The organizers of the next-generation identity solutions event connect:ID 2018 – Science Media Partners and the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) – are proud to reveal a range of exciting new initiatives for the event’s fifth edition.

connect:ID 2018, which encompasses an in-depth conference and free exhibition, will be held from 30 April – 2 May 2018 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC. The event is expected to attract 1,300+ identity and security professionals from government and the private sector.

To accommodate anticipated demand, the exhibition will be expanded by a third, to more than 100 booths, allowing a wider breadth of leading organizations to showcase their cutting-edge solutions. The exhibition will, for the first time, include a Start-up Zone, where young businesses can gain vital exposure to high-level buyers and influencers from government and industry across the world.

A newly-structured three-strand conference will demonstrate how government, industry, and consumers use identity solutions to accomplish their goals. The role of biometrics, digital ID, and next-generation secure credentials will be front and center, with vertical markets such as border management and fintech playing critical roles. The core themes to be addressed in 2018 are contained in the event’s positioning paper – connect:ID 2018: Identity Accelerates

In addition to the conference, connect:ID 2018 will feature two free Knowledge Exchange Theatres, which will allow all attendees to network with each other, and access inspirational free presentations from industry thought leaders.

Science Media Partners’ Managing Director, Mark Lockie, said: "Solutions leveraging the latest identity technologies have the power to transform the way we live our lives as citizens and consumers, as well as provide tangible benefits for governments and businesses. With these new initiatives and our strong track record of delivering inspiring identity events, we are confident that connect:ID 2018 will provide extraordinary learning and business opportunities for all those involved with identity technology."

Tovah LaDier, IBIA’s Managing Director, commented: "connect:ID is a flagship event for the biometrics and identity technology community. Every year, the industry and IBIA members look forward to this vital conference to connect with government and enterprise customers, to exchange ideas on operational challenges, new solutions, and how to bring innovative solutions to market. From the policies that drive requirements to exciting new technologies, connect:ID is the premier forum for everyone interested in biometrics and identity technology and solutions."