QIASS launches 1st International Sports Security Conference

1st March 2011

The 1st International Sports Security Conference will take place in Doha, at Aspire Zone on the 9th and 10th March 2011. This event gathers the key decision makers, experts and practitioners in sports integrity and security throughout the World and aims to improve information sharing and to explore best practices and pressing issues in sports security today.

The opening speech is by HE Minister of State for Internal Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al-Thani.

The specially invited audience of 150 persons will hear the most prominent security leaders share their views on latest trends and best practices in sport security, as well as recent successes and failures. Speakers will highlight their views about security being a core issue in sport today, the need for enhance international cooperation, the increasing need for flawless security practices to deter breaches in integrity (e.g. match-fixing and doping), and how to achieve success through an accurate risk assessment and the right combination of technology, personnel and training. Conference speakers include:

- Lord John Stevens (former Head of London's Metropolitan Police)

- Ronald Noble (current Secretary General of INTERPOL)

- William J. Bratton (former Chief of Police of the Los Angeles Police Department, New York Police Department)

Monica Seles and Michael Johnson will discuss their views on athletic performance and security issues, and the dramatic consequences of security failures:

- Michael Johnson (four times Olympic champion and eight times world champion)

- Monica Seles (former #1 WTA, nine times Grand Slam winner)

Key decision makers in sports today will speak about the exciting challenges of organizing major events in emerging economies, or security implications of integrity breaches:

- Mohammed Bin Hammam (President of the AFC)

- Rick Parry (former Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC)

Other speakers include Helmut Spahn (Head of Security Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup), Peter Ryan (Head of Security Sydney 2000 Olympics) or Larry Buendorf (Chief Security Officer, US Olympic Committee).

Attendance is also exclusive, limited to 150 VIPs, and by invitation only

President of QIASS, Mohammed Al-Hanzab "Qatar is very excited to host the 1st International Sports Security Conference. Sports security is integral to the success of sporting events and we are determined to push the agenda and excellence of sports security further for the benefit of event organizers, athletes and fans. Qatar has a vital role to play in furthering sport around the world and we are proud to play such an active role in sports security".

For more information please see www.internationalsportssecurityconference.com

Contacts:

For media enquiries relating to the 1st International Sports Security Conference please contact the Head of International Liaison & Communication at info@ic4ss.org, telephone +974 66892188

Notes to Editors:

QIASS

The Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) www.qiass.org is a professional institute serving to raise security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the Gulf region and across the world. Clients are prepared for the complex challenges of today's world through exceptional training and innovative techniques, by facilitating excellence in education and research, and by forging lasting security partnerships across nations and cultures.