Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will deliver the keynote address at the ASIS International 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits at the Philadelphia Convention Center this Fall.

ASIS 2012 and the second annual (ISC)2 Security Congress will take place September 10-13. Gates, who served as Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011, will speak at 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 12.

His 27-year career as an intelligence professional began in 1966 when he joined the Central Intelligence Agency; it culminated with his serving as director from 1991-1993. He is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected President.

Recognized as the world’s largest show dedicated to security, ASIS 2012 will bring together more than 20,000 security professionals from more than 90 countries for education, networking, and an expansive exhibit floor of security products and services.

More than 200 educational sessions will be presented at ASIS 2012, including expanded IT security offerings in collaboration with (ISC)2. The exhibition area will feature more than 230,000 net square feet of the latest security technology and innovations, providing a showcase for more than 700 companies demonstrating cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the security industry today.

Registration and housing for ASIS 2012 and the (ISC)2 Security Congress is open.

*DoD photo