Authentication Connections Forum Returns for a Second Year to Promote Anti Counterfeiting Technologies

The first Authentication Connections Forum, held in March 2006 in Florida established an invaluable opportunity for companies involved across the spectrum of anti counterfeiting -- from specifiers and users through enforcers and suppliers -- to connect with one another, and also set in motion the moves to establish the International Authentication Association (IAA). The IAA aims to advance the use of authentication technologies as part of effective anti counterfeiting strategies. The second ACF intends to build upon this success. For further information, visit www.acf-acd.com

Following the success of the first ACF, the second forum is accordingly being held in association with the IAA, and will be on 17th-19th September in Minneapolis, USA. It will again be an opportunity for suppliers of authentication technologies and services to meet and foster collaboration, and for current and potential users to learn about best practices and to connect the leading technologies and suppliers in the industry. By building relationships between those in the authentication and anti counterfeiting communities, it is hoped that fake products and piracy can be better detected and combated.

Carrying forward the concept of an event for and about the authentication community, the theme of the second Authentication Connections Forum is Integrating Authentication in Practice. The program will cover topics such as:

· What it means to integrate anti counterfeiting authentication in the practical world of production lines, supply chains and retailing
· The connections needed for efficient authentication integration
· The connections between suppliers, converters, users and enforcement agencies which are necessary for examination and detecting of fake products
· Authentication in detection, investigation and prosecution of suspected counterfeits and fake products
· The relative roles of tracking, pedigree and similar logistics technologies and authentication and how they interconnect
· The contribution of integrators
· Marketplace and distribution monitoring, either in the physical world or on the Internet; Consumer education regarding authentication devices and the public's perception of authentication technology including hot stamp and hologram security

Reconnaissance has issued a Call for Papers, inviting organisations involved in the supply or use of authentication technologies to submit proposals for papers that support the theme of the conference. Submissions should be made no later than April 7th.

The second Authentication Connections Forum, as before, will be accompanied by an exhibition of the latest anti counterfeiting technologies, systems and services offered by some of the leading suppliers within the authentication field.

For further information, visit www.acf-acd.com or contact Astrid Mitchell:

Reconnaissance International
2A High Street
Shepperton
TW17 9AW
UK
+44 1932 269917

About Reconnaissance:
Based in the UK and the US, Reconnaissance is the leading global specialist for business intelligence in authentication for document security, brand protection and personal identification. Through newsletters, conferences, reports and the journal Authentication News, it shares specialised knowledge of this constantly changing industry. It has clients in practically every industry imaginable, from governmental to leading brands, and is led by a team of seasoned professionals with a network of associates, worldwide.