
Navigating the Tariff Landscape: Insights for Security Manufacturers
For the last 40 years, globalization and worldwide supply chains have been a major priority across industries and have dominated economic trends; however, recent shifts towards domestic industrial growth and pandemic-related disruptions are quickly changing this economic model. In his second term, President Trump has advocated for placing tariffs on a variety of products in order to revitalize American manufacturing, but what does this mean for the security industry, where global production is the norm?
In this timely panel discussion, we’ll discuss the complexities of navigating tariffs in the security industry. The panelists will discuss how organizations in the security industry can handle challenging questions like how to respond to tariffs on nondomestic goods to supply chain changes.
Join us for an informative and interactive conversation.
Speakers
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McCarthy, DaveProgram Manager, Government Relations, Axis Communications
Dave McCarthy is an experienced public policy professional with a decade of experience in technology and government relations. After completing a BA in economics and political science from Florida State University, McCarthy worked in government advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels monitoring a wide range of policy issues in the tech space. After working at organizations in the nation’s capital, McCarthy joined the government relations program within Axis Communications, where he focuses on a variety of technology issues facing the greater security industry. In his position, McCarthy oversees legislative and policy developments, manages collaboration with industry associations and works internally to ensure product line compliance with government regulations.
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Sudduth, WesPartner, Venable
Wes Sudduth assists clients on issues related to international trade and national security laws and regulations, including cross-border regulatory compliance, economic sanctions, export controls and foreign investment reviews. Sudduth also focuses on import and customs matters, forced labor, anticorruption and antibribery, trade remedies and transportation and logistics-related laws and regulations, including the Shipping Act/maritime and all other modes. Sudduth is an experienced counselor who works to find practical solutions for client needs that include internal compliance reviews and investigations, training, screening and due diligence, voluntary disclosures, mergers and acquisitions, contract review and proactive engagement with regulators.
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Garcia, VadaSpecialist for Policy and Government Affairs, Consumer Technology Association
Vada Garcia is a policy professional with expertise in international trade, supply chains, technology and Latin America. She serves as specialist for policy and government affairs at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), where she bridges the gap between the tech industry and policymakers on trade-related issues. Her portfolio includes regulatory analysis, advocacy coordination and strategic communication with member companies on trade developments.
Garcia is the author of CTA Trade Watchers, a weekly members-only newsletter spotlighting key domestic and global trade policy updates impacting the tech sector. At CES, she manages high-level government guest tours of the show floor, designing curated experiences for cabinet secretaries, senators and other officials relevant to their policy areas.
Fluent in Spanish, Garcia is passionate about shaping policies that drive innovation and economic growth worldwide. She holds a B.A. in international politics and diplomacy from Texas A&M University and an M.A. in international economic relations from American University. Her prior experience includes roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s international affairs division and analyzing trade issues in the agriculture sector.
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Brennan, BillChair of the Board, i-PRO Americas
William (Bill) Brennan serves as chair of the board of i-PRO Americas, effective April 1, 2025. With more than 30 years of experience in the IT and security industries, Brennan has played a pivotal role in shaping the i-PRO brand since its transition from Panasonic in 2019. As the former president of i-PRO Americas, he was instrumental in establishing the company’s identity as a trusted provider of intelligent surveillance solutions and a proactive technology partner. Throughout his tenure, Brennan has championed innovation, cybersecurity and customer-centric growth strategies that have expanded i-PRO’s presence across critical markets. Known for his approachable leadership style, Brennan has built enduring relationships with end users, integrators and technology partners across the country. He holds a degree from the University of Central Florida and resides in Florida.