Akmal Ali is founder and CEO Aluma, where he applies a seasoned perspective on security honed from his tenure as Deputy Director of the Office of Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act Implementation within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Akmal stands out as the sole former federal employee from the SAFETY Act Office to offer specialized consulting in this niche. During his service at DHS, he contributed to the expansion of the SAFETY Act’s reach to include assessments and approvals of security measures for large venues, conducting the initial examinations of security applications for a major international airport and a vital financial sector venue during 2010-2011.

He also played a pivotal role in shaping the SAFETY Act’s venue security review process, including the establishment of security benchmarks and the introduction of targeted site visits, which continue to be integral to the evaluation process.

Prior to his leadership role, Akmal served as the Institute for Defense Analyses, the organization chosen by DHS to perform the technical reviews of SAFETY Act applications. His collaboration with the technical review teams provides him with enduring insight into the application processes he now expertly navigates.

Since stepping into consultancy in 2011, Akmal has steered numerous companies toward obtaining SAFETY Act protections. Notably, he was instrumental in the New York Yankees’ successful pursuit of SAFETY Act protections, marking a first for professional sports venues, and he played a key role in achieving the same for The Madison Square Garden Company, setting a precedent for arenas nationwide.

Beyond his work with the SAFETY Act, Akmal brings a wealth of knowledge in general security and risk management consulting. He offers a broad spectrum of services, from the development of security policies and procedures to representing owners in the design of new facilities, including stadiums and arenas. His holistic approach to security consultancy encompasses the latest in architectural and operational security, ensuring that venues not only meet but exceed the current standards for threat mitigation. Akmal also spends time working with security technology and services providers as an advisor and consultant.

In addition to his consulting practice, Akmal is the founder and CEO of inOrbit, a Security Program Management Software that supports security professionals in the systematic management of their security protocols.

An alumnus of Syracuse University College of Law, Akmal earned recognition at the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, where he honed the skills that he applies in his distinguished career today.

Peter Ashwin is the principal and founder of Event Risk Management Solutions (ERMS), a consulting practice committed to enabling event organizers, host cities and public safety authorities to meet the challenges of delivering safe and secure events in today’s uncertain and complex world. Peter’s professional career has spanned 35 years including 15 years’ military service within the Australian Army /Special Forces and as a major event security professional. He has consulted to and/or led multi-national teams across ten countries including seven Olympic Games (2000 – 2024), 2015 Cricket World Cup (Australia/NZ), the 2015 Baku European Games (Azerbaijan), Lake Placid 2023 World University Winter Games and FIFA World Cup 2026 Boston. More locally, Peter has conducted event security and resilience reviews for festivals and events across the USA and Canada, ranging from grass roots through to some of the most iconic festivals and events.

Tom Bedard, the Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Manager at AccuWeather, has always had a personal connection with the weather. Growing up, his family seemed to have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time when it came to severe weather events. From losing cars to floodwaters in Houston to narrowly escaping a tornado in Kansas, his experiences motivated him to learn about the weather and alleviate his fears.

Tom's career in meteorology began in Honolulu, where he worked as a FEMA training course developer for the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). His role involved developing and teaching preparedness-focused weather training courses across the country. During this time, Tom developed a passion for delivering weather training to private businesses.

When AccuWeather announced an opening for a position involving weather training for private businesses, Tom didn't hesitate to apply. Joining AccuWeather was a natural progression for him, as it allowed him to combine his passion for weather training with his expertise in emergency preparedness and business continuity.

While Tom's current role doesn't involve forecasting, he is still passionate about forecasting thunderstorms. He enjoys storm chasing with his wife, who happens to be a skilled forecaster at AccuWeather's Operations Center in Wichita, Kansas. Through firsthand experience, Tom better understands his wife's forecasts and continues to learn from her expertise.

Reflecting on his most memorable weather event, Tom recalls a time shortly after his family moved to Houston. An unnamed tropical system brought heavy rainfall to the area, causing widespread flooding. In a misguided attempt to pick up Tom, his family unknowingly drove their station wagon into floodwaters. It was a harrowing experience that taught them a valuable lesson about the unpredictable weather patterns in southeast Texas.

In his former role at AccuWeather as an Implementation Manager, Tom and his team of meteorologists played a crucial role in supporting clients during significant weather events. They conducted just-in-time support campaigns, ensuring that clients had accurate communication lists, received the necessary products and were aware of the availability of AccuWeather's meteorologists for their internal operational response calls. These efforts made a significant difference in helping clients stay informed and prepared during critical weather situations.

