HELUG 2026 hosted by Rochester Institute of Technology
The Maker’s Key: Unlocking Innovation in Campus Access Control
The 13th Annual HELUG Conference will be hosted by Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York on June 7-10, 2026. This year, there will be a post-conference training hosted by LenelS2. Just like the conference, the training event will be free, thanks to our business partners.
Please register for the conference using the button below. We’d love to see you in Rochester! Whether you can make it in person or plan to attend virtually, please register. Want to present at HELUG 2026? There’s a button for that too.
The Maker’s Key: Unlocking Innovation in Campus Access Control
Here is the agenda for our conference. This agenda is subject to change. All times listed below are EDT.
Sunday, June 7
Today’s events will take place at RIT SHED.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Sunday)
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
11 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Business Partners setup in room 3350.
Welcome Reception is in the SHED Atrium on the first floor.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit not required for Sunday).
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
4:00p – 9:00p
Business Partners setup (Room 3350)
6:00p – 8:00p
Welcome Reception
(more information)
Welcome Reception
Come join us as we say hello to old friends and make new friends with hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Mingle with HELUG members and business partners and check out the conference location for the week. The best part of a HELUG conference is the networking and this is a great place to start.
Monday, June 8
Today’s events will take place at RIT SHED.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Monday)
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
11 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Main conference is on 3rd floor in rooms 3300 and 3350.
Breakout sessions may be held in 3510, 3520, 3530, and 3560 on 3rd floor.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit required).
To obtain permit, go to Parking & Travel tab and follow instructions.
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
8:00a – 9:00a
Breakfast
(more information)
Breakfast
Start your day off right with some breakfast and some networking. It’s the first day of educational sessions at HELUG 26 – this is a great way to start it off!
9:00a – 9:10a
Welcome & Opening Remarks
(more information)
Welcome & Opening Remarks
We’ll kick-off the formal part of the conference with a welcome and some housekeeping items.
9:10a – 9:55a
RIT’s Journey to OSDP with OnGuard
Jeremy Fromm, Mercury Security Evangelist from Mercury
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Team
9:55a – 11:30a
Campus Tour Options
(more information)
Campus Tour Options for Monday
Today we have 2 tour options good for today only. These tours are designed to take up this entire time, so you’ll need to pick just one.
MAGIC Spell Studios Tour
MAGIC Spell Studios was founded in 2013 and is a best-in-class 52,000-foot facility and home to RIT’s digital media research and production. At MAGIC, we learn by making things. This guiding principle informs our work and our relationships and is at the heart of what we do.
Cyber Range Tour
The RIT Cyber Range and Training Center delivers a unique training experience for senior leaders and IT security professionals. Our cutting-edge, purpose-built cyber range allows us to create realistic threat scenarios on a scale that mirrors massive global operations, with a focus on critical industries, such as municipal services, healthcare, energy, and finance.
11:30a – 1:00p
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
(more information)
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
Enjoy a break from the action with a great lunch. This extended time is meant for you to meet with someone new and potentially join a “Birds of a Feather” group. These groups allow you to get together with peers to discuss certain topics that you are interested in. These “Birds of a Feather” opportunities will be available each day during lunch.
1:00p – 1:20p
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
(more information)
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
True to our theme – “The Maker’s Key: Unlocking Innovation in Campus Access Control”, you’ll be getting a quick tip or two from your fellow HELUG members. You will go home with some you can use with your OnGuard system!
1:20p – 1:50p
Give Us What We Want
Jeff Koziol, Higher Education Business Development Manager at Allegion
Jason Muscolino, Electronic Sales Engineer at Allegion
(more information)
Give Us What We Want
As campuses continue to modernize their physical security ecosystems while working with new construction and major renovation projects, this session will provide insight to campuses on how to maintain their hardware standards, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and long-term supportability across expanding campus environments. In addition, the session will highlight cloud-based electronic tools and asset management platforms that help security and facility operations teams to document, track, and manage deployed hardware across multiple buildings and campuses.
Attendees will also get a short industry update on mobile credentials in the Apple and Google Wallets, with the long-term realities of infrastructure management and operational visibility.
Designed for higher education security and technology professionals, this presentation will provide actionable insights, implementation considerations, and operational best practices to help institutions strengthen security, improve lifecycle management, and maintain visibility into their evolving access control ecosystems.
