ASIS 2010 sees major attendance from security industry despite volcanic interruption

Martin Smith held a keynote presentation on security awareness at ASIS 2010

Despite the volcanic ash cloud that caused the unprecedented closure of much of Europe's airspace, the 9^th ASIS International European Security Conference took place on 18-21 April 2010 in Lisbon, Portugal at the LCC. ASIS 2010 Treasurer Eduard J. Emde, CPP said: "I would like to thank those who ensured that the Conference went ahead with an excellent programme and who contributed to the great atmosphere onsite."

The Conference featured 14 high-level educational sessions on issues such as cyber security, supply chain security, bioterrorism, security standards, effective decision making and selling of security to senior management.

The opening keynote speaker on Monday 19 April was Antonio Vitorino, former European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs. Talking about video surveillance Mr. Vitorino said: "The increase of video surveillance is a "price to pay" to ensure a response to the threats to citizens' security (...). Nobody feels comfortable with video surveillance, which is a limitation to our privacy. But, we have to understand that there is a price to pay to ensure our collective security through the selective and judicious use of video surveillance tools." He added: "We have to live in a risk society with the knowledge that government's obligation is to minimise risks, prevent them, and be responsive when they happen."

ASIS featured 14 high-level educational sessions on issues such as cyber security, supply chain security, bioterrorism, security standards etc

On Tuesday 20 April, Martin Smith, CEO of The Security Company and founder of the Security Awareness Special Interest Group held a keynote presentation on security awareness. During his presentation he stated that: "We hear so much on the news and in the press about terrorism, violent crime, ID theft, credit card fraud (...) that people actually want to learn about how they can protect themselves and their families from becoming a victim both at home and at work. This is the ideal opportunity to engage your workforce with security awareness, providing them with not only the key rules for your organisation but also advice for them and their families personally. Encouraging learning in this manner is an extremely effective method of achieving long-term behavioural change."

Other speakers included Brian Powrie, International Advisor of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) who gave a presentation on Public-Private Partnerships and Soft Targets Vulnerability, Richard Widup, Senior Director of Purdue Pharma LP, Dr. Christopher A. Walker, Executive Professor of Strategy of Northeastern University, and Prof. Elaine Evans, Professor of International Business at Northeastern University.

Chief Security Officers and their deputies attended the CSO Roundtable sessions on 18 April at the Pestana Palace Hotel. Speakers included Michael T. Evanoff, Director of the NATO Office of Security and Schalk Van Der Merwe, Regional Security Director of Levi Strauss EMEA.

Presentations will be made available here shortly.