The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association became the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) on Jan. 25. Our new name better describes who we are, what we do and how we benefit the American people.
AFPM's new name is meant to emphasize more than ever what we stand for - American manufacturing and jobs; proven and reliable products for your life every day; economic and national security; and a commitment to serve our nation and the American people.
As an industry and as a nation focused on national security, we must keep ourselves informed on the many potentially devastating events that could change the way refiners and petrochemical manufacturers operate, as well as our way of life. The annual AFPM Security Conference & Exhibition provides attendees with information to prepare for and prevent adverse and threatening events.
This year's Security Conference & Exhibition will be held Feb. 27 - 29 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Houston, Texas. Attendees can expect to hear information on a range of critical topics including updates on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations and policies, terrorism and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Representatives from the DHS, Transportation Security Administration and the United States Coast Guard are scheduled to present their insights on a wide array of topics, and more than 200 security professionals from the refining and petrochemical industries plan to attend.
The conference will also host a small vendor exhibition that will provide attendees with opportunities to meet and talk to representatives from companies offering a variety of security services to the refining and petrochemical industries.
On Monday, Feb. 27, DHS will kick-off the conference with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Workshop. This workshop is designed to enhance the knowledge of state and local law enforcement and public and private sector stakeholders by sharing key elements of an IED threat, surveillance detection methods and soft target awareness.
IED Workshop attendees will be provided information on prevention actions and increase awareness to reduce vulnerabilities and counter threats, and will supply information sharing resources to improve preparedness. The specialized approach learned in the workshop will aid owners and operators of critical infrastructure and key resources to deter, prevent, detect, protect and respond to terrorist use of explosives in the United States.
This year's keynote speaker will be KT McFarland from Fox News Defcon3. KT will provide valuable insight into the evolution of the "Arab Spring" since last year, and how it may affect the petrochemical and refining industry. KT's presentations are always fascinating and with the recent changes in the Middle East this will be an extremely informative session.
The AFPM Security Conference is typically attended by AFPM members and government personnel. In order to allow candid conversations between the Department of Homeland Security and industry experts, the event will be closed to the media.
For more information please go to: www2.afpm.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SC12
By guest blogger Jeff Gunnulfsen, Director, Security and Risk Management Issues, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
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