About the Presenter
Jeff Koziol, Higher Education Business Development Manager at Allegion
Jeff Koziol works for Allegion as the Vertical Market Leader & Business Development Manager for Higher Education. He has worked with Allegion (Ingersoll Rand) for 33 years in three different separate businesses with various assignments in Project Management, Product Management, Marketing, Sales and Business Development.
Jeff is a member of NACCU – the National Association of Campus Card Users – and has a passion for working with Higher Education clients and partners to improve campus security while improving the student experience in this area.
He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from WPI in Worcester, MA and an MBA from RPI in Troy, NY. He resides in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Jason Muscolino, Electronic Sales Engineer at Allegion
1:50p – 2:20p
KeyWatcher Touch – Intelligent Key Management for Higher Education
Mario Luis, Field Service Manager at Morse Watchmans
Kimberly Rebelo, Account Executive at Morse Watchmans
(more information)
KeyWatcher Touch – Intelligent Key Management for Higher Education
Securing every access point, every key/key card, every area of campus – protecting students, faculty, and visitors.
About the Presenters
Mario Luis, Field Service Manager at Morse Watchmans
Mario Luis is a Technical Support Representative and Field Service Manager with extensive experience supporting customers in the field and remotely. He specializes in delivering comprehensive training programs, including on-site training, in-house sessions, and webinar-based instruction, ensuring customers gain a clear and practical understanding of the product.
In addition to customer training, Mario works closely with the Engineering team to continuously improve product performance and usability. He also plays a key role in quality assurance, being responsible for performing final testing and validation of new product releases prior to deployment.
Kimberly Rebelo, Account Executive at Morse Watchmans
Kimberly Rebelo is an experienced Sales and Account Executive with Morse Watchmans, where she has spent the past 19 years building strong client relationships and driving business growth. With nearly two decades of industry expertise, Kimberly specializes in delivering secure key control and asset management solutions tailored to organizational needs. She is known for her customer-focused approach, deep product knowledge, and commitment to helping clients achieve operational efficiency and security excellence.
2:20p – 3:00p
Breakout A: OnGuard Cleanup – Document and Manage Access Levels
Jon Finke, Software Architect at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(more information)
OnGuard Cleanup – Document and Manage Access Levels
As part of a larger project to delegate assignment of access levels, RPI built a system that allows them to document both readers (location, type of access (room, corridor, building) , space owner, space restrictions) as well as access levels (type – role vs named, owner, restrictions, as well as membership – including member compliance). Using the OpenAccess API from LenelS2, RPI extracted readers, access levels and assignments and set up an enhanced “overlay” in their database that allows them to “add” the additional fields for readers and access levels. They also added a report that allows users to compare the reader assignment for multiple access levels.
About the Presenter
Jon Finke, Software Architect at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
A long term member of the IT department, Jon concentrates in IDM issues, and has been provisioning the OnGuard system with people and some access level assignments since it’s deployment many years ago.
2:20p – 3:00p
Breakout B: Under the Hood: A Peer Roundtable on Access Control Hardware
HELUG Membership
(more information)
Under the Hood: A Peer Roundtable on Access Control Hardware
Come join the discussion about real-life best practices and tips when it comes to access control hardware! What’s the best power supply and why? What cabling do you use? What lessons have you learned that you would rather not repeat? This roundtable discussion is as good as you make it!
3:00p – 3:30p
Break / Spend time with business partners
(more information)
Break / Spend time with business partners
Enjoy a quick snack and visit with your favorite business partner! And then go meet a business partner you have not met! Take this time to learn how these great business partners can help you solve problems at your institution. They can show you how to unlock innovation in access control for your campus.
3:30p – 4:15p
Breakout A: Physical Security Standards Documentation
Robert Hinnant, Physical Security Supervisor at University of North Carolina at Wilmington
(more information)
Physical Security Standards Documentation
Need some standards for your hardware? Not sure where to start? Come learn how University of North Carolina at Wilmington developed, documented, implemented, enforces, and maintains their physical security standards.
About the Presenter
Robert Hinnant, Physical Security Supervisor at University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Robert has been in the Physical Security field for over 30 years and employed at UNCW for 20. He has progressed from being the UNCW Physical Security Lead Electronics Technician to the Department Supervisor. He holds an associate’s degree in electronic and computer technology and certified for Lenel OnGuard, Genetec Advantage software and hardware as well as an Axis Communications Certified Professional. Finally, Robert is a proud United States Navy Veteran.
