In 1984, under the leadership of independent security consultant Charles Sennewald and with the support of Security World Magazine and the International Security Conference (ISC), 17 interested parties representing all parts of the United States met for a founding meeting at the Barnabey Hotel in El Segundo, California. During the two-day meeting, IAPSC founders discussed the mission of the proposed organization; adopted By-Laws, including membership requirements; and set forth this statement of purpose:
The purpose of the IAPSC is to establish and maintain the highest possible standards in the security consulting profession. For that purpose, the Association will provide opportunities for the professional enhancement of its members, and will promote greater awareness of the objective standards of its membership.
The IAPSC began to grow as an increasing number of consultants saw the opportunity to interact and network with their peers. This unique organization provided individual security consultants with the opportunity to exchange ideas within an interactive community.
Since our 1984 inception, IAPSC continues to hold annual meetings in charming U.S. locations. These annual meetings serve as opportunities for professional enrichment. Guest speakers, who are experts in various security-related fields, conduct seminars and give lectures to attendees. Occasionally, IAPSC members participate in meeting presentation in order to enlighten colleagues about their specific expertise. The variety of meeting locations also serves to broaden cultural experience for members and their spouses.
Several members have performed duties as Executive Director of IAPSC. Currently, the organization employs a professional management firm to handle its affairs, and the association is run by elected officers and a volunteer-elected Board of Directors.
The IAPSC is an organization of peers. No member is considered better than another, and frequent elections prevent any small group from dominating the association. The strict ethical standards and stringent membership requirements ensure that each member represents the highest professional standards.
Past Annual Conferences
2024 - 39th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida
2023 - 38th Annual Conference in Chandler, Arizona
2022 - 37th Annual Conference in Westminster, Colorado
2021 – 36th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas
2019 – 35th Annual Conference in Miami, Florida
- "A Big Hit in Miami" May 4-6, 2019
2018 – 34th Annual Conference in San Diego, CA
- "Oceans of Opportunity” April 29 – May 1, 2018
2017 – 33rd Annual Conference in Austin, TX
2016 - Annual Conference in Charleston, SC
2015 - Annual Conference in Napa, CA
2014 - Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA
2013 - Annual Conference in Napa, CA
2012 - Annual Conference in Miami Beach, FL
2011 - Annual Conference in San Diego, CA
2010 - Annual Conference in Savannah, GA
2009 - Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA
2008 - Annual Conference in Austin, TX
2007 - Annual Conference in Jacksonville, FL
2006 - Annual Conference in Carefree, AZ
2005 - Annual Conference in Annapolis, MD
2004 - Annual Conference in Newport Beach, CA
2003 - Annual Conference in Boston, MA
2002 - Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA
2001 - Annual Conference in Santa Fe, NM
2000 - Annual Conference in San Diego, CA
1999 - Annual Conference in Williamsburg, VA
1998 - Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA
1997 - Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, FL
1996 - Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA
1995 - Annual Conference in Clearwater Beach, FL
1994 - Annual Conference in Reno, NV
1993 - Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA
1992 - Annual Conference in Hilton Head, SC
1991 - Annual Conference in Laughlin, NV
1990 - Annual Conference in Washington, DC
1989 - Annual Conference in Scottsdale, AZ
1988 - Annual Conference in Clearwater Beach, FL
1987 - Annual Conference in LaJolla, CA
1986 - Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ
1985 - Annual Conference in Clearwater Beach, FL
1984 - Founding Meeting in Los Angeles, CA