The night before the SJA Leaders in Security Conference, security leaders gathered for an evening of connection and shared insights.
Before the SJA Leaders in Security Conference on 17 July 2025, top security professionals from across the Americas gathered in the Hall of Lions at Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Chicago for an evening of networking and discussion, kindly hosted by Kroll.
The event saw the Conference’s Advisory Panel and select speakers converge for a dinner and gave them the opportunity to get a head start on the conversations which were continued the next day.
As the location for the SJA Leaders in Security Conference, Chicago was selected to host the event and the dinner due to its central location, rich business ecosystem and embodiment of progress.
Gathering in person allowed the attendees and delegates to foster deeper collaboration and embrace candid discussions – advancing the element of trust that virtual settings can’t replicate.
The dinner was an opportunity for the Advisory Panelists and speakers to prepare for the subsequent day, getting a head start on the topical debates that were had on 17 July.
With the SJA Leaders in Security Conference providing a fast-paced forum for conversations, the evening was the perfect chance for the attendees to push boundaries and meet the demands of the Conference’s high-level and challenging content – even referred to as controversial by some.
Being able to refine the delivery of the content for the Conference allowed the dinner attendees to deliver a day of hard-hitting moments and insights.
Attendance at the dinner spanned Chief Security Officers to leading Risk Managers and CEOs, reflecting the intersection of delegates at the SJA Leaders in Security Conference itself.
The ambience was intentionally relaxed, to ensure that the dinner attendees all felt eager to listen and connect with each other.
The evening began with a drinks reception, giving Security Journal Americas and Kroll representatives the chance to greet guests.
SJA Leaders in Security Conference Chair, Michael Gips, Managing Director, Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM), Kroll was present to welcome everyone as they also conversed with fellow attendees.
A highlight was the note from Kroll CEO, Jacob Silverman. Jacob thanked everyone for attending the evening and noted the high caliber of guests in the room.
He remarked on the fact that everyone there was in pursuit of one thing: to make the world safer.
Their willingness to make new connections and reinforce old friendships was a sign that this goal is achievable, as collaboration is key in an increasingly volatile world.
As the three-course dinner was served, conversation was in full flow and the energy in the room was palpable; there was an excitement to be face-to-face with one another, all in the spirit of advancing the security industry forward.
As stories and experiences were exchanged between security leaders, there was a feeling of anticipation for the continued momentum the next day.
By the evening’s end, the markers of a strong event were obvious: lively but unhurried dialogue, a buzzing room and a sense that real partnerships had begun.
Attendees left with renewed confidence in the importance of collaboration for security. To put it simply, this was an evening of productive connection.
Security Journal Americas would like to thank everyone that attended the dinner for their wonderful insights and willingness to embrace a new era of security, as well as Kroll for their kind sponsorship.
The evening was representative of the overall atmosphere at the SJA Leaders in Security Conference – one of collaboration and advancement.
This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.