3:30p – 4:15p
Breakout B: Don’t Get Locked Out: Strategies for Seamless Upgrades & Migrations
HELUG Membership
(more information)
Don’t Get Locked Out: Strategies for Seamless Upgrades & Migrations
Come join the roundtable discussion about how to best handle challenges related to upgrades and migrations of OnGuard and related systems. Have some cautionary tales? How about some proven results? This is a great opportunity to learn from our peers and business partners about how to best conduct upgrades and migrations.
4:15p – 5:15p
OnGuard: Where we are Today, and What’s Coming!
Brian Tripp, OnGuard Offering Management Lead at LenelS2 a Honeywell Company
(more information)
OnGuard: Where we are Today, and What’s Coming!
Join us for a look back at the OnGuard enhancements delivered in our latest 8.4 release, along with an exclusive preview of the new capabilities planned for version 8.5 arriving in Q1 2026. We’ll also walk through the OnGuard Updates timeline to help you plan and prioritize your next upgrade strategy.
About the Presenter
Brian Tripp, OnGuard Offering Management Lead at LenelS2 a Honeywell Company
Brian is a member of the Enterprise Product Team, focused on Access Control, Enterprise Solutions, and Core Infrastructure for the OnGuard platform, and serves as the Lead Product Manager coordinating program initiatives across the OnGuard portfolio.
Brian joined Lenel in 2005, prior to its acquisition by UTC and later Honeywell, beginning his career within the Global Education team, where he later became Internal Training Manager working closely with Sales and Technical teams to deliver education/enablement for new products and platform support. That collaboration led to his transition into the Product Management organization in 2010.
Over the years, Brian and the LenelS2 Team have guided the evolution of OnGuard through 15 major releases (as of 8.4), supporting customers within Higher Education and numerous other vertical markets around the globe.
A longtime supporter of the Higher Education Lenel Users Group (HELUG), Brian has attended and presented at multiple annual conferences over the years. The 2026 conference at Rochester Institute of Technology marks his seventh time presenting to the HELUG community since 2016.
Evening
Free Evening (on your own)
(more information)
Free Evening (on your own)
The activities of the evening are your choice! There are lots of fun things to do in Rochester so grab a friend and check out the town! Or, enjoy a meal with a business partner. Some of you will go back to your hotel room and enjoy an early evening of rest. Whatever floats your boat, enjoy this Monday evening. We have a busy day tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 9
Today’s events will take place at RIT SHED.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Tuesday)
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
11 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Main conference is on 3rd floor in rooms 3300 and 3350.
Breakout sessions may be held in 3510, 3520, 3530, and 3560 on 3rd floor.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit required).
To obtain permit, go to Parking & Travel tab and follow instructions.
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
8:00a – 9:00a
Breakfast
(more information)
Breakfast
Welcome to Tuesday! At least it’s not Monday… It’s a great day for some breakfast and some more networking. There’s a lot of buzz from yesterday, right? Lots of great discussions and information learned, no doubt. We’re just getting started!
9:00a – 9:45a
LenelS2 in Building Automation – Our Path Forward
Ewa Pigna, President of Security & Access Solutions at Honeywell
(more information)
LenelS2 in Building Automation – Our Path Forward
Highlights of key strategic objectives for LenelS2 product portfolio inside of Honeywell’s Building Automation Unit
About the Presenter
Ewa Pigna, President of Security & Access Solutions at Honeywell
Ewa Pigna is President of Security & Access Solutions for Honeywell Building Automation. Appointed to this role in April 2026, she leads the global business portfolio, lifecycle strategy, and innovation roadmap across the combined Honeywell and LenelS2 offerings.
Previously, Ewa served as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Honeywell’s Security & Access Solutions organization. She brings more than 30 years of experience in software engineering and physical security, with deep expertise in access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection.
Ewa holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from UCLA and is a named inventor on multiple patents, including innovations in mobile credentialing and secure identity management. She is committed to building high-performing teams and advancing a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and inclusive leadership.
9:45a – 10:15a
Unlocking Video Management
Kevin McKay, Channel Business Manager at Milestone Systems
(more information)
Unlocking Video Management
LenelS2 and Milestone have come together to co-develop and deliver a best-in-class access control and video management solution with the versatility and flexibility to evolve your approach to physical security without limits.
About the Presenter
Kevin McKay, Channel Business Manager at Milestone Systems
Kevin has 15 years of security industry experience working with the best in class video and access control manufacturers. Kevin started off his career in Rochester, NY with a small family owed security alarm company.
