SJA Leaders in Security: Uniting leaders across the Americas

This month, senior security professionals will gather in Chicago for the inaugural SJA Leaders in Security Conference.

The wait is over – SJA Leaders in Security is here.

This month sees the culmination of a significant amount of hard work from the team at Security Journal Americas (SJA), Conference Chair Michael Gips and our dedicated Advisory Panel, with a highly anticipated conference coming to Chicago. 

The inaugural SJA Leaders in Security Conference, hosted in association with Platinum Partner Ambient.ai, will take place 17 July 2025 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL.

This invitation-only gathering will unite senior security professionals across the Americas for a high-impact day of strategic insights, future-focused presentations and unparalleled networking.  

Selecting the very best of the industry in the Americas, who represent a breadth of experience in the security sector, the 2025 Advisory Panel have been instrumental in the formation of this landmark event.

Michael Gips and the whole Advisory Panel have shared their wisdom and reflections on what’s keeping security leaders awake at night to shape the conversation at SJA Leaders in Security.

Expect discourse and dialogue on what you need to lead with confidence in an evolving landscape. 

“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,” said Ian Stokes, CEO of Centurian Media Ltd, the publishers of SJA, ISJ and SJUK. 

“The SJA Leaders in Security Conference will 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.” 

An ideal meeting ground

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Windy City, SJA Leaders in Security is the perfect place to meet fellow security leaders.

One of North America’s most influential and connected cities, Chicago is also home to 24 Fortune 1000 business headquarters, a wealth of corporate campuses, critical infrastructure hubs, major financial institutions and a vibrant innovation ecosystem, all of which require high levels of security.

The city’s long-standing emphasis on urban resilience, emergency preparedness and smart city initiatives also makes it highly relevant for today’s security discussions.

Its central location and world-class transport links make it easily accessible for professionals traveling from across the US, Canada and Latin America.  

Beyond the boardroom, Chicago’s cultural richness, architectural beauty and thriving business community provide a dynamic environment for forging relationships, exchanging ideas and discovering new perspectives.

Whether it’s a forward-thinking approach to public safety or its leadership in cross-sector collaboration, Chicago continues to set a high bar for innovation and excellence – making it an ideal meeting ground for leaders shaping the future of security.

Bringing security leaders together

After a networking breakfast to welcome delegates to SJA Leaders in Security, everyone will take their seats for a conference agenda packed with compelling content and fascinating thought leadership.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Ian Stokes alongside Conference Chair Michael Gips, Managing Director of ESRM – Kroll.  

The morning’s Keynote Speakers – Opher Shweiki, Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, and Brett Freedman, Senior Director of Emerging Technology at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology – will deliver timely and thought-provoking addresses on the future of national security, critical infrastructure protection and emerging risk in the US and beyond. 

These keynote presentations will lead into a dynamic panel debate, where Michael will moderate a discussion between Opher, Brett and a select group of senior security experts.

They will engage in an open dialogue around security, justice and policy evolution in an increasingly complex global environment. 

The right tools to be a leader 

In the next panel, leaders will take a deep dive into Agentic AI and how it can benefit your organisation.

They will consider how to make sure the AI investment you make is worthwhile and how to know which Agentic AI solution will benefit your business the most. 

Conversations about how to future-proof your organisation have been widespread in the security industry, and this panel will explore how to determine which emerging technology is the right choice for you.  

Forward-leaning organisations aren’t waiting – they’re embedding Agentic AI into the heart of risk strategies, dismantling outdated models and building resilience against a new class of threats.

This is about staying relevant in a world where intelligent systems are transforming the risk equation. 

The security thought leader  

In the face of tariffs, budget cuts and global uncertainty, security leaders must chart a course of resilience.

Economic strain can create ripple effects across workforces, leading to fraud, theft and protest from external and internal sources.

From geopolitical disruptions to cyber-attacks on logistics providers, the supply chain is now a top-tier security risk.  

Securing the supply chain and preparing for economic changes requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates both cybersecurity and physical security measures, not just addressing third-party risks.

A multi-faceted approach is essential, so this session will delve into the tools, partnerships and foresight that tomorrow’s leaders can use to anticipate disruptions before they paralyse operations.  

Building the best security team 

The next panel session will investigate how the traditional view of security is changing.

Industry experts will discuss how security leaders can ensure they aren’t influenced by bias and how to choose the right people for their teams regardless of race, gender or sexuality. 

As companies look to optimise each team’s performance, members with weak skills can compromise overall productivity or place unfair burdens on high performers, breeding hostility and resentment.

So, what can managers do to improve the performance of less-skilled team members?  As the security landscape rapidly evolves, so too must its leadership.

This session will provide you with the advice and best practice on how to lead high-performing, future-ready teams by challenging assumptions, developing talent at every level and building cultures that don’t just survive disruption, but thrive in the face of it. 

The executive protection question  

In the wake of several high-profile incidents, it’s become clear that physical security doesn’t stop at the office door.

As the threat landscape rapidly evolves, executive protection programs must swiftly adapt as corporate leaders and high-net-worth individuals face risks that are more numerous, sophisticated and globally interconnected than never before.  

The modern landscape demands a fundamentally different approach to executive protection. You cannot assume that the threats your CEO or executives faced five years ago are the same as today.

It is vital that executive protection models are evaluated and updated in line with changing conditions. 

This panel session will explain why there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to keeping people safe and why your programs must remain flexible to be successful.  

Forward-thinking presentations  

Beyond the keynotes and panels, the conference will feature a diverse lineup of high-level presentations, exploring critical trends and technologies influencing the future of the industry.

These impactful sessions will highlight real-world case studies, operational learnings and the innovations redefining risk management and resilience today.

Topics will range from threat detection and cyber-physical convergence to enterprise risk leadership and workforce development in security. 

A platform for collaboration 

Throughout the day, curated networking breaks and a buffet-style lunch will offer attendees valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, solution providers and thought leaders.

Attendees will also be able to engage with our Conference Partners to explore the latest technologies and tools transforming the security sector.

The event will conclude with a networking drinks reception, providing a relaxed setting for continued conversations, speaker Q&As and lasting connections. 

Join us 

“Attendees can expect more than just a traditional educational event,” said Michael Gips, Chair.

“This conference has been carefully designed by and for security leaders, with a focus on the issues that truly matter – the ones that remain when the background noise is cleared away.

“We’ll spotlight both the opportunities and challenges facing senior professionals across the Americas.” 

The SJA Leaders in Security Conference is not just another event – it’s a strategic forum designed for those driving progress in one of the world’s most vital industries.

This unmissable event will bring you invaluable insight and vital connections that allow you to become the best leader you can be.  

In the face of unprecedented challenges, this is where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and the future of security is defined. We look forward to welcoming you to Chicago on 17 July 2025.