Welcome to Brief 55, titled "Recap of ACS24 Europe Day 1: Part 1 - Morning Sessions."

It is hard to believe that ACS24 Europe is already over.

What. A. Show.

What. An. Experience.

170 attendees. 18+ countries. 1 morning run. 30+ discussions. Countless networking. 4 amazing meals. And more.

It will take a ton of work to top this one. Google flexed its resource-heavy muscles. The facility, food, drink, stage, details, and hospitality are unrivaled. Zurich is a beautiful city with lakes, mountains, an urban feel, food, and fashion. dormakaba highlighted the culture (more on that below).

The access control industry asserted its global strength, reach, desire, curiosity, and power. The industry showed up. The panelists and 1:1 fireside talk participants exceeded all expectations. The content was rich, fresh, unapologetic, agreeable, disagreeable, and on point. There were no commercials. It was all content.

Like a heartfelt ballad or a heavy drum bass, ACS24 Europe hit differently.

And I am here for it.

From what I just saw and heard, our industry is as well.

Better yet, so is the market since we had even more end users and a broader ecosystem.

As we have said before, there is no better time to be in the access control industry, and if that statement had a spirit animal, ACS24 would be it.

While we finish editing each session, I wanted to share a quick highlight of each to give you an idea of what was discussed. I will break up my overview into two Briefs—before-lunch (this Brief) and after-lunch sessions (Brief coming). As a reminder, as Access Control Executive Brief Members, you will get access to all the sessions we have permission to share (only two are restricted based on the presenters' request). You will receive an email with the password-protected site shortly.

If you couldn't attend ACS24 Europe and are having a bit of FOMO, no fear is needed; we have announced the upcoming dates for ACS24 DC and ACS25 Europe and look forward to seeing you there. We will continue to evolve each ACS, so it is fresh. For instance, Q&A will be coming to ACS24 DC—and much more.

We are excited to announce a new addition to our event lineup: ACS InterOpCon, or InterOpCon for short. This unique conference, the first of its kind, will focus solely on the global access control industry, interoperability, and standards. We will hold InterOpCon at ASSA ABLOY's H.Q. in Stockholm, a city known for its innovation and technology. Stay tuned for the date, as we are finalizing the details to ensure it's a day you will want to attend.

All right, here's the summary of ACS24 Europe. Thank you to everyone who could attend and to everyone and anyone for the ongoing support.

As always, your feedback is invaluable to us. Please let me know if there's any area where we can better meet your expectations.

Thank you!

Lee

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Overall Summary

The event kicked off Wednesday night with a Welcome Reception sponsored by the city host, dormakaba. Once again, 99% of the attendees joined the reception, with over 160 attendees. The networking was off the charts (and so was the food, drink, and look & feel). The networking reception has become a must-attend part of ACS and a great way to enrich the experience the next day.

On the event day at 5:30am, a group led by James Kendall of Swiftconnect got together for a morning run (and dip in the lake) around Zurich. What started with rain ended up with a beautiful morning filled with experience and networking that all that attended recommend we do at all ACSs. Thank you, James, for setting the day off on the right foot.

The morning session of ACS24 Europe set the stage for thought-provoking conversations, discussions, and explorations. Industry experts covered a broad spectrum of topics, from user experience to technology and industry insights, providing a comprehensive overview of the access control landscape.

The event started with a lively discussion on the different applications of various technologies. Panelists debated the significance of incremental changes in technology and its impact on businesses. They reminisced about the buzz around RFID two decades ago and how it was expected to revolutionize supply chain management. While the transformation wasn't overnight, it's undeniable that RFID has significantly impacted how things are done today.

They then discussed the evolutionary journey of access control systems over the last thirty years. Access control has become part of the I.T. infrastructure from siloed systems and is set to have a transformative impact on operations. The discussion also touched upon the role of AI in this evolution and its potential for the future.

Most of the panelists emphasized the importance of customer needs and value delivery. As tech enthusiasts, we love figuring things out, but it's crucial always to have the customer at the center of our innovations.

As the morning session progressed, we delved into the challenges and opportunities in the access control industry. We discussed how the industry is at an inflection point, with systems moving to the cloud unprecedentedly. This shift, coupled with the emergence of A.I., is expected to accelerate the transition and transformation.

A panel addressed physical and logical security convergence, which sparked much interest. Some industries are already making this leap, but its widespread adoption remains to be seen. We discussed (more like debated) the potential of A.I. as an accelerant in this convergence and how it can help control how resources are used within buildings.

As the morning session ended, we reflected on the different perspectives within the industry and acknowledged the need for ongoing conversations and the sharing of views.

We wrapped up the first half of the day with an eye on the afternoon session. This new format brought to Europe made it clear that the second half of the day had more enlightenment for us all. More on that in the following Brief.

Here is a breakdown of each presentation, panel, and 1:1 fireside chat.

