During the many conversations we have during the Security 500 research survey and interview process, one trend we do not include in the findings is how busy you are keeping your heads above water. A consequence of being more than fully employed is that many readers tell me that staying current with new trends, technologies and best practices is a constant challenge.

Allow me to suggest that you dedicate a few days to catch up with your peers and partners in New York City in November at Security Week. It’s so time efficient, that the entire Security Week lasts only three days. Clearly, we have your busy schedule in focus. Seriously, it is one place you can network with peers, attend an executive management program and learn about and touch the latest security technologies, effectively and efficiently.

Full disclosure: Yes, we are the Premier Media Sponsor for Security Week and our Security 500 Conference is a core element of the programs offered. So, I am biased. At the same time, it is truly worth your consideration and attendance, because it is excellent and valuable for you professionally. In fact, the program is created to address your critical issues that are identified in the Security 500 Survey.

The Security 500 Conference will continue as a leading executive management program for you and your colleagues to share ideas, best practices and network. The day is capped with a reception and dinner. This year, Lou Barani, CSO of the World Trade Center, is our Security 500 Recognition Dinner speaker. The conference is on November 1st from noon through dinner at the Roosevelt Hotel. And it’s free….. Yes, free to security leaders in our industry.

This year’s program is our best yet, and it includes:

The Winning Game Plan: Enterprise Risk Security Management Strategies

Security leaders will discuss how to develop a holistic risk management strategy that converges people, processes and technology to mitigate physical, logical and cyber security risks. Speakers include: 

• Steve Colo - Chief Security Officer, SAIC
• Jim Hutton - Director, Global Security, Procter & Gamble
• John Imhoff - Director, Office of Firm Security, Ernst & Young

There's an App for That, Right? 

Business Resilience

9/11, Katrina and Sarbanes Oxley have forced organizations to centralize their Business Resilience, Crisis Management and Disaster Recovery programs. How are leading organizations setting strategy, budget and keeping their organization's eye on the business resilience ball? Speakers include:

• Drew Levine - President, G4S Secure Solutions USA
• Tim Portale - Chief Safety and Security Officer for HCA
• Duane Ritter - VP of Corporate Security, Cox Enterprises
• Frank Taylor - VP and Chief Security Officer, General Electric Company

Cyber, Clouds and Bears, Oh My! Uniting Physical, Logical & Cyber Security Strategies

According to the Verizon 2010 Data Breach Investigations Report, 96 percent of intrusions could be prevented with simple to intermediate controls. Yet, the lack of understanding and ownership for this risk allows cyber crime to grow unchecked. Speakers include:

• Jeffrey Berkin - Senior Vice President & Chief Security Officer, CACI International Inc.
• John McClurg - VP, Chief Security Officer, Dell Inc.
• Edward Levy - Vice President Global Security, Thomson Reuters

And the Security 500 Findings and presentation will lead you into the cocktail reception.

Also during Security Week is ISC Solutions, a major security technology trade show held at the Javitz Center on November 2-3. Hundreds of innovative technology companies, including Honeywell, Axis, Bosch, Tyco, UTC, Intransa, Keyscan and Speco will exhibit and demonstrate their solutions. The show is open from Noon-6pm on Wednesday and 9am-5pm on Thursday.

Exciting and powerful is the educational program, including the all new Case Study Theater, featuring a full program of integrator presented case studies in finance, healthcare, education, building management and more.

Other leading organizations will hold major education events and meetings during ISC Solutions, including the Inter Port Police Association and the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS). If you are managing port or healthcare security, you will want to check out these important meetings and plan to attend. 

Highlighting the week, will be Security Week’s major charitable event, The Security Week Gala. The Security Industry Association and the InterPort Police will host the Security Week Gala, November 2 at the Lighthouse on Chelsea Pier 61. The gala will provide an opportunity for a wonderful evening to support important causes in our industry and enable you to connect with others. 

I hope you will join me and my partners and colleagues for all or part of Security Week. It promises to be a great event that returns real value and information for your investment in time. Learn more at www.sec500.com