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Protecting From Cyber Threats and Providing Business Opportunities at the Homeland Security Innovation Conference

On May 4 and 5, 2011, ThinkTEC will host the 7th Annual Homeland Security Innovation Conference at the Charleston Area Convention Center. The theme of this year’s conference is HOMELAND SECURITY – 10 YEARS LATER and will look at how innovation and technology have changed the approach to homeland security since the 9/11 attack.

Here’s what you can expect…..

ThinkTEC Cyber Challenge
Cyber terrorism continues to be one of the major threats to our nation’s security. It is necessary to advance education in high schools and universities to increase the number of people with skill sets advanced enough to find and correct cyber security vulnerabilities.

To support this effort, the ThinkTEC Cyber Challenge will take place during the Homeland Security Innovation Conference. Student teams from local high schools and universities will compete with one another in a controlled environment while being coached by a panel of experts.

Events like this are being staged all over the country to train the next generation of computer science professionals to think of proper cyber security measures as a necessity, not an afterthought.

Pre-Conference Activities
Prior to the “official” start of the Homeland Security Innovation Conference, you can take advantage of one of these two pre-conference activities.

• Small Business Opportunities in Cyber and Homeland Security Workshop
ThinkTEC will host this workshop specific to cyber and homeland security contracts. In conjunction with the small business contracts office at SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic, available contracts in the areas of cyber and homeland security will be announced. In addition, local small businesses will have a platform to share information on the new technologies they have developed. There is no charge to attend this portion of the program.

• Tour of Customs Examination Station
The Customs Examination Station in Charleston is home to some of the most advanced detection equipment available. Learn about the advancements made in port security since 9/11 and see demonstrations of the state-of-the-art technologies. This tour is limited to the first 50 people to register for the conference.

Keynote Address: Former Director of National Security, Mike McConnell
McConnell’s career has spanned 40 years focusing on international developments and foreign intelligence issues. Currently, he is executive vice president and leader of the intelligence business for Booz Allen Hamilton. From 2007-2009 he served as U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a position of Cabinet rank under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Join attendees from national, state and local firms, government agencies and military commands. It provides a great opportunity for organizations of all sizes to showcase their technology and innovative solutions to decision makers responsible for defending our homeland.

***As an added bonus, all registered attendees receive a complimentary pass to the Techno Security Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC, June 5-8. The Techno Security Conference features the top practitioners in the world in the fields of Information Security, eDiscovery, Digital Forensics and Technical Business Continuity Planning.***

Members of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Government and Military can attend for $250 per person. Non-members can attend for $375 per person. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are still available.

Register at www.thinktec.org

Questions? Email Jill Galmarini at jgalmarini@charlestonchamber.org