"I have been coming to the IFCPP Conferences for 27 years and have only missed a few due to

budget constraints. As a Collection Management consultant, I have found this organization and

its conferences to be very helpful in my work with small museums. I have also made wonderful

contacts within the Security community, and many friends, through the IFCPP conferences. I

always make sure this conference is in my schedule!"

 

Peggy Schaller, President, Collections Research for Museums, Inc.

 

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"I've been a member of IFCCP since 2009. My career has benefited from

certifications and training over the years that helped my personal development and

my institution's security team. The IFCCP annual conference gives me the

opportunity to learn and see the latest in security technology and operations. I've

made professional partnerships with other security professionals during the

conference that continue after the conference. I truly appreciate IFCCP's continued

commitment to elevating the expertise and ethics for cultural properties and all my

security needs. Thank You !!!"

 

Corey Burrage, Executive Director, Department of Protective Services, Art Institute of Chicago

 

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"I have attended many IFCPP Conferences during my long professional career and

credit the organization for helping me become a respected Security Professional. My

educational background was not in security, but it evolved into a major part of my

responsibilities for managing operations and security of a large world class museum.

The IFCPP certifications and resources are extremely valuable. Conference

presentations, workshops and facility tours are unquestionably informative. The ability to

network with the security professionals and vendors one meets at the conference is

invaluable. You will find a group who is eager to share solutions and ask advice for

their own questions after the conferences are over for the varied issues that arise

constantly."

 

Richard Boardman, Yale

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"What differentiates the IFCPP conference from others is the immersive

experience—both in the hosting cities and the institutions we visit. Every attendee

shares a deep-rooted affinity for the cultural property community and genuinely enjoys

talking about their organizations—museums, libraries, zoos, historic homes, World

Heritage sites, and botanical gardens.

One of the highlights for me is the hands-on exercises, especially conducting security

surveys at the sites we visit—like Hearst Castle or the Denver Art Museum (what a

blast!). It’s the best way to turn lectures and classroom concepts into real-world practice.

Learning is fun, practical, and immediately useful—and it’s equally rewarding to

exchange professional insights with fellow attendees.

IFCPP is truly a community experience. I’ve made lifelong connections through these

conferences, and I’m confident you will, too."

 

Robert Carotenuto, Associate Vice President of Security, New York Botanical Garden,

NY 

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"I’ve attended several IFCPP conferences over the years and have continually relied on

their online resources for my security team. Each conference has been an enriching,

rewarding experience. You would be hard‑pressed to find a stronger curriculum tailored

specifically to Cultural Property security professionals. The combination of high‑quality

training, a diverse and knowledgeable peer group, and the opportunity to build

meaningful connections during their events—and long after the conference

ends—makes IFCPP truly stand apart."

 

Daniel Munoz, Associate Director, Security & Gallery Operations, Hammer Museum, CA

 

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"IFCPP 27th Conference - New Orleans - April 18th to 22nd.

Thank you for yet another amazing conference.

The sessions were informative and enlightening. The location was great, but I mainly

enjoyed catching up with all the friends I have made over the years."

 

Ellen Shoults Batchelor, Head of Security, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum/THPO, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki

is a museum of Seminole culture and history, located on the Big Cypress Reservation in

Hendry County, Florida. The museum is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of

Florida.

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"I especially enjoyed how smooth this event felt and wanted to leave a thank you. Whova

was a big part of that for me, it kept everything organized and made participation much

easier.

Thank you for making the whole experience so enjoyable."

 

Dave Chaney, Head of Protection Services, Portland Art Museum

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"Dear Petra, Rob, Stephanie,

Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in the 2026 IFCPP Annual

Conference. It was truly an outstanding experience and one I found valuable on multiple

levels.

As a presenter, I was honored to have the opportunity to share experiences and lessons

learned with such a knowledgeable and mission-driven audience. The engagement from

attendees and the thoughtful discussions that followed each session made it clear that

this community is deeply committed to advancing the protection of cultural property.

As a participant, I found the conference to be exceptionally worthwhile. The quality of

the presentations, the practical relevance of the topics, and the willingness of

professionals to openly share ideas and best practices created an environment of

genuine learning. I left with new perspectives, practical strategies, and a renewed

appreciation for the complexity and importance of our shared mission.

From a networking standpoint, the conference was equally impactful. It brought together

professionals from museums, law enforcement, security, emergency management, and

related disciplines who all share a common purpose. The relationships and friendships

built, conversations held, and connections made during the conference were invaluable

and will continue to benefit our work long after the event concluded.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to earn the

IFCPP Certified Institutional Protection Executive (CIPE) designation. Receiving this

credential was especially meaningful to me, as it represents a respected professional

standard in our field and reflects IFCPP’s commitment to advancing excellence in

cultural property protection leadership.

Most importantly, the conference reminded me that none of us work alone in this field.

IFCPP has created something special by bringing together dedicated professionals who

care deeply about protecting people, places, and history.

Thank you to you, Rob, Stephanie, and the entire IFCPP team for delivering such a

professional, meaningful, and first-class event. I was proud to be part of it and look

forward to future opportunities to support IFCPP.

Respectfully,"

 

Norris Yarbrough, CIPE, CEM, LEM, Senior Security Manager (Armed), The National

WWII Museum, New Orleans

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"Rob, Petra, and Stephanie,

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for organizing such an outstanding

conference this year. From start to finish, it was a truly exceptional experience.

As my first time attending in New Orleans, I could not have asked for a better setting.

The energy of the city, combined with the caliber of professionals in attendance, made

for an unforgettable week. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with colleagues I have not

seen in some time, while also building new relationships that I know will last throughout

my career.

Professionally, the conference was incredibly impactful. I learned a great deal and feel

genuinely privileged to be among the first cohort to complete the Certified Institutional

Protection Executive (CIPE) program. It is a milestone I am proud of, and one that will

directly influence how I continue to drive operational excellence at the Griffin Museum of

Science and Industry.

More than anything, IFCPP has become far more than just an organization to me. It has

become a meaningful part of my ongoing education and professional growth—and, just

as importantly, it feels like family. That sense of community is something truly special

and speaks volumes about the culture you have built.

I am already looking forward to attending again next year.

In the meantime, I would like to extend an open invitation to any of you who may find

yourselves in Chicago. I would be honored to host you at the Griffin Museum of Science

and Industry. You are welcome to tour our historic German submarine U-505 or

experience our immersive underground coal mine. We are also excited to soon host the

Anne Frank House Exhibit, opening May 1 and running through January 2027.

Thank you again for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing our

profession."

 

Ali Haleem, Director, Safety & Security, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry,

Chicago, IL