What Tom appreciates most about working for AccuWeather is the company's commitment to supporting its employees and their community and volunteer interests. He actively engages in the weather community and participates in Sedgwick County, Kansas, public safety initiatives. Tom credits his managers for encouraging his volunteer involvement and fostering his professional growth in the weather enterprise.

AccuWeather's patented technology, specifically its SmartWarn system, gives the company a competitive edge. SmartWarn combines advanced meteorological expertise with a user-friendly warning interface, allowing AccuWeather meteorologists to issue warnings quickly and effectively for weather threats. This innovative technology ensures that crucial weather information reaches individuals and businesses promptly, reducing the potential impact of severe weather events.

In his spare time, Tom finds joy in staying active and involved. He contributes to his community as a K9 search and rescue team member, utilizing a human remains detection dog. Additionally, he serves as the president of the local American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Association (NWA) Chapter and the president of the Wichita Wingmen lacrosse team. Tom enjoys running ultramarathons and volunteering with Team Rubicon when he's not busy with these commitments.

DAVID BORN, CPP, CSSP David Born is the Senior Director, Business Services for Prevent Advisors. He has over 30 years of experience in security and event management. Expertise includes physical security and safety, crowd management, training, compliance, investigation, risk management and strategic planning. Mr. Born has experience in high-profile events including the NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Games, NHL Stanley Cup Final, NHL All-Star Game, NFL Super Bowl, 2020 NBA Restart in Orlando, Florida; Grammy Awards, NFL Pro Bowl, MLS Finals, NCAA Basketball Regionals, NCAA Frozen Four, MLB All-Star Game, and numerous concerts and other events. Prior to working at Prevent Advisors, Born was the Senior Director of Security for Crypto.com Arena (formerly STAPLES Center). At the arena he oversaw security operations at the home of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, the annual Grammy Awards, concerts, and other events. Prior to STAPLES Center, Born served as the Director of Security for Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Prior to his time at Dignity Health Sports Park, Born worked as the Senior Director of Guest Services and Security at Enterprise Center and the St. Louis Blues in St. Louis, Missouri. Before that Born also worked in executive facility positions with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Born is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) with ASIS International and a Certified Sports Security Professional (CSSP) through the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). He is also an active member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) and current faculty member of the Academy for Venue Safety and Security. He has been a speaker at numerous security and crowd management conferences. Born has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from San Diego State University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Post- Graduate Certificate in Security Management from Buckinghamshire New University

Mark Camillo serves as a consultant to corporate leadership on policy and process with a focused engagement within the CSC corporate quality assurance program. Support to CSC includes conducting table-top exercises, seminars, and quality assurance assessments/audits to confirm the safety and effectiveness of event security operations across the CSC enterprise. Mark retired from a full-time role at CSC after serving 10 years as Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning.

Prior to joining CSC, Mark completed a distinguished 21-year career as a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service. Career assignments required protecting four U.S. Presidents and family members in various capacities and ultimately serving as head of the White House Security Branch, which encompassed the supervision of daily security, emergency preparedness, and all-hazards operations at the White House Complex. Following his final White House tour of duty, Mark was appointed to the position of Senior Executive Service (SES) Deputy Assistant Director, detailed to the headquarters of the newly created Department of Homeland Security.

Mark has held several key positions during his career in major event planning, most notably being appointed Olympic Coordinator for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Under his direction, the Secret Service executed its mission through Presidential Executive Order to design, plan and implement the federal operational security plan for the Games. Mark is considered a pioneer in securing National Special Security Events (NSSE), having served in supervisory roles in successfully executing the security operations for the first 12 NSSE-designated events of national significance.

Mark is recognized nationally as a subject matter expert in critical infrastructure protection. In 2013, he was appointed chair of the Public Assembly Facilities Subsector Council, part of the Commercial Facilities Sector Coordinating Council. He currently chairs the DHS-sanctioned Commercial Facilities Sector Coordinating Council, recognized as a critical sector within the USA as per the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. In 2018, Mark was named Co-chair of the DHS-sanctioned Vehicle Ramming Prevention and Mitigation Working Group.