ACS24 Europe Kick-Off & Welcome

At the ACS24 Europe Kick-Off, I emphasized the industry's growth, thanked the Google team for their collaboration, and outlined the day's agenda, including various presentations and panel discussions. I also stressed the importance of culture and community in the industry and announced plans for future ACSs in D.C. (October 23-24, 2024) and Singapore (2025). In true security industry fashion, I played a Google-provided safety video highlighting the importance of following safety and security procedures at the Google event space. I then concluded with an invitation for Stefan Amann to join me on stage on behalf of dormakaba, the city host, to speak about Zurich's rich history.

Welcome to Zurich by Stefan Amann, Senior Vice President Region Switzerland of dormakaba

Stefan shared how Zurich is a hub for talent and entrepreneurship, with a stable regulatory environment attracting companies like Google, UBS, and dormakaba. The city is also becoming a significant region for cryptocurrency. Access control is a growth driver in the industry, with challenges and opportunities in privacy regulation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and IoT cloud-based access control. The industry is moving towards managing connectivity and IoT devices, which presents new operational experiences and challenges. The finance industry is driving simplification in access control, with Google Wallet being a topic of discussion.

Google Welcome by Michael Hill, Global Product Lead at Google

Michael welcomed attendees at ACS24 Europe to Google's Zurich HQ, emphasizing access control's importance in physical and digital spaces. The event aimed to discuss emerging trends, technologies, best practices, and mobile credentials' role in shaping access control's future. Attendees were encouraged to network, share knowledge, and collectively envision the future of access control. I find Michael's approach, coupled with Google's culture of partnership, refreshing and a winning strategy to move forward with the industry.

Google Opening Session: Access Granted: The Untold Story of Google's Security

Panelist:

Kirsten Rasanen - Global Managing Director, Wallet & Payments Partnerships (Moderator)

Michael Hill - Global Head of Access Product, Google Wallet

Josh Pack- Global Identity & Access Lead, Google

Michael Wearmouth - EMEA Cluster Security Manager, Google

Guillaume Jeanne- Security Engineer, Google Offensive Security Team (aka RedTeam)

We got an inside look into Google's physical security mind. Google prioritizes security and access control, focusing on identity proofing and verification, particularly in a hybrid work environment. The company is migrating to a more secure, non-proprietary, and versatile standard for identity. Google Wallet is being developed to provide digital access credentials despite challenges such as infrastructure and changing business models. The company is also considering the future of physical badges, as it pertains to mobile or wearable technology (sparked an excellent debate amongst the attendees). Google's new London HQ, an ample mixed-use space, presents unique security challenges and opportunities for implementing these technologies.

Fireside Chat: Tzachi Wiesenfeld, iLOQ & Acre Security Chairman

In a fireside chat, Tzachi, a seasoned industry professional, joined me on stage to discuss the exciting transformation of the security and access control industry over the years. He highlighted the impact of technology, including cloud, A.I., and data, and the shift towards open architecture. Tzachi believes the industry is moving towards more connectivity and interoperability, creating opportunities for all stakeholders. He also noted the increased involvement of private equity in the industry, driving innovation and attracting new talent. Tzachi advises industry vets to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things, both technologically and from a business perspective.

Panel: Scaling Globally with Wallet

Panelist:

James Kendall, Director of Enterprise Engineering, SwiftConnect

Christoph Beckenbauer, General Manager, Legic

Mikhail Strunkin, EMEA Physical Access Partnerships Lead, Google Wallet, Google

Marc Ph. Stoecklin, Principal Research Scientist, Department Head of Security Research at IBM Research Europe in Zurich (moderator)

It was a treat to have Marc, of at IBM Research, join the panel at the last minute and moderate. The panel discussion focused on implementing and scaling digital badges and wallets in global companies. Key points included the importance of user experience and seamless integration with existing systems for successful adoption. Security considerations, emerging technologies, and cost efficiency were also discussed. The panelists emphasized the need for internal advocates to drive the adoption of these technologies within organizations.

Fireside Chat: Maureen Perelli, Chief Revenue Officer, Brivo

Moe discussed the shift in the industry towards enterprise software and the integration of I.T. and security systems. She highlighted the need for improved security solutions, citing a Brivo report that 40% of security professionals lack confidence in their current systems due to disparate and legacy systems. Moe also discussed the slow adoption of cloud solutions, particularly in Europe. She believes the future of access will be driven by technology, such as mobile and biometrics, and emphasizes the importance of making technology accessible to everyone.

