2008 Expo Delivered Solutions in Security
18th Annual Expo Features New Trends and Technology

» View 2008 Expo Photo Album

On May 12, 2008, the New York City Chapter of ASIS International and the International Facility Managers Association (IFMA) Greater New York Chapter joined forces for the second consecutive year. The two organizations hosted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of guests at the 18th annual Solutions Expo at the Jacob Javits Center.
 
2008 Highlights

The 2008 expo featured a corporate travel security seminar, where participants learned about new developments in biometrics, "cleared" travelers, and kidnap/illness/recovery issues from six internationally recognized experts.

Panelists included Don Aviv, COO of Interfor Inc. and Managing Director of Physical Security Consulting Group; John Gobbels, vice president and COO of MedjetAssist; Tim Meyerhoff, director of North American sales for LG Iris Technology; Bruce McIndoe, founder and CEO of iJet Corporation; and Roseann McSorely, managing director and regional head of Business Continuity for the Deutsche Bank Americas. Erica D. Harrison, Speakers/Seminar Committee trade show chairperson, moderated the group discussion.

Another highlight of the 2008 event took place on the trade show floor, after vendors and visitors received a complimentary Mindjot® account at registration. The new technology platform offered visitors a simple way to keep up with what they saw and whom they met, while helping exhibitors track potential business leads.

Recognizing the Best

For 26 years, the ASIS NYC Person of the Year Luncheon has been a much-anticipated and well-attended event, both for chapter members and guests. This year was no exception.

Seated at the dais were distinguished and well-known prosecutors; leaders of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; and representatives from 11 ASIS councils. All gathered to honor Michael Garcia, United States Attorney - Southern District of New York, as the 2007 Person of the Year.

Throughout his exceptional 16-year career, Garcia has worked tirelessly, protecting the public and prosecuting known terrorists and criminals. As this year’s Person of the Year, he joins a prestigious group of previous recipients, including Raymond W. Kelly, Police Commissioner of the City of New York; Bridget G. Brennan, NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor; and Robert M. Morgenthau, District Attorney – County of New York.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by this great organization,” Garcia said after receiving the award. “The New York City Chapter of ASIS International is an outstanding group, and this event is another example of the work it does to bring together private security professionals and public law enforcement.

In presenting Frank Bisogno with the 2008 Eugene Casey Award, Lawrence Loesch, vice chairman of the New York City Chapter, said, “Gene Casey made this chapter come to life, and this award recognizes members who share his commitment.”

Bisogno, who has dedicated many years of service to the New York City Chapter, has served as event chairman since 1999 and chapter treasurer since 2004.

In addressing luncheon attendees, Timothy Williams, CPP, president of ASIS International, said, “On behalf of ASIS, I want to express our appreciation to you as a chapter and you as members. It is our pleasure and honor to celebrate this occasion.”

Supporting Future Generations

In presenting the 2008 scholarship winners, the New York City Chapter recognized Chairman Joseph Spillane, who created the program in 1998 for the children and grandchildren of chapter members. Lawrence Loesch and Donald McGuire also serve on the Scholarship Committee.

Almost 40 students applied for this year’s awards—33 of whom are children of members and three who are grandchildren. Four families had more than one student apply for the scholarships.

The winners of this year’s scholarships are Sean Chludinski, who is attending Rowan University in New Jersey; Meredith Goldstone, a student at New York University; and Peter Stuebe, who is enrolled at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Each received $5,000.

In Review and Ahead

Ray Dean, trade show chairman, reflected on the event, saying, “This year’s show again proved to be memorable for our New York City ASIS Chapter. I heard nothing but compliments from our members, their guests and our attendees. For some vendors, setting up on Friday for the Monday event was somewhat cumbersome, but all in all, it was another huge success.”

New York City Chapter Chairman Jimmy Chin agreed, thanking volunteers for their hard work and reminding members of upcoming events. “We’re looking forward to the Atlanta ASIS Conference will be held in September and to our second annual gala, celebrating the ‘Friends of the Fighting 69th,’ scheduled for January 22, 2009.”

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