Mark is a frequent author on topics related to event security for professional trade publications. He serves as a faculty member at the IAVM-sponsored Academy for Venue Safety & Security and is a lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Bryan Frieders is the retired Fire Chief of the Pasadena (CA) Fire Department. He has more than 31 years of Fire/EMS experience in a variety of assignments ranging from Operations to Emergency Management. Bryan holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Education, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology.

Mark Herrera is the Director of Education for the International Association of Venue Managers. As part of his duties, Mark teaches Situational AwarenessMindset training aimed at giving venues the tools to be safer and more secure. In addition, as the Director of Education for IAVM, Mark represent the Public Facility Assemblies Council on the National Fire Protection Association Committee and the Department of Homeland Security Sub-Sector Council. As a representative of the Public Assemblies Facilities Sub-Sector Council he works in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and the Protective Security Advisor to assure that information is provided to protect our Public Facility Assemblies and all Critical Infrastructures. Herrera is also a seasoned law enforcement officer and trainer, having spent twenty years with the Hobbs, NM, Police Department in numerous roles including Patrol Officer, Detective for the Gang and Narcotics unit, Supervisor of the Crime Prevention Division, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard Commander, and Entry Team Leader and Tactical Sergeant of the S.W.A.T. unit. During this time, his responsibilities also included the development and implementation of security policies and procedures and security awareness programs for the Community of Hobbs. Upon retiring from the police department, he leveraged his training background to implement security policies, procedures and training programs for the oil and gas industry, then later worked as an instructor for the DHS, training 3,000 armed pilots to defend against acts of terrorism.

Alex Keen is Principal at Keen Independent Research, a consulting firm with offices in Phoenix and Denver. He leads the firm's practice areas in management and operational assessment, risk analysis and feasibility planning for the arts, culture, entertainment and venue management sectors.
Before becoming a Consultant, Alex worked as Venue Manager for the MCC Performing Arts Center in Mesa, AZ and across the country in various other management and technical positions the entertainment world. During his time as a Technical Director, Alex became an ETCP Certified Rigger-Theatre and was trained in rope access and rope
rescue.
Alex currently serves as faculty for the IAVM Academy for Venue Safety and Security teaching risk management, is on the IAVM Venue Safety and Security Committee and is Chair of the IAVM University Venue Safety and Security Subcommittee. He is also Adjunct Faculty at the University of Denver, teaching graduate arts and culture management courses.
Alex graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Science in Security Management and Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Theatre and Urban Planning. Alex is a proud graduate of the IAVM Academy for Venue Safety and Security and Venue Management School!

Kevin Kennedy is a former police officer with 39 years of experience, including 15 years in a supervisor role with the Event Planning Section of the Ottawa Police Service. Kevin was responsible for planning national celebrations, Royal visits, local festivals and national league sporting events. In 2022, Kevin completed three-year study obtaining his MSc in Crowd Safety and Risk Analysis (with Distinction) through Manchester Metropolitan University. His final year dissertation was titled: Emergency Evacuation During the Route 91 Harvest Festival: A Study to Identify Predictable Behaviours During a Lethal Attack. Since retirement from policing in 2023, Kevin has started his own crowd safety consulting company. He has developed crowd safety and emergency plans for federal and private organizers for large scale events. Kevin has also been authorized by world renowned crowd safety expert, Dr Keith Still to deliver his Applied Crowd Safety and Introduction to Crowd Safety workshops to North American audiences. Kevin has presented to industry professionals employed by major entertainment venues in addition to planning partners for national level events. Kevin is currently studying towards is second Master of Science in Security and Risk Management with the University of Leicester.

Joe Levy serves as the Assistant General Manager of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, and holds key leadership roles as the current Chair for the Academy for Venue Safety & Security and past Chair of the Venue Safety & Security Committee for IAVM. With over three decades in venue management, Joe is a respected industry leader with expertise in managing multi-million-dollar operating budgets, intricate physical plant operations, and complex construction projects, always emphasizing safety and security. Joe's career includes pivotal roles such as Chief Operating Officer at Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, Executive Vice President and Deputy Director for Operations at The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, General Manager & Managing Director of Operations at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, and Director of Operations at Kaufman Center. His extensive experience across various public assembly venues has given him a deep understanding of the evolving needs and challenges of safety and security management.

