International Gathering of Global Leaders to Address Cross-Border Trade, Immigration, Customs Issues and Border Security

3rd February 2017

Clarion Events U.S., Inc., a division of Clarion Events Ltd. (UK), has announced the International Summit on Borders, a forum where international trade and travel intersect with homeland security.

“The time is right, particularly in light of recent world events, for a gathering of global leaders to convene in Washington, D.C. to share thoughts and ideas on border security, the cross-border movement of goods and people, and best “smart border” practices, processes and technologies. This forum will address key strategic issues for governments throughout the world, including the advancement of multi-lateral trade agreements, immigration, customs policies, and homeland security, including the disrupting and dismantling of transnational criminal organizations,” said John Moriarty, Event Director Clarion Events U.S., producers of the Summit.

Robert C. Bonner, the Senior Principal at the Sentinel HS Group, and the first Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, appointed by President George W. Bush; former Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and former U.S. District Judge, is the Co-Chairman of the International Summit on Borders Advisory Board. “I am excited to Co-Chair the Summit’s Advisory Board with such an esteemed group of colleagues from throughout the world”, said Bonner. “The need to facilitate legitimate international trade and travel, while establishing security at and between official entry points at our borders has never been greater. Many areas of the world are facing threats from transnational terrorism and organized crime as well as mass migration of refugees and economic migrants. Both the challenges and the opportunities are profound. This forum will bring international policy makers, subject matter experts and industry together to focus and work on the best solutions in these challenging times,” said Bonner.

Bonner is joined by co-chair Tony Smith, former Director General of the UK Border Force; Managing Director of Fortinus Global Limited; former Director of Ports of Entry, Citizenship & Immigration Canada; and Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to UK Border Security during the London 2012 Olympic Games. “The most important ingredient in all this is collaboration. Border leaders – and the politicians that govern them – need to look outwards for support. Not just to other countries – but also to intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations working in this area; to all of the stakeholders in the travel and transportation business; and to the world of technology, where many of the tools to deliver the principles of modern day border management can be found,” stated Smith.

Co-Chairs Bonner and Smith are joined on the Board by an impressive group of experts including:

  • DAVID AGUILAR Partner, GSIS; Former Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • JAYSON AHERN Principal, The Chertoff Group; Former Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • ALAN BERSIN Former DHS Assistant Secretary for International Affairs; Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • STEVE BRANHAM Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (retired); Former Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District; Former CFO USCG; Founding Partner and CFO, 3ethos, LLC
  • GEORGES DAVROU Senior Investigator, French Customs, Former Chef du Cabinet to the Secretary General of the WCO
  • LARS KARLSSON Managing Director, KGH Global Consulting; President KGH Border Services, KGH Group; Former WCO Director for Capacity Building
  • R. GIL KERLIKOWSKE Former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • CHRISTOPHER L. KOCH Senior Advisor and Former President & CEO, World Shipping Council
  • HELEN MARANO Government and Industry Affairs Director, World Travel & Tourism Council
  • JOSE GUZMAN MONTALVO CEO, Global Business and Customs Solutions; Former Director General of Aduanas (Mexican Customs)
  • LUC PORTELANCE President and CEO CrossPoint Integrated Strategies, Inc., Former President of the Canada Border Services Agency
  • MICHAEL SCHMITZ Attorney, Michael Schmitz Esquire, Former Director for Compliance World Customs Organization; Former Assistant Commissioner International Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • THOMAS WINKOWSKI President, Global Border Solutions, LLC, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Former Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • CLARENCE YEO Commissioner, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore

Staged in the heart of the U.S. capital, it will attract an influential international audience of “invitation only” delegates, limited to 300 global leaders representing billions in annual buying power on products, systems, services and supplies.

Clarion Events U.S. has two other annual border security events in the U.S.; the 11th Annual Border Security Expo taking place April 11-13 in San Antonio, TX and the 5th Annual U.S./Canada Border Conference taking place September 12-13 in Detroit, MI, both of which address solutions for eliminating criminal activity while expediting lawful trade and travel along their respective borders.

Registration, conference program, speakers and sponsorship details will be made available at www.internationalsummitonborders.com.