SJA Leaders Logo 2026 White scaled

The meeting place for senior security professionals

July 16th, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL

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New Ground, Big Voices: The SJA Leaders in Security Conference 2025 Brought Together Top Security Executives

On 17 July 2025, 158 senior security professionals from across the Americas gathered in Chicago for the inaugural SJA Leaders in Security Conference, hosted in association with Platinum Partner Ambient.ai.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Windy City, this landmark event brought together the brightest minds and boldest voices in security – creating an unparalleled opportunity for leaders to collaborate, reflect and innovate.

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SJA Leaders In Security Conference 2026 Sponsors:

Security Innovation Hub Website
Platinum Partner
Security Innovation Hub Website
Gold Partner
Gallagher website
Gold Partner
Silver Sponsor MorseWatchmans Website
Silver Partner
Sponsor Astrophysics Website
Partner
Sponsor CommPort Website
Partner
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Partner
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Partner

Proudly partnered with:

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Visit the SJA Leaders in Security Conference

The premium conference and networking event for senior professionals working in the Americas security industry – register for your chance to attend this exclusive one-day event to hear from 30+ expert speakers and directly network with decision makers representing key organizations, businesses and associations from the region and beyond.

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Sponsor the SJA Leaders in Security Conference

The SJA Leaders in Security Conference places your company in a dynamic, positive environment, enabling you to develop new business contacts, grow your brand and meet face-to-face with the most senior members of the Americas security community.

Our 2025 Advisory Panel

Mike Gips

Michael Gips

Conference Chair
Managing Director, ESRM – Kroll

CA

Charles 'Chuck' Andrews

Chairman of the Board,
Friends of Chuck

Peter Backman

Peter Bäckman

Executive Director and Founding Partner – TEDCAP

EricSeanClay

Eric Sean Clay

Vice President of Security -Memorial Hermann Health System

Hector website image

Héctor Grynberg

Production Security Regional Director – Latin America, Warner Bros Discovery 

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Kasia Hanson

Founder & CEO – KFactor Global Security Advisory
E Jany Bio 2022

Eduardo Jany

SVP Global Security and Safety – News Corp

Jonathan Kassa website picture

Jonathan Kassa

Executive Director – ZeroNow
Roy Lemons Picture Website

Roy Lemons

Chief Security Officer – International Paper
Armando Leon 1

Armando Leon

Senior Manager, Security and Infrastructure Protection -Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 
Nicole McDargh

Nicole McDargh

Vice President Corporate Security – Delaware North

JT Mendoza

JT Mendoza

JT Mendoza, Executive Director – US Insider Risk Management Center of Excellence

Lisa Oliveri Picture Website

Lisa Oliveri

Director of Global Risk Management, Security and Operations – National Democratic Institute

Diego Serpa Picture Website

Diego Serpa

Head of Security Brazil – Colgate-Palmolive

Danielle W

Danielle Weddepohl

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management – George Brown College
Tim Wenzel

Tim Wenzel

Associate Managing Director, ESRM – Kroll

Victoria H

Victoria Hanscomb

Editor – Security Journal Americas

James T

James Thorpe

Editor – International Security Journal

Antoinette King

Antoinette King

Founder & CEO – Credo Cyber Consulting

About SJA Leaders in Security Conference

The SJA Leaders in Security Conference is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow senior security professionals and hear the thoughts of some of the foremost thought leaders in the Americas security industry.

The conference agenda will address the key challenges keeping leaders awake at night as businesses and organizations seek continuity and growth against a backdrop of change.

What topics will be discussed ?

AI

Risk Management

Compliance

Insider Threat

Mentorship

Cybersecurity

Interoperability

Critical Infrastructure

Leadership

Business Continuity

IoT

Homeland Security

What will be discussed in 2025? Submit your discussion ideas to victoria.hanscomb@sjaleadersinsecurity.com