Dan Mathis Jr. is highly accomplished Public Safety and Security Professional with 31 years of progressive experience in law enforcement as a major crimes detective, problem-oriented policing, critical incident management and international safety and security measures. Dan is a native of Tampa, FL were he completed a successful career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Dan has also lived and worked abroad as international safety and security training team leader in the countries of Israel and Jordan. His team was comprised of security operators from the United States, South Africa, Great Britain, and Cyprus. Dan is a nationally recognized venue safety and security subject matter expert. Dan has established expertise in the areas of, emergency planning, security screening, crowd management and control, and private sector law enforcement partnerships. Dan maintains expertise and industry knowledge in emergency management and crisis plan development. Dan is formally educated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration and Minor in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University, and a master’s degree in Critical Incident and Emergency Management from Saint Leo University. He is a Certified Protection Professional by ASIS and a graduate of the IAVM- Academy of Venue Safety and Security.

Deron McElroy is Chief of Cybersecurity for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Region 6. He leads a team of Cybersecurity Advisors focused on enhancing our Nation’s cyber resilience. Deron’s team is available to help critical infrastructure owners and operators improve their cybersecurity posture, better manage cyber risk, and measure themselves against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

As co-founder of the Cybersecurity Advisor Program, he served as Chief of Operations, and was the first DHS Cybersecurity Advisor for the Western United States. Previously, he led the interagency development of the Nation’s cyber incident response policy, and contributed to cybersecurity education and workforce development efforts. Deron played a primary role in the stand-up of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and was a key participant in information sharing policy development.

Prior to joining DHS, Deron worked as Staff Director for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, and as a Senior Professional Staff Member. He focused on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and information sharing practice and policy.

Deron is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, an expert in cyber resilience, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and studied strategic intelligence and information operations at the National Defense Intelligence College. He also currently serves as a cybersecurity instructor at the University of Texas San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, is the Director of Professional Development for the Alamo ISSA, and is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer for the Lone Star Cyber Podcast.

Wayne Middleton has over 35 years experience in public venues, major events, professional sports and the entertainment industry. He is the founder of Australian-based risk management consultancy, Reliance Risk in 2007. and was the founder of software, Risk Manager, acquired by Momentus Technologies in 2022. Wayne's areas of expertise include risk management, security, safety, business resilience, risk information management systems, emergency planning, and business continuity. Wayne has consulted on venue and event risk projects in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East. He held roles including the Global Vice President of Risk for Momentus Technologies, Director of Safety for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Wayne holds a Masters in Risk Management, BA in Administration, Diploma in Security Risk Management, is a certified Management System Auditor and holds a CVE awarded by IAVM.

Jessica Reid-Bateman is the Vice President of Arena Experience for the Milwaukee Bucks where she is responsible for the service, safety and comfort for all guests visiting Fiserv Forum. She is an event industry veteran whose experience encompasses over 20 years in customer service, emergency preparedness, leadership, and event and site security best practices. Her event history includes 11 National Championship events, the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, 2019 World Series, the 2024 Republican National Convention, Papal, and other dignitary events.
Mrs. Reid-Bateman began her career at the St. Louis Blues where she started as an usher before advancing to Assistant Director of Guest Services and Security for Scottrade Center and Stifel Theatre. She has since served as the Director of Security for the Seattle Mariners, the Director of Guest Relations and Event Security at Capital One Arena, and the Senior Director of Guest Experience and Security for Sharks Sports and Entertainment.
Mrs. Reid-Bateman achieved her master’s degree in business administration (MBA), is a graduate of the Disney Institute and completed the certification programs for IAVM Venue Management School and IAVM Academy of Safety and Security where she continues to be a faculty member.

Stella Salyer has over 30 years’ experience in hospitality, venue management, meeting planning, and association management, as well as a background in equestrian showjumping. Currently, she is the Assistant General Manager - Sales & Services at the Virginia Beach Convention Center where she oversees all the safety and emergency training for the facility and is the contract administrator for the facility’s security provider and standby EMS services. She serves on the Safety & Security Committee and the Special Events Steering Committee for the City of Virginia Beach as well as the Venue Safety & Security Committee for IAVM. Stella is also a nationally registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and volunteers in Virginia Beach’s 911 system every weekend. She holds certificates in Mass Casualty Incident Response, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, and is a STOP THE BLEED® instructor. She believes it is a privilege to be able to assist someone during what could possibly be their worst day and is passionate about empowering others to do the same. She is a graduate of AVSS and is honored to be an instructor this year. She lives in Virginia Beach with two benevolent cats and the best dog, all of whom adore her, and has two daughters, aged 17 & 22, who largely ignore her.

