SJA brings Leaders in Security to Chicago


Victoria Rees
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Security Journal Americas is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural US-based Leaders in Security Conference.
Save the date: Thursday 17 July 2025
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ToggleBringing the industry together
On Thursday 17 July 2025, senior professionals from the security, risk and crisis management and public safety sectors will converge in Chicago, US to discuss the most pressing issues facing the industry and how to overcome them.
Following the successes of Centurian Media Ltd’s widely acclaimed ISJ Leaders in Security Conference in Dubai, UAE and SJUK Leaders in Security Conference in Manchester, UK, the SJA Leaders in Security Conference will be a high-level business forum that will bring together 120 of the region’s most senior security leaders for a day of networking and knowledge sharing.
Set at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, the conference will be an engaging and insightful look at the state of security and what’s on the horizon.
What to expect on the day
The conference agenda will be shaped by an industry-wide collaborative approach with expert members of the event’s Advisory Panel.
On the day of the event, both delegates and sponsors can expect an intimate day of high-level networking which will see C-Suite executive-level personnel gather and share their valued perspectives on a range of industry subject matters.
In the conference room, experts will take to the stage to participate in unique, fast-paced panel discussions, giving our VIP audience the opportunity to hear from a multitude of experts working across many disciplines and sectors.
There will also be an extensive ‘call for papers’ campaign launched and conducted by SJA in the lead up to the event, designed to ensure that the conference will focus on delivering the most important and current topics, including how to overcome the challenges facing security leaders in a constantly evolving landscape, how to effectively harness AI, the new technology innovations that will shape the future of the sector, resilience in corporate security, security as a business enabler and much, much more.
New perspectives
Commenting on the upcoming conference, Ian Stokes, CEO of Centurian Media Ltd, the publishers of SJA, International Security Journal (ISJ) and Security Journal UK (SJUK), commented: “As a business hub with a rich industrial history, Chicago provides the ideal meeting place for senior professionals in the security sector to meet and share their insights.
“As a central point within North America and with extensive transport links, this city is the ideal setting to discuss the development challenges and exciting opportunities for the security sector in the Americas.
“After holding highly successful Leaders in Security Conferences in Dubai, UAE and Manchester, UK, we are particularly excited and proud to be launching the US-based conference in such a dynamic and vibrant city.
“The SJA Leaders in Security Conference will aspire to provide delegates with a blend of regional and global perspective business analysis, information sharing, informed opinion, guidance and education whilst facilitating open debate and top-level networking with fellow industry colleagues and peers.”
Driving thought and best practice
Michael Gips, Principal of Global Insights in Professional Security and Chair of the SJA Leaders in Security Conference, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be Chairing this conference, which will bring together extraordinary individuals who are driving thought and practice in the Americas security industry and profession.
“This event will inspire leaders to share their ideas and insights against the backdrop of the legendary Chicago summer.
“I can’t wait to connect, network and share ideas with my peers to build a safer future in the Americas and globally.”
J. Nicole McDargh, JD, CPP – Vice President of Corporate Security for Delaware North – who oversees strategies to protect the people, places and experiences that make the company a leader in hospitality and entertainment – also commented: “In an era where security challenges evolve daily, our collective strength lies in collaboration and innovation.
“The SJA Leaders in Security Conference serves as a pivotal platform for industry leaders to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and drive forward-thinking solutions.
“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future.”
“SJA Leaders in Security is the premier event for senior professionals to tackle emerging risks and share strategies shaping the future of our industry,” added Peter Bäckman, CEO of TEDCAP.
“I’m looking forward to meaningful discussions, collaborative solutions and building connections that matter.
“Chicago’s central location sets the stage for a dynamic and impactful gathering.”
JT Mendoza, Senior Director, Global Information Security at Marriott International remarked: “I am extremely excited about the SJA Leaders in Security Conference.
“Now more than ever, security leaders must come together to bridge gaps across our complex disciplines to address risk seen from threats in the cyber, physical, insider risk and AI environment to protect our data, people and communities.”
Meet our expert Advisory Panel…
- Mike Gips, Principal, Global Insights in Professional Security
- Victoria Hanscomb, Editor, Security Journal Americas
- James Thorpe, Editor, International Security Journal
- Harold Wax, Global Security Director, PepsiCo
- Antoinette King, Founder & CEO, Credo Cyber Consulting
- Dean Geribo, Vice President of Corporate Security, Moderna
- Eric Sean Clay, Vice President of Security, Memorial Hermann Health System
- Nicole McDargh, Vice President Corporate Security, Delaware North
- Lee Oughton, Chief Customer Officer, Special Projects & Services
- JT Mendoza, Senior Director, Global Information Security, Marriott International
- Brian Harrell, Vice President & Chief Security Officer, AVANGRID
- Peter Bäckman, CEO, TEDCAP
- Eduardo Jany, Senior Vice President Global Security and Safety, News Corp
- Tim Wenzel, Associate Managing Director, Kroll
- Lisa Oliveri, Global Safety and Security Director, National Democratic Institute
- Jonathan Kassa, Founding Advisory Board Member; Chair, Programming Committee, ZeroNow
- Roy Lemons, Chief Security Officer, International Paper
- Armando Leon, Senior Manager, Security and Infrastructure Protection, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
- Diego Serpa, Head of Security Brazil, Colgate-Palmolive
- Danielle Weddepohl, Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management, George Brown College
More names to be announced soon!
Coming soon…
Further updates regarding the speaker line-up, detailed conference agenda, supporting organizations and the event’s commercial partners will be coming soon.
Visit the SJA Leaders in Security website for more information.
This article was originally published in the January edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.