From Stadiums to Cyberspace: Protecting World-Class Sporting Events
Join us for an engaging evening of food, drinks, and networking as we welcome Dr. Sridhar Muppidi, VP & CTO of IBM Security, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Muppidi will share insights from his experience securing the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022, discuss how global event security risks have evolved since then, and outline what’s required to safeguard future world-class sporting events.
Following the keynote, Jeff Wilson, VP of Sales and Marketing at GlassHouse Systems, will moderate a dynamic panel discussion featuring Dr. Muppidi and;
Scott Slack, Canadian Market Leader at IBM Data Security,
Jim Attridge, Zero Trust Program Director for BCLC and previously CISO for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 OlympicWinter Games (VANOC)
John Brewer, Assistant Commissioner RCMP, Head of the BC RCMP's security team for FIFA World Cup 2026
This event is generously sponsored by IBM and GlassHouse Systems.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Sridhar Muppidi, VP & CTO of IBM Security
Dr. Sridhar Muppidi is an IBM Fellow and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for IBM Security Systems, where he drives the company’s global technical strategy, architecture, and research initiatives across threat management, digital identity, fraud protection, application and data security, and cloud security.
A visionary cybersecurity leader with over three decades of experience, Dr. Muppidi has been instrumental in shaping IBM’s security portfolio and leading innovations that address the evolving threat landscape. His work spans securing global events such as the Qatar World Cup 2022, developing scalable solutions for enterprise clients worldwide, and advancing open collaboration through initiatives like the Open Cyber Security Alliance and the Open Cyber Security Schema Framework.
Holding both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University, Dr. Muppidi has authored numerous technical publications and holds over 70 patents, including pioneering advancements in risk-based authentication. Recognized as an IBM Master Inventor and respected thought leader, he embodies a lifelong passion for cybersecurity — embracing change, collaboration, and innovation to shape a safer digital future.
PANELISTS:
Scott Slack, Canadian Market Leader at IBM Data Security
Scott Slack is a cybersecurity leader with over two decades of experience helping Canadian enterprises navigate the complex intersection of data protection, regulatory compliance, and emerging technologies. As the Canadian Market leader for IBM Data Security, Scott works closely with executive teams across industries to develop and implement strategies that mitigate risk, protect critical data assets, and enable innovation—especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI Security & Quantum Safe. His deep expertise and client-centric approach have made him a trusted partner in driving secure digital transformation.
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Jim Attridge, Zero Trust Program Director for BCLC
Jim is currently responsible for delivering a multi-year Zero Trust program for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. In his past roles, he was the CISO for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 OlympicWinter Games (VANOC) where he established and led a team of world class IT Security professionals through the planning and operational phases of the Games. Jim has since led the Cybersecurity functions for BC Hydro and Canfor.
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Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, Criminal Operations Officer – Core Policing with the BC RCMP
Superintendent Brewer has served with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) since 1994, holding a range of leadership roles across British Columbia and internationally. His career has spanned General Duty, Drug Enforcement, Aboriginal and Community Policing, and International Policing assignments, including service in Afghanistan as NATO’s Senior Police Advisor for the Afghanistan Border Police, where he received the United States Superior Service Medal.
Today, Superintendent Brewer serves as Assistant Commissioner overseeing the BC RCMP’s contribution to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver, where he leads interagency coordination and public safety planning for this global sporting event.
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Moderator:
Jeff Wilson, VP of Sales and Marketing at GlassHouse Systems
Jeff leads Sales and Marketing for GlassHouse Systems, working with enterprise customers across North America on cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and cloud. Over his 35-year tenure in IT, Jeff has led businesses in North America and Europe, including a VP role at Hewlett-Packard Canada and as General Manager of the storage business at IBM Canada. Jeff holds a B.A. from the University of Waterloo and an M.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University.