Aviation and Maritime Security Confex to be held in April 2006 Doubles in Size

A massive increase in concern surrounding the safety and protection of the Middle East’s points of entry has seen a doubling in the size of Airport, Port and Transport Security Middle East (APTS ME), an integrated conference and exhibition that focuses exclusively on the challenges facing airport, port and transport terminals.

The aviation and maritime industry response to the event has been overwhelming, with both the number of exhibitors and conference delegates up by 100% over last year’s inaugural showing.

“Doubling exhibitor space and attendance at APTS in just two years is a big measure of the commitment that exists to create a more secure future,” said Michael Costain, Events Director, International Business Events, (IBE), organisers of APTS ME.

“APTS ME, like its parent event in the UK, has quickly become a cornerstone event in the security industry calendar.

“The importance of APTS ME is underscored by the presence of senior officials including the New York City Police Commissioner during 9/11, Hon Bernard B. Kerik, CBE; Donald R Zoufal from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and Charlie Stevens from the UK Immigration Service.”

Among regional speakers will be Mohammed Al-Ghaith from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, Anwar Wajdi from DP World, Brigadier/Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Marri from Dubai Police, Michael Proffitt from Dubai Logistics City, Essa Abdulla Yateem from Directorate General of Ports, Bahrain and Mohammed Thamir Al Kaabi, Bahrain International Airport.

The event will also see security technology providers launch a range of unique products in the region. “Among them are Ultra Electronics, the UK-based defence, security and aerospace applications provider, which is choosing APTS to launch ‘Horizon’ in the Middle East. This is advanced technology designed to monitor aircraft and scrutinise passenger behaviour.

“Some topics will be discussed for the first time regionally at this conference, including the psychology of terrorism, insights into terrorist groups and strategic efforts to reduce international risk,” Costain said.

For the first time this year, APTS ME will have a dedicated conference focussing on the supply chain security sector.

Among other highlights of the confex are three specialised workshops focussing on key industry issues.

The first workshop - Combating Threatening Behaviour Through Personal Defence: An Airline Experience - led by a Delta Airlines performance consultant, Brian Earp - will examine moves appropriate to lowering risks posed by problems such as angry passengers. More seriously, the session will also look at higher risk levels such as hijack threats or personal assaults.

Steve Collins, CEO of UK-based PS5 Ltd, which specialises in law enforcement, safety and security training, and Peter Smith, Police Superintendent at the Police National Search Centre, UK will conduct a session on Uncovering The Hidden Threat – A Safer Future For Us All.

The final session - Emergency Management - will be held by Prof. Nara Srinivasan of Wayne Snell and Alf Fordham from Australia’s Edith Cowan University and Col. Omar Al Attar from Dubai Police.

“The workshop topics have been chosen keeping in mind current regional and global security concerns,” explained Costain.

The Airport, Port and Transport Security Middle East event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai on the 3rd and 4th of April. More than 700 delegates from 40 countries attended the inaugural event in 2005.

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