10:15a – 10:30a
The Future of Intentional Identity Assurance
Joseph Carpinelli, PhD, Senior Director of Products at Princeton Identity
(more information)
The Future of Intentional Identity Assurance
In this brief 15 minute presentation, Joseph Carpinelli will give a quick overview and live demonstration of two groundbreaking new iris recognition products from Princeton Identity and explain how their capabilities will deliver security and compliance in future enterprise applications.
About the Presenter
Joseph Carpinelli, PhD, Senior Director of Products at Princeton Identity
Joseph M. Carpinelli, Ph.D. leads the Products Division for Princeton Identity, a NJ Startup delivering iris-recognition and multi-factor identity assurance solutions for the physical / logical access control and immigration markets. In this role, he focusses on consumer-centric innovation and simplifying complexity within product management, customer success, test and QA, strategy, and marketing.
Joe has over two decades of program leadership experience in government and commercial R&D for IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. Before joining Princeton Identity, he led an international product / experience design team for Siemens Healthineers (NJ and Germany) and has also lead development and operations at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) International (NJ), and worked at Sandia National Laboratories (NM) and Oak Ridge National Laboratories (TN).
Joe earned a Bachelors of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ), a Ph.D. in Physics from The University of Pennsylvania, and over 1,400 citations from dozens of patents and peer-reviewed publications.
10:30a – 12:00p
Campus Tour Options
(more information)
Campus Tour Options for Tuesday
Today we have 2 tour options good for today only. These tours are designed to take up this entire time, so you’ll need to pick just one.
Security Operations Center Tour
Get an inside look at how our team leverages Lenel OnGuard to protect a large higher education campus. This guided tour of our Security Operations Center takes you behind the scenes to see our monitoring infrastructure, alarm management workflows, and access control operations in a live environment. Walk away with practical insights into SOC design, operator workflows, and how we’ve configured OnGuard to meet the unique challenges of a university setting. Space is limited — a great opportunity to see a peer institution’s deployment up close.
ITS RSC ID Card Services Tour
See how RIT has reimagined the traditional campus card office experience. Styled after an Apple Store, our ID Service Center combines clean, modern design with a service-first philosophy — featuring an open floor plan, dedicated service stations, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps student and staff interactions efficient and stress-free. This guided tour will showcase how the space integrates with Lenel OnGuard for credential issuance and how thoughtful physical design can elevate both the user experience and operational workflow. A must-see for anyone looking to modernize their campus card operation.
12:00p – 1:30p
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
(more information)
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
Enjoy a break from the action with a great lunch. This extended time is meant for you to meet with someone new and potentially join a “Birds of a Feather” group. These groups allow you to get together with peers to discuss certain topics that you are interested in. These “Birds of a Feather” opportunities will be available each day during lunch.
1:30p – 1:50p
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
(more information)
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
True to our theme – “The Maker’s Key: Unlocking Innovation in Campus Access Control”, you’ll be getting a quick tip or two from your fellow HELUG members. You will go home with some you can use with your OnGuard system!
1:50p – 2:50p
Invisible Access, Visible Results: Automations, Integrations & Mobile Credentials in Action
Justin Dagen, Executive VP of Integrations & Integrated Solutions at Detrios | SwiftConnect
Amanda Imperial, Integrations Team Lead at Detrios | SwiftConnect
Jared Gettinger, Vice President of Sales at Detrios | SwiftConnect
(more information)
Invisible Access, Visible Results: Automations, Integrations & Mobile Credentials in Action
At Detrios and SwiftConnect, we believe access should feel invisible, people should move through buildings the same way they move through the rest of their digital lives: simply, securely, and without friction. We’ll open with a look at DAX, the Detrios platform that automates door control by connecting event scheduling, summer conferences, and student housing directly to OnGuard. Then we’ll take a closer look at real-world use cases from Detrios customers in higher education, highlighting how smart integrations are helping campuses reduce risk and streamline operations. We’ll close with practical lessons for navigating the shift to mobile credentials, including how to evaluate and select the right credential manager for your campus.
About the Presenters
Justin Dagen, Executive VP of Integrations & Integrated Solutions at Detrios | SwiftConnect
Justin Dagen is a software engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in physical access control integration. He joined Lenel Systems in 2004, where he spent 12 years building and leading the Lenel Custom Solutions team – growing it into the go-to resource for complex, enterprise-grade access control integrations across higher education, government, military, and Fortune 100 companies. In 2017, Justin founded Detrios to bring that same integration expertise to the broader market, culminating in DAX – the only purpose-built platform that integrates higher education event management, housing, and access control systems to automate door scheduling and access assignments based on event schedules and housing contracts in a school’s existing software systems. Detrios was acquired by SwiftConnect in 2022, and Justin continues to lead SwiftConnect’s higher education division and integration efforts under the Detrios | SwiftConnect brand.