Panel: Empowered Users: How Identity-Centric Access Control is Shaping the Industry

Panelist:

Danny Smith, Co-Owner, ColorID

Lars Kämpe, Director of Global Strategic Alliances EMEA, Zenitel

Mattias Eld, Co-Founder & EVP Strategy, Fidesmo

Marc Bielmann, Senior Vice President and Head of Identification Technologies, HID

The discussion revolved around the evolution of access control, focusing on the shift towards identity-centric systems. Panelists agreed that the change is already happening, with technology moving towards mobile credentials and cloud-based systems. The challenge lies in managing the rate of change and ensuring security. The conversation also highlighted the importance of interoperability, education, and collaboration in driving innovation in the industry. The panelists suggested that access control might be just one application within a broader identity management framework in the future.

Fireside Chat: David Moser, Senior Vice President & Head of Digital Access Solutions EMEIA, ASSA ABLOY

David discussed the company's transition into the digital space, focusing on improving interoperability standards and harmonizing their product portfolio. The company is also focusing on cloud adoption and supporting integration ecosystem partners. David highlighted the Middle East and Africa as exciting areas for growth, mainly due to the digital opportunities in the building environment.

Panel: The Evolved Locksmith: The Characteristics of a Modern Locksmith

Panelist:

Dave O'Toole, Founder and CMO, Touch2access Ltd

Ricardo Jardim, Founder and CEO, Chaviarte Locksmith Group

Caj Gardemeister, CCO, Chairman, Master Locksmith Guild of Finland

Killian Darcy, Director & Technical Solutions Engineer, Integrated Security

The panel discussion at ACS24 focused on the evolution of the locksmith industry. The panelists, representing various locksmith companies, discussed how the industry has transformed from traditional mechanical locks to digital technologies like smart locks, access control systems, and biometrics. They highlighted the challenges and opportunities in this digital transformation, emphasizing the need for skilled employees and product interoperability. They agreed that the future of the locksmith industry is moving towards a keyless world with increased use of mobile access.

Fireside Chat: Roberto Gaspari, CEO, ISEO Serrature s.p.a.

In a fireside chat, Roberto discussed the company's journey through digital transformation. The company integrated a cloud-based application, Sofia, into its system to enhance its mechatronic products. The transformation was not just about technology but also about integrating different company cultures and languages. Despite challenges, this process brought new opportunities and revitalized the business. Roberto also discussed the consolidation in the marketplace and the need for mid-sized companies to be flexible, customer-centric, and quick to react.

Panel: More Than Opening Doors: How Security Data Enables Business Actions

Panelist:

Anthony Chow, CEO & Co-Founder, igloo company

Dan Katz, Vice President, Enterprise and Alliances, Brivo

David Hughes, Head of Product, Comlit-PAC

Michaël Vandeven, CEO, Engilux

The panel discussion revolved around the increasing role of data in the security industry. The panelists agreed that the industry has transitioned from being solely about Security to being data-centric. They highlighted the importance of data in providing insights, improving customer experiences, and enhancing security measures. However, they also stressed the need for stringent data privacy measures, adhering to regulations like GDPR, and respecting customer data. According to the panelists, the industry's future lies in leveraging AI and cloud technologies, creating value from data, and ensuring customer-centricity.

Fireside Chat: Heikki Hiltunen, CEO, iLOQ

Heikki shared his journey from computer engineer to CEO and the company's unique business model. iLOQ, a Finnish technology company, focuses on digital marketing and sales, with 50% of its workforce in sales. The company has a solid international presence, focusing on multifamily living and critical infrastructure. iLOQ's strategy includes a mobile-only approach in the U.S. and an emphasis on cybersecurity. Heikki also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in today's market.

Panel: Beyond Reactive: How A.I. is Shaping Preemptive & Preventive Access Control

Panelist:

Divyakant Gupta, Founder & CEO, IDCUBE

Jonathan Lawry, CEO, Trecerdo

Boon Ping Ooi, Business Owner Security Gates, dormakaba

Mike Nielsen, Senior Director, Incubation and Disruptive Innovation, Intel Corporation

Rishi Lodhia, Managing Director, Eagle Eye Networks

The discussion revolved around the role of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) in the access control industry. Panelists debated whether A.I.'s impact is incremental or transformative. Some argued that A.I. will significantly change access control, citing its potential in data analysis, threat detection, resource optimization, and user experience. Others view A.I. as a tool for incremental improvements, arguing that many A.I. functions are enhancements of existing features. The panel agreed that the industry is undergoing rapid change due to cloud transformation and A.I. and that the convergence of physical and logical Security is a significant future trend.

Fireside Chat: Juan Andrés Arias, Senior Vice President Global Access Control Solutions, dormakaba

The conversation with Juan Andres focused on his 20+ years of experience in the industry, his journey from engineering to global product management, and the challenges and opportunities in the access control sector. He highlighted the importance of understanding more extensive customer needs, ensuring smooth transitions in technology for existing customers, and the role of Legic in simplifying high-security management. He also emphasized the industry's need for standardization and interoperability to foster healthier growth and better customer options.

Next Brief: Second half of the day and my main takeaways.