The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced details for the 2021 AcceleRISE conference — an experience hosted by SIA’s RISE community for young professionals in the security industry — taking place virtually Aug. 23-25.

“I am so excited about AcceleRISE 2021: The Challenge!” said SIA RISE Chair Erin Mann.  “Our RISE steering committee has worked so creatively to innovate within our digital environment, and we’re dedicated to delivering a conference experience that our attendees won’t forget. As we’re designing the agenda, we’re tailoring the event to be engaging, impactful and meaningful for our attendees, and we’re excited to help connect with new and returning faces throughout the week.”

AcceleRISE was created for young professionals in the security industry and is different from a standard conference. The 2021 event will help young professionals’ learn leadership skills they can apply at their respective companies. Session topics will include:

• The Art of Hiring & Firing: What New Managers Need to Know
• Ethical Uses of Technology: Key Considerations for Today’s Leaders
• Generational Work styles: Building Trust & Effective Communication
• How AI & Predictive Analytics Are Changing Security Operations
• Privacy Regulations That Every Rising Security Professional Needs to Know
• Smooth Operator: Tips & Tricks for Selling Security

Attendees will have the chance to make connections with other young industry professionals and enjoy fun virtual happy hours, trivia and more. As part of 2021’s “The Challenge” theme, attendees will also be able to compete for points and prizes throughout the experience.

AcceleRISE 2021 is made possible with support from sponsors and SIA member companies.

“Our mission at Group337, along with our community platform, The Inside, is to help the security industry accelerate growth with a vision for a more dynamic, forward-leaning, growth-oriented, inclusive and relevant industry,” said Lee Odess, CEO of Group337. “No better place aligns with our mission and vision than SIA’s AcceleRISE. Young professionals are the today and tomorrow leaders of our industry, and we are honored to have the opportunity to participate as the premier sponsor.”

SIA RISE is a community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security industry. In addition to hosting AcceleRISE, the SIA RISE community offers in-person and virtual networking events, mentorship opportunities through the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program, career growth webinars and e-learning, scholarships for use toward education and professional development and career tracks at top trade shows. RISE membership is available to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years.

Early-bird pricing for AcceleRISE 2021 starts at just $149 for SIA members and only $49 for student members. Attendees must register by June 11 to get this rate. Visit the SIA website for more details.