Amanda Imperial, Integrations Team Lead at Detrios | SwiftConnect
Amanda Imperial is a Software Engineer and Team Lead with 9 years of experience specializing in access control integrations. At Detrios, she leads integration efforts spanning requirements gathering, solution design, and project management, drawing on over five years of hands-on development experience. Before that, she was a Team Lead and Software Engineer at LenelS2 building custom software solutions.
Amanda holds a B.S. in Game Design and Development from Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.A. in Digital Communication and Multimedia from DePaul University. At face value, access control might seem like a departure from game design, but what ties it all together is a deeply user-driven approach. Just as good game design centers the player’s experience, Amanda brings that same philosophy to access control — working closely with customers to understand their goals, align on solutions, and deliver results that genuinely work for the people using them.
Jared Gettinger, Vice President of Sales at Detrios | SwiftConnect
Jared Gettinger is the Vice President of Global Sales at SwiftConnect, where he leads the company’s worldwide sales strategy and execution. With more than 20 years of experience in physical access control, Jared brings a combination of both integrator and manufacturer experience to his work. Prior to SwiftConnect, Jared led business development at LenelS2, with domain expertise within higher education. His career spanning both sides of the industry gives him a comprehensive understanding of how access control and mobile credential solutions are deployed and adopted at scale.
2:50p – 3:20p
Charting the course for Mobile Credentials
Amy Surprenant, Higher Education End User Business Development Director at HID Global
(more information)
Charting the course for Mobile Credentials
Universities have more choice than ever when it comes to mobile wallet credentials. Join us for a dynamic conversation on how to pave the path forward—and confidently move your campus into the future of access control.
About the Presenter
Amy Surprenant, Higher Education End User Business Development Director at HID Global
Amy Surprenant brings over 14 years of experience in higher education, with a unique perspective as a former end user.
Originally from New England, she began her career as a Business Manager at the University of Vermont’s CATcard Service Center before relocating to Nashville, TN, where she led Card Services at Vanderbilt University.
Amy played a key role in deploying digital credentials at both institutions—what she often calls her “claim to fame.” She is known for wearing many hats, her deep passion for security, and her commitment to helping universities navigate the transition to mobile credentials.
Today, Amy serves as a trusted advisor to higher education institutions, guiding them in building strategic roadmaps for modern, secure access solutions.
Outside of work, Amy lives in Johns Island, SC with her rescue lab, Texas. She enjoys yoga, time by the water, great wine, and cooking—and once worked as a white-water rafting guide in Northern Maine.
3:20p – 3:45p
Break / Spend time with business partners
(more information)
Break / Spend time with business partners
Enjoy a quick snack and visit with your favorite business partner! And then go meet a business partner you have not met! Take this time to learn how these great business partners can help you solve problems at your institution. They can show you how to unlock innovation in access control for your campus.
3:45p – 4:30p
Breakout A: Query the Crowd: Peer Insights on Reporting, Dashboards & SQL
HELUG Membership
(more information)
Query the Crowd: Peer Insights on Reporting, Dashboards & SQL
How do you report or visualize data from OnGuard and related systems? Have some advice to share with others? Join us in this interactive roundtable discussion about how to better utilize your data for the purpose of reports and dashboards. Have some useful SQL tips? Bring them and share with your peers!
3:45p – 4:30p
Breakout B: Built for Mobile: Navigating the Next Chapter in Campus Credentials
HELUG Membership
(more information)
Built for Mobile: Navigating the Next Chapter in Campus Credentials
You’ve implemented mobile credentials, but are you done? What are the next steps? What population on your campus has mobile credentials? How do you handle the cards still remaining? Are all of your readers and systems capable of accepting the mobile credential? We’ll discuss these types of things at this roundtable discussion. Bring your experiences and your questions to share with the group. This session is whatever you make it!
4:30p – 5:15p
Breakout A: The Maker’s Playground: Integrations, Innovations & Cool Things
HELUG Membership
(more information)
The Maker’s Playground: Integrations, Innovations & Cool Things
Let’s join together in a roundtable format and discuss integrations we’ve created involving our access and security systems on campus. Integrated software or hardware with OnGuard and want to share? How about elevators, camera systems, HR systems, and more? What is the craziest thing you’ve integrated with? This could be a very cool discussion. Be there or be square.
