Vertical Insights: Lodging and Casino Security Symposium

By Kara Klein, Associate Director of Marketing and Media Relations, Security Industry Association on February 3, 2026 |

March 11, 2026, 1:00 pm EDT

About the Event

Vertical Insights is a series of virtual events presented by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and focused on top vertical markets. This series is designed to bring together practitioners, security integrators, solution providers, consultants and others involved in protecting key sectors.

Lodging properties and casinos remain attractive targets for malicious actors, both physically and in the cyber realm. At the same time, these environments demand open, welcoming experiences for guests, creating a complex balance between safety, hospitality, and operational efficiency. Modern security systems play a critical role not only in protecting guests and staff, but also in enhancing guest experience and streamlining day-to-day operations.

This symposium will examine how integrated physical security and cybersecurity solutions can help mitigate threats and risk while supporting business objectives. Industry experts will discuss best practices, emerging technologies and real-world use cases, offering actionable insights for security leaders operating in these high-traffic, high-value environments.

Featured Speaker: Erik Antons, Marriott International

Erik Antons is the managing vice president and chief safety and security officer of Marriott International, where he leads the physical and technical safety and security risk and crisis management, investigations, intelligence, executive protection and governance programs. Marriott International is a $26 billion enterprise of 418,000+ associates within 9,600 owned, managed and franchised hotels and corporate properties across 144 countries and territories. Previously, Antons was the chief security officer at PPG Industries, Whirlpool Corporation and Hyatt Hotels. Prior to joining Hyatt, Antons was manager of international security and executive services with Sempra Energy.

Antons is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) and a Certified Lodging Security Director. He is a board member of the International Security Management Association and the Security Foundation andis a former board member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council. He is a veteran infantryman of the Army National Guard and speaks Spanish. Antons holds a Master of Science in homeland security from San Diego State University, where he serves as an adjunct faculty member with the Homeland Security Department, and a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Ohio University and has completed the ISMA Senior Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University and the Insider Threat Management Certificate Program at Carnegie Mellon University.