ASIS Europe in Rotterdam examines broad impact of digital transformation

As digital transformation accelerates and touches more aspects of business operations, ASIS International is working to provide educational opportunities that security practitioners need to stay on top of those rapid developments.

It’s a mission that will drive the ASIS Europe 2019 meeting, ‘From Risk to Resilience,’ this month (March 27-29) in Rotterdam. “What makes the event special is how it covers the full spectrum of security risks that organisations face, and in particular, looks at the human factors and management challenges involved,” says Eduard Emde, CPP, ASIS Europe 2019 Conference Chair, Head of the Health, Safety and Security Section, ESA (European Space Agency), the Netherlands.

Examining technology-driven risk

When we look at technology-driven risk, only a part of that can be addressed by new technology"

“When we look at technology-driven risk, only a part of that can be addressed by new technology. Much of the work is helping people adapt and find new ways of working and managing – that is where I think this event excels.”

The opening keynote on ‘Amsterdam: From Smart City to Smart Society’ will be delivered by Theo Veltman, Innovation Rainmaker at the Municipality of Amsterdam. The keynote will set the tone for the three-day event by showing practically how cities are evolving and why – from the perspective of society, business and government. “This a great way to challenge us to understand what is driving change outside the ‘security bubble’ so that we can be better prepared for what is coming,” says Emde.

The growing exhibition at ASIS Europe in Rotterdam will feature 45 exhibitors, including Johnson Controls, Nedap, Securitas and Stratfor

Mobile device security

In addition, the show will cover some of the most relevant and challenging topics in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, mobile device security and industrial control systems. Given the seniority of the audience, a lot of time will be devoted to management and leadership topics such as soft skills and building teams with diversity and inclusion in mind. In addition, Nick Lovrien, CPP, Chief Global Security Officer at Facebook, will speak about securing an innovation culture.

Scenario-based training sessions will provide a hands-on experience to work through challenges such as a chem-bio attack, a fake news crisis, travel risk planning, practical ways to effectively engage business executives and red teaming on cyber-physical risk. The growing exhibition at ASIS Europe in Rotterdam will feature 45 exhibitors, including Johnson Controls, Nedap, Securitas and Stratfor.

Advanced learning experience

We have a large number of global CSOs, regional leaders, and specialists from key companies across a whole range of sectors"

Online registration will be open until March 26. There is a Free Show Pass that provides access to the exhibition and to the education in the Innovation Track and Career Centre, plus two networking drinks and refreshments throughout the day in the exhibition hall. For a more advanced learning experience, the Professional Pass and Leadership Pass offer more sessions, training and networking functions. There are plenty of options aimed at all budgets, learning needs and schedules, says Emde.

Last year there were 775 registrants in total. “This year is looking good. We already surpassed last year’s total number of conference delegates, and registrations are coming in steadily,” says Emde. “For me, the numbers only tell a small part of the story,” he adds. “We have a large number of global CSOs, regional leaders, and specialists from key companies across a whole range of sectors. That quality, diversity and expertise onsite is what really makes the networking experience so valuable.”