4:30p – 5:15p
Breakout B: Your Conference, Your Voice: An Open Discussion on the Future of HELUG Conferences
HELUG Membership
(more information)
Your Conference, Your Voice: An Open Discussion on the Future of HELUG Conferences
Want to share ideas you have for future HELUG conferences? Join us and share your ideas. These conferences are for the HELUG membership and we want to hear what you like and don’t like about the conference and what you would like to see. Hear some ideas from the conference planners and weigh-in on those ideas for future conferences.
Evening
A Night at the Ballpark with Detrios | SwiftConnect
Co-hosted by Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, HID Global, and LenelS2. (Separate registration required.)
(more information)
A Night at the Ballpark with Detrios | SwiftConnect
Co-hosted by Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, HID Global, and LenelS2
Enjoy a casual night of Red Wings baseball from a private suite with indoor and outdoor seating, plus a fan-favorite food and drink menu. The Rochester Red Wings will be taking on the Woo Sox from Worcester with first pitch at 6:45pm.
You must register separately to attend this event. Registration information was sent to those registered for the HELUG 26 conference via e-mail.
The hosts planned this event alongside the HELUG 2026 Conference to provide an opportunity to connect with peers and partners in a relaxed, social setting.
Dinner and drinks will be served in the Power Alley Suite, located just behind the right-center field wall, offering a unique view of the game, a patio enclosure, and terrace with stadium seats for your enjoyment.
While the event is open to all HELUG members and a guest (if applicable), spots are limited, so register today. Here are some more details:
- Round-trip transportation will be provided from RIT.
- Shuttles will be looping throughout the evening for your convenience.
- The ballpark is 15-20 minutes from campus, in downtown Rochester.
- Gates open at 5:30pm, first pitch is at 6:45pm.
Wednesday, June 10
Today’s events will take place at RIT SHED until 2:20pm. Afternoon and evening events will take place at LenelS2 Headquarters and the Woodcliff Hotel.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Wednesday)
From 8:00am – 2:20pm:
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
11 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Main conference is on 3rd floor in rooms 3300 and 3350.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit required).
To obtain permit, go to Parking & Travel tab and follow instructions.
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
Afternoon and Evening Events
LenelS2 Headquarters
1212 Pittsford Victor Road, Pittsford, NY 14534
The Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
199 Woodcliff Dr, Fairport, NY 14450
Parking & Shuttle Details
Parking available onsite (no permit required). A single charter bus will be offered from RIT to LenelS2 and back. The bus will make one trip from RIT to LenelS2 at 2:20 and then to the Woodcliff Hotel. At 9:00pm, the bus will go back to RIT and makes a stop at the 2 HELUG hotels.
8:00a – 9:00a
Breakfast
(more information)
Breakfast
It’s the last day of the conference! Unless you are sticking around for some training… One more breakfast to share with your old and new friends. Don’t shed a tear yet, we’ve got a full day ahead of us with an amazing time planned for later this afternoon.
9:00a – 9:30a
Governing Physical Access – Lenel + IAM Integration
John Morris, Security Application Engineer at eBay
(more information)
Governing Physical Access – Lenel + IAM Integration
How are you managing the approval and provisioning of access levels? By integrating Lenel with SailPoint (or your chosen IAM platform), physical access becomes automated, auditable, and governed through existing IAM processes.
About the Presenter
John Morris, Security Application Engineer at eBay
John started in the security industry 15+ years ago as a technician working at various college campuses. He then moved into system administration for a local university before taking his current role with eBay as a Security Application Engineer for their global security systems, including PACS, VMS, Visitor Management, and Incident management platforms.
9:30a – 10:00a
There’s an App(erio) For That
Brett Africk, Higher Education University Specialist at ASSA ABLOY
(more information)
There’s an App(erio) For That
Aperiō. Latin: “to open,” “to make accessible.” ASSA ABLOY chose the name well. While many people think of Aperio as simply a wireless lock, the portfolio extends far beyond traditional door openings. From a glass entrance, to an aluminum storefront door, to a residence hall opening, to a gate secured with a padlock, Aperio helps bring access control to places often considered difficult or impractical to secure.
Join us for a practical look at the Aperio ecosystem and learn how to identify solutions for challenging openings across campus. By the end, when someone points to a difficult opening and asks, “Can we get that into Lenel?” you’ll know the answer may be, “There’s an App(erio) for that.”
