BSE Earns Three Fastest 50 Awards from Trade Show Executive

Honored as one of the fastest growing shows of 2017 for number of attendees, net square feet of exhibit space and number of exhibiting companies.

Trade Show Executive has announced its “Fastest 50 for 2017”, honoring Border Security Expo for year-over-year growth (2017/2016) in all three metrics: number of attendees, net square feet of exhibit space and number of exhibiting companies. Awards will be presented June 13-15, 2018 in Chicago. Border Security Expo is the largest and longest running conference and exhibition serving federal, state, local, and international law enforcement whose mission is securing borders.

John Moriarty, Event Director for Border Security Expo, credits the growth to the show’s long-standing commitment to addressing border security challenges through a diverse product mix on the show floor, a steady presence from prestigious speakers and advisory board members, and a renewed focus on border security from the US administration. Worthy of note also is that Clarion Events, the event organizer which assumed ownership of the event beginning in 2016, was awarded the Association of Event Organisers “Most Respected Company of the Year 2017” award.

The border security mission remains a critical component to securing the homeland and Border Security Expo is the annual meeting place bringing together government and industry to address the latest issues and initiatives, as well as to evaluate the latest in security products, services and technology.

Government attendees in 2018 were represented from over 70 different agencies, departments and municipalities, and from 39 states and 10 countries; 108 exhibitors and sponsors represented 31 different product categories, including Biometrics, C4ISR, Cyber Security, Detection & Surveillance and Unmanned Systems. The three-day event also recorded the largest presence of media in the twelve-year history of the show, with 51 members of the press representing 30 different media outlets.

This year’s theme “How Transnational Criminal Organizations Are Redefining Our Nation’s Borders” provided us with the opportunity to discuss current and future challenges. In December 2017 the Administration released the “National Security Strategy of the United States of America.” Pillar 1 of the Strategy is “Protect the American People, the Homeland, and the American Way of Life.” Core elements of the Strategy include enhanced border security and vetting, enforcing our immigration laws, and dismantling TCOs. The BSE program discussed how government and industry can work together to address the threat and better support the operator.

CONFERENCE
On January 31st & February 1st, 2018, U.S. officials and industry convened at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX for the Twelfth Annual Border Security Expo. This year’s theme, How Transnational Criminal Organizations Are Redefining Our Nation’s Borders, was spearheaded by an Opening Keynote from Elaine C. Duke, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, followed by a luncheon keynote by Thomas D. Homan, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Day two began with an Opening Keynote by Ronald D. Vitiello, Acting Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Plenary Keynote by Benjamine “Carry” Huffmann, Chief of the Strategic Planning and Analysis Directorate, U.S. Border Patrol; and closed with a Luncheon Keynote delivered by S. Denise Swafford, Director, Mission Support Division, Office of Human Resources Management, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Border Security Expo honored Michael Braun, General Manager, SAVA Workforce Solutions with the prestigious Excellence in Border Security Initiatives Award. This annual award acknowledges Mr. Braun’s lifetime of service and accomplishments. Also honored at the Expo were all of the previous law enforcement personnel lost in the line of duty securing our borders, during the 6th annual Salute to Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony.

EXPO
Nearly 1,200 representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and industry were able to experience a wide range of products over the course of two days on the expo floor. Day three of the event, “Demo Day”, took place February 2nd at Bandera Gun Club in Bandera, TX, where attendees could see and test technology and equipment from 23 participating companies. Demo Day has grown significantly since launching at Border Security Expo in 2016 with 6 exhibitors. Demo Day also hosted the 3rd Annual Top-Shooter competition, produced in partnership with the Border Patrol Foundation. Winners of the competition were U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Marksmanship Unit. Kevin Worrell, USBP Laredo Sector won the “Top Gun” award for overall best shooter in the competition for the this year.