The ASIS LATAM & CA conference recently closed in Costa Rica. The event was a great success, gathering security professionals from across the region for education and networking focused on addressing the most pressing security challenges. See the video below sharing highlights from the events, and read more from LACRB Vice Chair Marco Antonio Vega and Mexico City Chapter and NextGen Steering Committee member Julieta Alvarado.
Q: What about the education provided did you find valuable?
MV: This year, the event set a record for academic diversity, featuring a program that included 29 academic sessions, 11 commercial innovation talks, 3 workshops open to the general public, and a self-defense class for women. We had speakers from 13 different nationalities, creating a unique platform to share the latest trends in the security industry. The academic committee, composed of 35 ASIS members from across Latin America and the Caribbean, did an outstanding job, making the ASIS LATAM & CA event undoubtedly the most academically relevant in the entire region.
JA: For NextGeners, the panels like the one with Marco Vega, CPP, Pablo Colombres, CPP, and Dora Cortés were incredible. Their focus on connection, growth, and knowledge was amazing because it gave us deeper insights into ASIS and the benefits of being part of it. As NextGeners, it’s crucial to attend all the conferences to connect with the speakers and explore the relevant topics for our region—LATAM & CA in this case.
Q: Did you attend any interactive workshops? How was your experience?
MV: The interactive workshops were aimed at the general public, as a contribution from ASIS International Latin America and the Caribbean to civil society. I had the privilege of participating in a couple of them. In one, school and university directors discussed the new security standard for educational institutions, adding value to better protect our students. In the critical infrastructure workshop, detailed discussions were held on best practices for protecting infrastructures that are vital for a country's continuity.
Q: What was your networking experience like at the event?
JA: It was amazing! As part of the Wellness Committee, we were very intentional about creating meaningful networking opportunities. We organized various events to ensure all attendees felt comfortable, encouraged new ways of connecting, and facilitated the exchange of valuable insights and knowledge.
Q: What was your favorite part of the conference?
MV: I had two favorite moments during the event. The first was the opening ceremony. As the project leader for the congress, I was eager for everything to go smoothly. Although a bit nervous, I knew that months of hard work by volunteer leaders from across the region would ensure a successful start to this project. The second was the moment we recognized the efforts of the leaders of the five committees who worked from their respective countries to make the event a reality and a success. With 738 participants from 25 countries, it became the largest ASIS event ever held in Latin America and the Caribbean to date.
JA: Definitely the networking spaces, the leadership exchange, and the cultural experiences we created for the attendees to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture. ¡Pura vida!
