One of the most perplexing counterterrorism issues currently facing the country is when and where the next attacks might happen. Further, as terrorists become more creative and resourceful, their approaches will become more unconventional. The 2007 Conference on Global Terrorism, sponsored by the ASIS Global Terrorism, Political Instability, and International Crime Council, will help the public and private professional get ready for the next attack, and manage the risks associated with this security challenge.

This two and a half day program brings together private and public sector experts who will provide practical information on current domestic and international threats facing the country. A primary focus is providing an interface between the various governmental organizations involved in homeland security and the business and corporate structure. Past conferences have served as a focal point for developments in the area of global terrorism. This conference will build upon that expertise while addressing partnership issues and will hopefully give participants the resources to interact with both government and related organizations in counterterrorism approaches. A major goal of this workshop is to serve as a forum for creating and enhancing partnerships that address the terrorist threat, as well as sharing ideas to prepare for potential threats.

This year's speakers will represent a spectrum of experts from around the world. As in the past, the workshop format allows for audience participation and speaker interaction.

Sessions

Information Sharing

Terrorists have a universe of targets that do not differentiate between civilian and military, governmental and private. This panel will focus on how the government and corporate/private sectors can more effectively obtain and share intelligence for preventing, deterring, and responding to threats and acts of terrorism. Individuals from the intelligence community as well as specialists in corporate/private intelligence will discuss the challenges inherent in the collection and dissemination of crucial information and how to overcome them.

The Challenges in Transportation Security - National and International: Protecting our Railways, Cargo, and Hazardous Materials

The Madrid and London bombings have underscored new vulnerabilities in mass transportation systems. Many feel that terrorists might shift their focus to other modes of transportation, cargo, or the chemical industry. Transportation security panelists from the United States and abroad will address the nature of the threat, the difficulties in protecting our infrastructure, and what measures must be developed to cope with these challenges.

The Psychology of the Terrorists

Understanding what drives terrorists is key to preparing for the next attack. While we can't predict their moves, we can certainly learn to understand what motivates them, how they plan for attacks, and how they pick their targets. This panel will bring together individuals who have studied and been involved in understanding the psychology of terrorists. They will address what measures must be taken to meet this expanding challenge.

The Forgotten Threats - Water, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture

With the ever-present risk of bio-terrorism, it is imperative that security plans are developed to protect often ignored sectors like agriculture, water, and pharmaceuticals. These plans should encompass risk assessment, countermeasures, training, and action plans. Helpful tips for assessing the risk and implementing a plan will be provided.

Short- and Long-Term Disaster Disruption Planning

Every government and security professional understands the importance of continuity of operations. This session will cover the processes used to define the need for an emergency plan, highlight the required elements and discuss how to implement plans for a variety of disasters. The panel will discuss a variety of ways to prepare for short and long-term problems.

Regional Threat Briefings

This session will review the nature and level of threats against Americans that exist in particular regions of the world. It will identify terrorist groups, their recent targets, and methods of operations.

Risk Communications

Sending and receiving messages during times of crisis can be challenging, and potentially impossible without a planned execution. Security professionals that are responsible for contingency operations should carefully consider a comprehensive crisis communications system with established protocols. Our speakers in this session represent both a real-world corporate security decision-maker and a Nationally recognized IT communications expert. Together they will provide attendees with recommended best practices and choices of communication technologies to help security professionals maximize an effective risk communications plan.