Marcel Bruyns
Sales Manager for Africa, Axis Communications
Marcel Bruyns is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and growth. As the Sales Manager for Africa at Axis Communications, a leading provider of IP security solutions, Marcel has played a pivotal role in driving expansion and success in the African region. With over 15 years of experience in the technology industry, Marcel has developed a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills, enabling him to drive sales growth, develop strategic partnerships, and build a high-performing team. In his current role at Axis, Marcel has been instrumental in shaping Africa's go-to-market strategy, expanding the company's global footprint, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Marcel is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, sharing his insights on the latest trends and technologies in the security and surveillance industry. Marcel is passionate about the Axis brand and focuses on bringing innovative solutions to the market. Marcel believes collaboration and partnership are crucial in building a smarter, safer world.

Gerhard Furter
Head of R&D Iris AI
Gerhard started his career in machine intelligence 25 years ago, in the military space. He engineered his first stand-alone decision engine in 2000, which rapidly evolved into Michelle, his first machine intelligence. Project after project followed for the next 15 years, culminating in the Alchemy AI stack as it stands today.
Being a full-blown enthusiast and believing that his work is more a way to exploit his passion (hobby) for AI as a business than an actual job, Gerhard does not like recognition or the spotlight, but recently won the accolade of being formally described by the IFSEC management panel as the third most influential AI influencer in the world. He attributes his understanding of intelligent systems to being able to juggle a vibrant career, three teenagers and an online gaming hobby, whilst remaining sane.

Kim James
Director, Aerial Works
Kim James, also known as the "drone chick", is a passionate advocate for the drone industry and a commercial drone operator specialising in drone security. Kim's exceptional contributions to the drone industry were recognised when she was honoured as a Women and Drones 2023 Woman to Watch in Emerging Aviation Technologies. This prestigious accolade celebrates the outstanding work of women in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems industries, and Kim's inclusion is a source of pride and excitement. As Director of Operations in Aerial Works, Kim will be presenting on the operational complexity of drone security and the considerations when evaluating it.

Rodney Taylor
MD of Guardian Eye
As an entrepreneur at heart, Rodney's priorities are to grow and oversee the companies he is involved in. At the same time, he continuously looks out for further acquisitions as well as new disruptive technologies in which to invest. His strategic core focuses are information technology and structured finance. He is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation – the world's only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs, and sits on the Durban chapter's board. The Entrepreneurs' Organisation is a global community of over 12 000 successful business owners and thought leaders. When not in the office, Rodney can be found out at sea scuba diving with his kids or on the golf course.

Nico Broodryk
Bosch Security South Africa
Nico has been in the security industry for 22+ years and has a strong technical background in various fields, including video surveillance, access control, intrusion, home automation, and parking systems. For the past six years, he has focused his expertise more on the sales side of video surveillance at Bosch Security South Africa, driving business growth and developing new opportunities.

Christo Briedenhann
CEO, StratIT
With over 30 years of experience managing and leading technology organisations, Christo Briedenhann is the CEO of StratIT Holdings, a leading value-added distributor for enterprise risk management solutions across Africa and South Africa. He is passionate about technology and people, focusing on building StratIT Holdings into a clear leader and respectful value-added distributor in the African market. He has extensive knowledge and network across the entire African region, which was developed during the time he worked for companies like Quantum, Riverbed, SimpliVity and HPE as the regional director for the Middle East and Africa. He started StratIT Holdings in 2018 as a leading risk management solutions and services distributor. In a short time, he and his team turned StratIT Holdings into a profitable and growing company that plays a significant role in the IT and security risk management market.

Tony Rayner
Drensky Energy
For the past 30 years, Tony has specialised in lightning and surge protection technologies, cover-ing the protection of power supply systems, MCR (measurement and control) systems, infor-mation technology, and transceiver (RF) systems. For 15 years, he worked for Phoenix Contact as the product manager for Surge and Lightning Pro-tection systems. He now works for Drensky Energy, a Durban-based company, and was tasked with setting up a branch in Johannesburg to cover all the company's products, including surge and lightning protection systems.