California, here we come

California's second largest city, with its blue skies and 70 miles of beaches, will be the backdrop for ASIS International 2006, the 52nd Annual Seminar and Exhibits, Sept. 25-28, 2006. Known as the world's largest security conference, with more than 20,000 management and executive-level professionals from more than 90 countries in attendance, this year's event examines many homeland security topics and new technologies hitting the market. The show's focus on homeland security includes a keynote by Sen. Robert Dole, who will discuss "Leadership & Values in the 21st Century," on Tues., Sept. 26. Former CIA director George Tenet will offer a global security snapshot on Wed., Sept. 27. Participants can hear firsthand about Tenet's perspective on worldwide security issues, and insight on how to secure global interests. General sessions on the ASIS program include: "Convergence of Enterprise Security Organizations," on Thurs. Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with a panel with experts from the Alliance for Enterprise Security Risk Management who will discuss recent experiences implementing converged security plans and obtaining organizational support; and "Pandemic: Beyond a Crisis," on Thurs., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, which takes an inside look into how to prepare for an avian flu pandemic as a security management professional, discussing tactics for managing a threat of worldwide proportion. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in these and more than 150 sessions that cover emerging technologies, security trends and practices of the various sectors. This year's show floor boasts more than 900 of the industry's leading companies in more than 610,000 square feet of exhibit space. Those walking the floor will see the latest security innovations and solutions. This year, ASIS International has developed an expo planner. This portal enables attendees the opportunity to request product information, schedule appointments and even map out itineraries for the show.