APTS ME 2006 pre-registrations increase twofold

The aviation and maritime industry response to the event has been overwhelming, with both the number of exhibitors and conference delegates up by 100 per cent 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 Ltd, (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, Costain said.

"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," he added.

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

APTS ME 2006 will be hosted by the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman, Emirates Group.

Leading industry associations and government bodies supporting the conference include Bahrain International Airport, Sharjah International Airport and Fujairah Airport. APTS ME is also supported by DP World, Emirates, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, Arab Air Carriers Organisation and UK Trade & Investment.