Joey Sampson is an attorney with 18-plus years of litigation experience, including handling lawsuits involving venue safety and security. He enjoys helping businesses and individuals make tough decisions, resolve difficult problems, and succeed. He prioritizes building trust with others and relishes the lawyer-counselor role, seeking to provide advice to his clients to efficiently resolve issues, achieve their goals, and avoid litigation. But sometimes litigation is necessary, and since joining McCathern in 2007 and later becoming a partner with the firm, Joey has garnered extensive experience and developed a successful practice litigating matters for plaintiffs and defendants. He handles cases in all areas of business and civil litigation and also consults companies regarding risk management and insurance, employment issues, and general business and contract matters. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Joey attended and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in Risk Management and Insurance. Joey’s strong risk management and insurance background allows him to bring a unique perspective to both consulting businesses and his litigation practice. Joey earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law.

Ms. Siegel believes making cultural experiences and spaces inclusive of people with disabilities of all ages is an essential civil, cultural and human right.

An innovative expert in disability, arts, and cultural practices, she has been the Director of the Kennedy Center’s Office of Accessibility and VSA for over 20 years where she has the privilege of working at the national and international level to improve and support equal rights to engage and participate in the arts for people with disabilities of all ages.
She delivers lectures and training around the world. Her JD is from the Columbus School of Law and in 2021 she founded the Access Advisory Group a company providing bespoke accessibility consulting and training. This past month she just received an appointment from President Biden to serve on the Board of the U.S. Access Board.

Born and raised in Decatur, GA, Harriet Thomas was attracted to the business of sports and events at an early age. Harriet studied Public Relations at Clark Atlanta University before becoming a Certified Social Emotional Intelligence Coach advancing her career in talent and team development. Harriet has over 20 years of combined experience in leisure and live events leading cultural business initiatives during high profile events for Super Bowl LIII, the 2018 National College Football Championship Game, over 100 Atlanta Falcons Football Game Days, 10 SEC Football Championship Games, 2 NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournaments, and a host of concerts, conventions, and consumer shows attracting over 3 million spectators annually. Currently serving as the Director of Talent Development and Communications at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, Harriet develops strategies to teach venue and event professionals how to work together to achieve common goals. Harriet strategically partners with Georgia high school and college career centers to foster an intergenerational business community to strengthen the culture of performance in live events.

Daniel Ward is the Director of Training and Exercise at the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi. In this role, he engages professional, collegiate, endurance event, and interscholastic safety and security professionals to meet industry training requirements, validate plans and processes, integrate solutions, and implement best practices. Ward is responsible for ensuring the NCS⁴ effectively connects the academic and operational communities, preparing practitioners for the current, evolving threat environment.
In addition to his role at the NCS⁴, Ward has served in the United States Air Force since 2006. He has held a variety of roles in planning, incident management and emergency response. Ward has led organizational preparation, mitigation, response and recovery efforts for a wide range of natural, technological and human-caused disasters. He has also developed and led chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response teams. In his 19-year career, Ward has supported preparedness and response efforts domestically and throughout Southwest Asia and the Republic of Korea. Most recently, he served in theater in support of Operation SPARTAN SHIELD as an Emergency Management Superintendent, where he oversaw emergency management efforts at three locations across the AOR.
Ward has developed and headed emergency management plans and programs for multiple disciplines and organizations, applying best practice and experience to a wide range of incident and event management. He is an Anti-Terrorism Officer, a Hazardous Material Technician, and was awarded the international designation of Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) by the International Association of Emergency Managers in 2013. He has a bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Chief Meteorologist Sunny Wescott specializes in extreme weather events impacting emergency response, supply chain, and critical infrastructure. During her time in the US Air Force as a Lead Meteorologist, Ms. Wescott trained on continental and oceanic weather as the Top Forecaster for her support region and is considered a subject matter expert for multiple climatological events such as drought, subsidence, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and winter storms. Ms. Wescott also graduated top of her class for her degrees in Homeland Security Management, Public Safety Administration, and Atmospheric Sciences. Ms. Wescott focuses on operational forecasting by providing focused impact reports for regions, sites, security, and key interdependencies such as energy and telecommunications before, during, and after disasters.