All Events
September 2025 Back to Top
Description: On July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a lone gunman fired multiple shots at former President Donald J. Trump, wounding him and two others, and killing a spectator. Following this tragedy, the United States Secret Service came under heavy criticism for numerous oversights in the planning and implementation of security measures for the event. These miscalculations included, but were not limited to, pre-event briefings, technological deployments, counter surveillance, tactical assets, post locations, interoperable radio communications, and a multi-agency command center.
G. Michael Verden is a former Secret Service agent whose assignments included Major Events Division, Counter Assault Team and Presidential Protective Division, among others. He has created, designed, and implemented security plans for campaign events of presidents and presidential candidates. Mike will walk us through the detailed planning for an outdoor campaign event beginning one week prior and how the lead agency coordinates with local, state, and federal authorities to develop an integrated security plan. He’ll also share security deficiencies the investigations uncovered to teach us what can be done to prevent future attacks against public officials.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this session, the attendees will be able to:
Know the security planning and preparation required for an event involving a presidential candidate including site walk-throughs, post assignments, perimeter boundaries, contingency planning, emergency response, security technologies, communications, and coordination between multiple authorities.
Learn about the assailant’s behavior that preceded the incident, such as social media activity, online research, and digital communications. The review includes determination of a motive, pre-attack planning, site visits, firearms training, criminal history, work experience, and personal life.
Discover what went wrong on the day of the attack including resources allocation, law enforcement synchronization, building access control, incident response, decision-making, contingency procedures, and evacuation movements.
Understand the importance of coordination in post-incident investigative efforts, which relies on established partnerships with law enforcement and public safety officials at the local, state and federal levels, along with private sector entities to successfully investigate this crime.
Schedule:
11:00 am - Registration/Networking
11:15 am - Meeting commences, Pledge,
Innvocation, Agenda items/appetizers
11:30 Lunch served
12:00 pm - Presentation
1:00 pm - Photos / Networking
October 2025 Back to Top
2025 Annual Membership Meeting & Installation of
Officers and Directors
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Steven Vitale
President and Principal P4 Companies
2025 - 2026 ISPA President
Featured Speaker: Phil Andrew - Former FBI Special Agent
Founder and Principal of PAX Group
Title of Presentation: Leading Through Crisis: Building Safer Communities with Empathy, Strategy, and Resilience
Presentation Description: Phil Andrew, founder and principal of PAX Group and former FBI Special Agent, brings more than 35 years of expertise in crisis and conflict management, negotiation, and violence prevention. A survivor of gun violence and lifelong advocate for safer communities, Phil has dedicated his career to supporting leaders and organizations as they navigate the challenges of conflict, crisis response, and organizational resilience.
Drawing from his experiences in law enforcement, education, corporate consulting, and community advocacy, Phil will share strategies that build supportive environments where safety, trust, and compassion thrive. His unique perspective—shaped by frontline law enforcement, global crisis management, and academic instruction—offers actionable insights for leaders seeking to strengthen their organizations and communities.
Whether addressing high-stakes negotiations, workplace safety, or crisis leadership, attendees will leave with practical tools to implement in their own organizations to foster resilience and empower people.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify effective strategies for leading through crisis and conflict with empathy and clarity.
2. Apply de-escalation and violence prevention practices to foster safer environments.
3. Recognize the importance of compassionate leadership in building trust and resilience across teams and communities.
4. Utilize negotiation and behavioral analysis techniques to resolve disputes and manage high-pressure situations.
5. Develop actionable approaches for creating organizational cultures that prioritize safety, well being, and long-term resilience.
Join with ISPA as we celebrate the installation of the Illinois Security Professionals Association's 2025-2026 President, Steven Vitale along with President-Elect Suzanne Monreal CPP, 1st Vice-President G. Michael Verden, 2nd Vice-President Luke Hutsell and Directors, Andrew Bartol, Daniel McDevitt, Elena Mostovoy, David E. Pack and James C. Taff.
Sponsorships for the Annual Meeting are available. To inquire about available sponsor opportunities, please contact ISPA at 224-333-1622 and ask to speak with Dennis Gano, Executive Director/CEO.
Schedule:
10:15 am - Registration/Networking
10:30 am - Meeting commences, Pledge, Innvocation, Agenda items/appetizers
11:15 am Lunch served
12:15 pm - Presentation
1:15 pm - Photos / Networking
December 2025 Back to Top
Award nominations now being accepted: click here to submit a nomination:
https://www.ilsecuritypros.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3984
Ticket sales will open in July, check back often.
June 2026 Back to Top
August 2026 Back to Top
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Midwest Security and Police Conference/Expo! It's set to take place August 13th and 14th, 2026.
Visit ISPA at Booth 222.
We hope to see you at the Tinley Park Convention Center in 2026!
Find more information at http://mspce.com/
