If you’re planning to attend the upcoming Border Security Expo at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio you might want to get your flight changed. The ongoing government shutdown has prompted event organizers to move the event from Feb. 6-7 to March 26-27.
“Given the attendance challenges presented by the current U.S. government shutdown, the Border Security Expo Team and the Advisory Board has decided to postpone the Expo in order to provide the best possible event for our exhibitors, attendees and speakers,” notes the event website. “The Sharpshooter Classic & Demo Day will be held on Thursday, March 28 at the Bandera Gun Club. Our event partners have worked closely with us to help accommodate the move, so these dates are firm and will not change again, regardless of how talks progress in Washington.”
SEE: Here’s How the Government Shutdown Affects U.S. Customs and Border Protection
MORE: ‘Just Want It to End’: Federal Workers March on White House with Shutdown Frustrations
This year’s Border Security Expo features a number of DHS personnel and expert speakers, including Derek Benner, executive director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Edward Dolan, the Department of Homeland Security attache for Central America; John P. Sanders, chief operating officer, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Rachelle Henderson, executive director of CBP’s Border Enforcement Management Systems.
Join us March 26-27 in San Antonio, where you will hear from border security leadership and industry experts as they discuss critical details on the latest challenges and issues impacting border security. #BSE19https://t.co/pnceFqPiAx pic.twitter.com/TW0p39Rp1v
— Border Security Expo (@border_security) January 17, 2019
Shutdown Cancels S&T Event
The shutdown already led to the cancellation of the 2019 Science & Technology Cybersecurity and Innovation Showcase, which annually features more than 130 presenters showcasing a combined $250 million in federally funded cybersecurity research and development.
SEE: Canceled: Government Shutdown Nixes 2019 S&T Cybersecurity and Innovation Showcase