About the Presenter
Brett Africk, Higher Education University Specialist at ASSA ABLOY
Brett Africk is the Higher Education University Specialist for ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions, supporting colleges and universities across New York and New Jersey. With nearly 20 years of experience serving higher education institutions, he works with campus leaders, architects, consultants, and integrators to develop secure, practical access control solutions.
Brett’s areas of focus include electronic access control, mobile credentials, residence hall security, and emerging trends in campus safety. He regularly collaborates with institutions on both new construction and renovation projects across the region.
10:00a – 10:30a
Break / Spend time with business partners
(more information)
Break / Spend time with business partners
Enjoy a quick snack and visit with your favorite business partner! And then go meet a business partner you have not met! Take this time to learn how these great business partners can help you solve problems at your institution. They can show you how to unlock innovation in access control for your campus.
10:30a – 11:30a
The Big Red Button and the Campus-Wide Lockdown Test
James Byrd, Senior Director, Deacon One, Office of Security Technology at Wake Forest University
Gina Jones, Assistant Director, Operations, Deacon One at Wake Forest University
(more information)
The Big Red Button and the Campus-Wide Lockdown Test
Wake Forest University and Deacon One, Office of Security Technology completed a campus-wide lockdown test in March 2026 with collaboration from Safety and Security and campus partners. This presentation will walk through the preparation, the actual test, results and findings from the after action review.
About the Presenters
James Byrd, Senior Director, Deacon One, Office of Security Technology at Wake Forest University
James Byrd joined Facilities and Campus Services at Wake Forest University in January 2010. He currently serves with Safety and Security in the Campus Life Division as the Senior Director of Deacon One & Security Technology. His current responsibilities include overseeing the Deacon One staff, card access, cameras, and Security Technology capital improvements for Reynolda Campus, Charlotte Campus, and WFU Properties. Prior to this position James worked for sixteen years in Facilities Management at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has degrees from Gardner-Webb University and from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and will complete an MS in Security Management in June 2026. He has earned the gold standard Certified Protection Professional CPP from the American Society of Industrial Security ASIS and the Certified Educational Facilities Professional CEFP with the Association of Physical Plant Administrators APPA. He is married to Amy and together they have a blended family of six children and five grandchildren.
Gina Jones, Assistant Director, Operations, Deacon One at Wake Forest University
Gina Jones serves as the Assistant Director, Operations, Deacon One, Office of Security Technologies. She is responsible for the daily operations in Deacon One and was the project manager for the Lockdown Button Installation in University Police and creating the annual testing process. She has been at Wake Forest for over 29 years.
11:30a – 1:00p
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
Business Partners Packup
(more information)
Lunch / Birds of a Feather
Enjoy a break from the action with a great lunch. This extended time is meant for you to meet with someone new and potentially join a “Birds of a Feather” group. These groups allow you to get together with peers to discuss certain topics that you are interested in. This is your last chance to flock together with your “Birds of a Feather” groups!
1:00p – 1:20p
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
(more information)
Maker’s Space Quick Tips
True to our theme – “The Maker’s Key: Unlocking Innovation in Campus Access Control”, you’ll be getting a quick tip or two from your fellow HELUG members. You will go home with some you can use with your OnGuard system!
1:20p – 1:50p
SOC of the Future Product Overview
Clifford Cox, Project Manager at LenelS2 a Honeywell Company
(more information)
SOC of the Future Product Overview
This session includes a discussion of future security operation center concepts and their application in OnGuard.
About the Presenter
Clifford Cox, Project Manager at LenelS2 a Honeywell Company
Cliiford has 22 years of product management experience in physical security solutions.
1:50p – 2:20p
Closing Remarks
(more information)
Closing Remarks
We’ll close the main portion of the conference and say farewell to those attending virtually. These remakrs include recognitions and announcements including where HELUG 27 will be!
2:20p – 3:00p
Break / Travel to LenelS2 Headquarters
(more information)
Break / Travel to LenelS2 Headquarters
We’ll hop aboard a bus and head to LenelS2 Headquarters. The bus will take you back after the closing celebration at the Woodcliff Hotel.
3:00p – 3:45p
Greetings and LenelS2 Headquarters Tours
(more information)
Greetings and LenelS2 Headquarters Tours
Arrive at LenelS2 Headquarters and enjoy some tours of the building by a welcoming LenelS2 staff.
