Three Can’t-Miss Sessions on Critical Infrastructure and Data Protection at ISC West

ISC West 2025 is coming up March 31 – April 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ISC West have revealed full conference details for the SIA Education at ISC West program, including keynote presentations from top luminaries and over 115 sessions from top industry expert speakers on the most current business trends, technologies and industry developments.

Among the robust lineup of conference sessions is an all-new track on critical infrastructure and data protection. At ISC West 2025, you’ll discover expert insights on robotics in critical infrastructure security, safeguarding critical assets and more. Here are three sessions you won’t want to miss; make sure to add them to your ISC West calendar!

All Times PDT

Game Changers: Robotics and Critical Infrastructure Security

Tuesday, April 1, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

The threat scape facing critical infrastructure owners and operators is rapidly changing – exponentially and asymmetrically. Today’s physical security professional cannot only rely on formerly tried and true staples of physical security management such as guards, cameras, fences, etc. In order to stay efficient, effective and secure, today’s physical security professional must understand the threats as they evolve and present, the tools and technologies that can help to mitigate them, all while delivering secure operational environments for their employees, facilities and equipment. With continually strained security funding constraints, finding new, efficient and cost-effective ways to enhance their security posture to respond to evolving threats has been, and continues to be, the strategic physical security challenge. Perhaps no technological advancement highlights the promise of the security future state more than the convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

This panel will help level set the evolving threatscape facing critical infrastructure and highlight how the increasing use, as well as evolution, of ground and arial based robotics can help to mitigate these dangers as they present, as well as identify some of the legal and logistical hurdles that remain barriers to widespread adoption.

“The threat landscape is fluid, more complicated, and significantly more consequential today than yesterday. As threats from domestic terrorists, China, and other nation-state adversaries materialize, we need to be prepared and anticipate with smart risk reduction and investment.”

– Brian Harrell, former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Speakers:

• Brian Harrell, former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Travis Moran, senior reliability and security advisor, SERC Reliability Corporation

Safeguarding Critical Assets: A Guide for Security Professionals

Tuesday, April 1, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has reported an increase in physical and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure due to aging infrastructure, growing digital dependency and rising global terrorism threats. The power grid is particularly vulnerable, necessitating enhanced security measures to ensure reliable electrical service. In response, utilities are adopting sophisticated security systems that combine personnel, process, and technology to safeguard generation, transmission and distribution stations. These measures include perimeter protection, access control, real-time monitoring and alerts, which collectively reduce vulnerability, improve threat detection and strengthen overall security posture. This session will highlight SIA’s Guide to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) Compliance, a resource developed by the SIA Utilities Advisory Board in collaboration with Archer Energy Solutions. This guide examines key aspects of each NERC-CIP Standard, presenting them in an accessible format to facilitate understanding and implementation.

“The power grid has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a complex ecosystem where traditional infrastructure now coexists with modern, power-intensive technologies such as EV charging networks and AI/quantum data centers. This new landscape requires advanced physical security and cybersecurity solutions and best practices that can safeguard both conventional and emerging assets. At ISC West 2025, our session will focus on the three pillars of compliance — Process, Personnel and Technology —that safeguard not just traditional utility assets, but the very technological foundations that power our smart cities.”

– Joey St. Jacques, security solutions representative, critical infrastructure; chair, SIA Utilities Advisory Board

Speakers:

• Joey St. Jacques, security solutions representative, critical infrastructure; chair, SIA Utilities Advisory Board
• Nick Weber, managing partner, Archer Energy Solutions

New Technology Imperatives for Perimeter Security

Tuesday, April 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

This panel of industry experts will discuss the rise in awareness and demand for more robust and efficient perimeter protection solutions, including secured entry solutions, mechanical and electronic locks and hardware, video surveillance and artificial intelligence on the edge and 3D LiDAR sensors and software. The panel will present use cases to document how effective and efficient these new solutions are already proving to be with globally recognized organizations, followed by a panel presentation with audience participation.

“I’m excited to join this panel to discuss how innovations like 3D LiDAR, AI-driven surveillance and advanced entry systems are transforming perimeter protection. These cutting-edge solutions not only set new benchmarks for security and efficiency but also help organizations minimize total cost of ownership. I look forward to sharing insights and real-world examples of their impact.”

– Gerald Becker, vice president, market development and alliances, Quanergy Solutions

Speakers:

• Gerald Becker, vice president, market development and alliances, Quanergy Solutions
• Brad Donaldson, general manager and vice president of computer vision, SAFR
• Kevin Handerson, vice president, account services and special projects, LRG Marketing
• Chris Hobbs, director, national accounts, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions
• Kurt Measom, vice president of global/enterprise accounts, Boon Edam

You can access the full SIA Education at ISC West conference program by registering for a SIA Education at ISC Passport. Even better, use SIA’s link to sign up for the ISC West trade show and save 20% on your conference pass!

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).