ASIS Europe 2016 warns of UK ISIS attacks prior to EU Referendum
Over 650 security professionals gathered for the ASIS 15th European Security Conference and Exhibition at the Business Design Centre in London from 6 to 8 April.
The educational programme provided more than 50 sessions across 5 tracks, covering the full spectrum of security management topics such as the terrorism risk outlook, internet of things, insider threat, cyber, duty of care, organisational resilience and many others.
The opening keynote from Superintendent David Roney, UK National Counter Terrorism Policing HQ, outlined the UK’s counterterror approach and the police’s “prepare and protect” strategies, highlighting the need for partnership between law enforcement, businesses and security service providers.
With conference delegates primarily in senior management positions, the dedicated sessions from the ASIS CSO (Chief Security Officer) Roundtable and the keynote address on leadership from Juan Carlos Pastor Phd, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at IE Business School, provided direction and debate for those responsible for large operational teams.
One of the event highlights was the closing keynote speech from Aimen Dean aka “the Spy Who Came in from Al-Qaeda” who provided an insider view on the origins and current state of a range of Islamic extremist groups operating across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. His analysis concluded that ISIS’s strategy is to weaken the European Union by causing turmoil and tension within member states. According to Dean, ISIS view the UK’s EU membership referendum as an opportunity to advance that aim by targeting the UK in the run up to the polling day, hoping to cause panic, reinforce the chances of a vote to exit the EU, and ultimately claim the UK’s exit from the EU as a victory in their propaganda campaign.
The social hub of the event was the exhibition floor where 34 exhibitors displayed cutting edge technology, services and solutions for today’s security challenges. Exhibitors also had the opportunity to present their latest analysis and research in the technology and solutions track, a new feature in this year’s event, which was standing room only for many sessions. Event sponsors were Tyco Integrated Fire & Security, Axis Communications, Securitas, HID Global, Nedap, Prosegur, QCC Global and The S2 Safety and Intelligence Institute.
Three evening receptions extended the networking time outside the main venue; the Welcome Party at the Leadenhall Building, the President’s Reception in the iconic Egyptian Sculpture Gallery of the British Museum, and the Closing Reception hosted by the ASIS United Kingdom Chapter at the House of Lords. Baroness Harris of Richmond stepped down as ASIS UK Chapter patron at the end of the event, going out on a high note, having entertained and charmed her guests on the terrace of the House of Lords.
ASIS Europe 2017 will take place in Milan, Italy from 29-31 March 2017.
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