, being held Nov. 14-15 at New York’s Javits Center, is emerging from the long shadow of its sister show – ISC West in Las Vegas in the spring – and making its own mark on the industry. ISC East is 20% larger than last year, and exhibitors have swelled from 230 to more than 300. Familiar names at ISC East this year (who were absent in 2017) include Allegion, Arecont Vision Costar, Bosch Security Systems, and Seagate Technology. In all, there are 115 new exhibitors compared to 2017.Familiar names at ISC East this year (who were absent in 2017) include Allegion, Arecont Vision Costar and Bosch Security Systems “We purposefully make sure we reflect the region we are in,” says Will Wise, Group Vice President, Security Portfolio, Reed Exhibitions. “It’s not a mistake that both our keynote speakers have New York-centric backgrounds and have topics to reach a larger market. We want to tap into the strengths of the region.”  ISC East (International Security Conference & Exposition) has come a long way in the last five years. In 2014, the show was a mere 28,000 square feet, and this year it has grown to 44,000 square feet of exhibit space. One factor driving growth has been improvements in the educational session, powered largely by show partner Security Industry Association (SIA). The two-day event is characterised by “good energy” on both days, says Wise. There is less than 10% duplication of attendance with ISC West. Liability issues of event security A big topic for New York and surrounding areas is event security, and one session covers “Confined Space Protection & Risk Mitigation for Today’s Industry Leaders.” The session will focus on safeguarding event organisers’ brands, protecting them from liability, and balancing the need for security that doesn’t negatively impact the “guest experience.” One factor driving growth has been improvements in the educational session, powered largely by show partner Security Industry Association (SIA) Liability issues of event security are especially timely now, given MGM Resorts' recent lawsuit asking the courts to protect it from legal liability in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre last October.  “Event security is integration of physical security with smart technology and not being overzealous,” says James DeMeo, Founder, President and CEO of Unified Sports & Entertainment Security Consulting LLC. DeMeo’s presentation on event security is one of the “back by popular demand” sessions at ISC East – there was a big turnout for his previous sessions at last year’s ISC East and at ISC West.  “A big part of event security is integrating technology, but we also need the human element,” says DeMeo. “Good guest security and harmonious relationships require a level of training that includes escalation, behavioral analysis, and communicating more harmoniously.” ISC East is 20% larger than last year, and exhibitors have swelled from 230 to more than 300 Holistic approach and technology integrations From the session, DeMeo hopes attendees will take away awareness of the need for responsible social media monitoring, integration of technology, threat behaviour analysis and early attack indicators, proactive risk mitigation, and staff training. The emphasis is on a holistic approach “from the top down and the bottom up,” says DeMeo. “It’s a sophisticated niche based on potential liability, and we must do everything possible to protect fans and patrons.” Crowd security is another ISC East topic that is tailor-made to the New York location of the show Crowd security is another ISC East topic that is tailor-made to the New York location of the show. A session on installation of safety and security barriers to protect pedestrians and crowds is another session that is “back by popular demand.” Rob Reiter, co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council, will present the session on protecting urban environments.   Another return session is about drone security and regulations. It will provide an overview of current policy and regulatory framework and provide understanding of how to get involved in the discussion to enable drone use in security applications. Converged security and smart cities A new session at ISC East this year will be “Smart Cities, Smart Buildings and the Evolution of the Converged Security Approach.” Pierre Bourgeix, president of ESI Convergent, will help attendees understand converged security and how it relates to the smart cities and smart buildings movement. Located on the ISC East exhibit floor, Unmanned Security Expo will include exhibits and demos of UAVs, UGVs and autonomous systems SIA and ASIS International will present findings from a study on how successful individuals can gain experience and skills they need to advance their security careers.  Co-locating with ISC East will be the Unmanned Security Expo, which focuses on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Robotics & Vehicles (UGVs), counter-drone solutions and software applications to support them. Located on the ISC East exhibit floor, Unmanned Security Expo will include exhibits and demos of UAVs, UGVs and autonomous systems. Also co-locating with ISC East will be Infosecurity North America, which includes a conference program with well-respected industry speakers, an expo floor and networking opportunities.