3:45p – 4:45p
Ask LenelS2 Anything
Functional Leaders with LenelS2 a Honeywell Company
(more information)
Ask LenelS2 Anything
While at LenelS2 Headquarters, we’ll have the opportunity to ask functional leaders anything! Come prepared with questions for the experts. This is your last chance in a formal setting to get that information you crave.
4:45p – 5:00p
Travel to Woodcliff Hotel
(more information)
Travel to Woodcliff Hotel
We’ll again hop aboard a bus and head up the hill to the Woodcliff Hotel for our closing celebration. The bus will take you back to RIT after the closing celebration.
5:00p – 6:00p
Cocktail Hour at Woodcliff Hotel
(more information)
Cocktail Hour at Woodcliff Hotel
As we prepare to wrap up HELUG 26, let’s enjoy some drinks with our new and old friends. We’ll have a stunning view at the Woodcliff Hotel.
6:00p – 9:00p
Closing Celebration at Woodcliff Hotel
(more information)
Closing Celebration at Woodcliff Hotel
Let’s celebrate a great HELUG 26 as we wrap up the conference. What’s to celebrate? New friends, old friends, and great networking! Of course there’s also innovative ideas that we’re bringing home that we can use immediately! Cheers!
Thursday, June 11 – Post-Conference Training Day 1
Post-Conference training will be held at Max Lowenthal Hall at RIT.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Thursday)
Max Lowenthal Hall at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
12 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623
Training is on 3rd floor in computer lab 3135. Meals are served in room 3245.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit required).
To obtain permit, go to Parking & Travel tab and follow instructions.
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
9:00a – 4:00p
OnGuard Administration, Access Control, Alarms, and Mobile Credentials (Lunch Provided)
(more information)
Course Description
The OnGuard Administration, Access Control, Alarms, and Mobile Credentials course provides a comprehensive, role-based overview of how to configure, administer, and operate the LenelS2 OnGuard system. Built on the official OnGuard 8.4 Fundamentals curriculum, this course focuses on real-world workflows, best practices, and operational readiness.
Participants will learn how to manage OnGuard system administration, configure access control hardware and door workflows, monitor and respond to alarms, and deploy and manage mobile credentials throughout their lifecycle. The course balances foundational knowledge with practical examples to help administrators, operators, and technical staff confidently support day-to-day operations and long-term system stability.
Lunch will be provided.
Target Audience
- System Administrators
- Security Operations and Monitoring Staff
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of physical access control concepts
- Familiarity with Windows environments
- Prior exposure to OnGuard Fundamentals is recommended but not required
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Administer OnGuard users, permissions, services, and system options following best practices
- Configure access control components and understand end-to-end door workflows
- Monitor alarms, acknowledge events, and follow standard response workflows
- Deploy, manage, and revoke mobile credentials using lifecycle-based processes
This is a non-certification course. A certificate of completion will be issued at the conclusion of the training session.
Evening
Free Evening (on your own)
Friday, June 12 – Post-Conference Training Day 2
Post-Conference training will be held at Max Lowenthal Hall at RIT.
(expand for GPS and parking information for Friday)
Max Lowenthal Hall at RIT
Below are Google Map links:
12 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623
Training is on 3rd floor in computer lab 3135. Meals are served in room 3245.
Parking & Shuttle Details
Park in U Lot near Gene Polisseni Center (permit required).
To obtain permit, go to Parking & Travel tab and follow instructions.
Shuttle stop is at Gleason Circle Bus Stop.
9:00a – 4:00p
OnGuard Reporting, Analytics, and Auditing (Lunch Provided)
(more information)
Course Description
The OnGuard Reporting, Analytics, and Auditing course builds on the OnGuard Custom Reports curriculum to focus on how reporting data is used for operational insight, compliance auditing, and analytics-driven decision making within an OnGuard system.
This course emphasizes practical reporting strategies, audit-focused use cases, and best practices for report design, performance, and accuracy. Participants will learn how to create, interpret, and manage reports that support investigations, regulatory requirements, and ongoing system governance.
Lunch will be provided.
Target Audience
- System Administrators
Prerequisites
- Working knowledge of OnGuard system concepts and terminology
- Basic understanding of SQL query concepts and report filtering
- Experience navigating OnGuard desktop and browser‑based applications
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain OnGuard reporting architecture and supported reporting tools
- Design operational, analytical, and audit‑focused reports using OnGuard reporting capabilities
- Analyze access, alarm, and event data to identify trends and anomalies
- