The event witnessed 360 senior security managers from 44 countries gathering together for three days of networking and conference attendance.
Taking place at the Messe Wien, this rather unique conference addressed a full spectrum of topics in security management: supply chain security, loss prevention, hotel security, intellectual property, maritime piracy, counter-terrorism, executive protection, internal theft and fraud, competitive intelligence, brand protection, physical security, cyber security, investigations, due diligence and general global business issues.
There were education sessions (keynotes, Case Studies and panel discussions) and various networking events (including the SRVP Welcome Reception and the President’s Reception).
Plans for fighting corruption
The conference itself was opened by Michal Moroz, deputy minister of the interior for the Czech Republic, who outlined the Czech Government’s plans to combat corruption.
On the second day, Hugh McLeod MBE – chief operating officer at Stirling Assynt – explained the geopolitics and ‘game changers’ regarding the recent Arab uprisings.
The conference was closed by Brigadier Ian Abbott MBE (ret), an independent member of the Thames Valley Police Authority who elaborated on the need for public-private sector partnerships in protecting Critical National Infrastructures.
The conference featured 36 high-level educational sessions provided by speakers that included Rolf Rosenvinge (chief security officer of GE Global Banking Nordics, who focused on industrial espionage), Dr Christoph Rojahn (senior manager responsible for forensic and dispute services at Deloitte AG, whose talk was all about organised crime) and Dr Henriette Haas, associate professor in forensic psychology at the University of Zurich. Dr Haas assessed how security professionals might improve their de-escalation skills.
In addition, sessions designed specifically for Chief Security Officers (CSOs) were organised by the CSO Roundtable, the ever-popular ASIS Forum for the most senior security professionals from the largest and most influential organisations in the world.
Comments from the delegates
Commenting on the conference, Volker Wagner (senior vice-president for group business security at Deutsche Telekom) explained: “This was a really dynamic event. With the power and energy of the ASIS network, we are able to develop security to a level which has even the potential to improve the competitiveness of our economies.”
Matthias Ernst, the vice-president of global accounts at ADT Worldwide, explained: “ADT was proud to be a Platinum sponsor for the tenth ASIS International European Security Conference and Exhibition in Vienna. The event presented a great networking opportunity with stimulating and interesting presentations.”
Ernst went on to state that the quality of delegates was high, with senior level decision makers from across the globe in attendance.
“We were able to meet with old friends and contacts as well as having the opportunity to meet new ones.”
The exhibition running alongside the conference featured 26 sponsors, exhibitors and supporting organisations presented their products and services to security professionals.
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