$4 Billion Border Spending Increase Passes Senate as Texas Readies for 2nd Annual Global Border Security Technology Conference

Business Wire, Oct 8, 2007

Conference to Showcase UAV, Biometric Technology in Response to Bi-Partisan Resolve

AUSTIN, Texas -- E.J. Krause & Associates, a world leader in exhibition and conference management, today announced the addition of two pavilions focused on unmanned aerial vehicles and biometric technologies at the Global Border Security Conference and Technology Expo in Austin, Texas on May 21-22, 2008. Last week, the Senate passed a $4 billion dollar increase focused on the U.S. border with Mexico including $794 million to support the deployment of 6,000 National Guard troops, and additional financing for approximately 700 miles of fencing.

The border money was added to the Pentagon spending bill by a bi-partisan 95-1 vote. The White House has signaled President Bush will accept the additional increase, even though it exceeds the administration's budget projection.

In response to growing demand for border defense and security technology from federal and state governments, the 2008 Global Border Security Conference has expanded its exposition to include two dedicated technology pavilions. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pavilion will focus on air-to-ground surveillance capabilities and unmanned aircraft. The Pavilion will showcase technologies from around the globe enabling more efficient, wide-area and all-terrain reconnaissance. The Advanced Biometrics Pavilion will present next-generation technologies for port and border security access control applications and integrated identification systems. Both pavilions will host technology leaders from across the globe.

Other technologies and tools on display at Global Border Security Conference include surveillance cameras, identification management software, bio-hazard detection, intelligence sharing applications, law enforcement technology and advanced barricade and fencing solutions.

Said Michael Rosenberg, Vice President of Homeland Security, for E.J. Krause, "The government's demand for advanced border technology is increasing and we are committed to providing a unique opportunity for government officials in homeland security and law enforcement to see first-hand what solutions are available to them. We are proud to be hosting the 2nd annual Global Border Security Conference in Austin, Texas and anticipate that the products and technologies at this event will define the next phase of investment in border surveillance and security."

Despite delays in the Secure Border Initiative Network (SBInet), the massive Boeing border integration project, the government continues to invest billions of dollars in new technology solutions. Boeing will not receive the final payment for the first 28-mile portion of the border surveillance system until the Homeland Security Department determines that the system meets requirements. The first segment, known as Project 28, includes nine towers, sensors and cameras.

On any given day, more than 1 million people, including over 600,000 aliens, over 300,000 private vehicles, and over 80,000 shipments of goods, are processed at the nation's borders.

In May 2007, hundreds of technology leaders and border security decision makers from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Mexico gathered in San Antonio for the inaugural Global Border Security Conference and Expo featuring speakers such as Asa Hutchinson, Former Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security, DHS, John P. Clark, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and The Honorable David Aguilar, Chief, Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

About E.J. Krause Associates

E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc. (EJK) is one of the largest privately held exhibition management companies in the world. With offices on four continents, EJK produces over 80 events in 16 different industries. EJK's reputation is based on its resolute commitment to excellence in service to its clients. For more information visit www.globalbordersecurity.com or www.ejkrause.com.