The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened nominations for the inaugural SIA Progress Award, an initiative sponsored by SIA’s Women in Security Forum. The recipient of this new award will be recognized at SIA Honors Night 2018 on Nov. 14 in New York City.

Nominations for the SIA Progress Award are being accepted through Aug. 24. Learn more on the SIA Progress Award page.

“SIA’s annual Honors Night is one of my favorite SIA events because we honor leaders who dedicate time and resources to promote key SIA initiatives such as fostering industry diversity. This year’s program will inspire all of us as we celebrate the advancement of women in the security industry with the inaugural SIA Progress Award,” said Don Erickson, SIA’s CEO. “SIA is proud to promote women’s involvement and professional growth and grateful to those paving the way forward for women in the industry.”

The new SIA Progress Award will celebrate an individual who is advancing opportunities and success for women in the security industry. The winner will be determined based on the following criteria:

• contributions to advancing women in the security industry within the past three years (e.g., volunteer activities and/or grassroots efforts, new programs, new company policies to promote a more diverse workforce and thought leadership);
• promoting women’s professional growth through mentorship and/or sponsorship;
• recognitions and/or awards for related activities; and
• demonstration of the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in the security industry.

All nominees for the SIA Progress Award must be employees of SIA member companies, and each nomination must include a letter from a colleague in the security industry on why the candidate deserves the award. Submit your nominations here.

SIA’s Women in Security Forum is designed to support the participation of women in the security industry. Through programs like a new roundtable series, thought leadership opportunities, professional development offerings and networking events, the forum engages both men and women who share this goal.

Along with the awards ceremony, SIA Honors Night — held each year concurrent with ISC East, New York City’s biggest security products trade show — features a gala dinner reception benefiting Mission 500 and engaging entertainment. As part of the awards ceremony, SIA will also present the George R. Lippert Memorial Award, the Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award, the SIA Insightful Practitioner Award and the Women in Biometrics Award. Learn more on the Honors Night page — and register for ISC East on the conference website.