Upcoming forum targets strong solutions for homeland security

From uncovering and defeating terrorist attacks to implementing emergency response plans after a natural disaster, the need for coordinated security has never been greater.

To encourage camaraderie and cooperation among all levels of government, a two-day learning and networking event is slated for April 23-24. On these days, thousands of delegates will converge in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., to attend three concurrent conferences and expositions:

• GovSec offers tools and solutions for government security professionals involved with the protection of physical assets and information, as well as the integration of these critical functions.

• Ready! focuses on emergency preparedness and response by helping state and local officials coordinate incident planning and management efforts.

• U.S. Law unites law enforcement communities across all departments and jurisdictions nationwide. Topics addressed include terrorism-related intelligence gathering, analysis and dissemination; security measures to protect infrastructure, special events and dignitaries; and tools for assessing vulnerabilities.

Through educational sessions, workshops, a product-filled exhibit hall and networking opportunities, the triple convention presents an integrated forum to protect America’s citizens and critical assets.

On track with education

Delegates can choose from more than 50 conference sessions, which are organized into seven tracks:

• Counterterrorism Technology and Tactics. Select from presentations such as “Encountering Known or Suspected Terrorists,” “Recognizing Fraudulent Passports and Visas,” “Federal Resources to Prevent the Next Rad/Nuke Attack” and “Suicide Bombers: Their Tools and Tactics.”

• Cyber Security. Topics will include “Securing the Remote Wireless Infrastructure,” “The New Cyber Defense Era” and “Targeted Cyber Attacks: Exposing National Infrastructure Security Weaknesses.”

• Fire Services and First Responders. Attend sessions such as “Firefighter Response to Terrorist Event,” “Explosives and Blast Injuries” and “All Together Now! Unified Command at Terrorist Incidents.”

• Physical Security. Selection includes “Understanding Enterprise Security with Integration and Convergence,” “Remote Monitoring for Real Situational Awareness of Security Incidents” and “The Myth of Industry Standardization.”

• Security Awareness. Roster ranges from “Information Assurance for Senior-Level Managers” to “FISSEA: What your Employees Need to Know About Information Security.”

• Security Planning. Sessions will address “Fundamentals of the Succession Planning Process,” “COOP Planning: What Not to Miss,” “To Leave or Not to Leave: Understanding Options in Evacuation” and many related topics.

• Terrorism. Presentations will cover topics such as “What Are the Terrorists Saying? Analyzing Jihadi Web Sites,” “Where America is Vulnerable to Attack and What to Do About It” and “Dialog with a Dictator: Coming Face-to-Face with Saddam Hussein.”

In addition, a new conference track for 2008 covers contingency planning and management. Sessions are tailored to attendees tasked with securing America’s private sector against natural and man-made disasters. Topics include “Developing a Global Partnership,” “Using Standards for Building Business Continuity Programs” and “Private-Sector Lessons from Government Continuity Planning.”

Expanding vision and reach

Throughout the two-day event, various keynote sessions will present the views of security experts. Keynote speakers will include: Julie Myers, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Gregory Cade, assistant administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration; and Greg Massa, chief of the FBI’s National Joint Terrorism Task Force.

To introduce delegates to state-of-the-art products, more than 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers will showcase a range of equipment—body armor, communications systems, explosives detectors, guardhouses, locks, surveillance cameras, vehicle barricades and much more.

Various receptions, breakfasts, luncheons and other social events also are planned, designed to encourage networking with exhibitors as well as colleagues across all disciplines and jurisdictions.

In addition, a community service project called “HopeLine” encourages delegates to donate their used cell phones at the show’s central registration area. These phones will be provided to participating domestic-violence agencies and organizations nationwide for use by victims and survivors as they rebuild their lives.

For more information about the GovSec, Ready! and U.S. Law convention, including online registration, visit http://www.govsecinfo.com/.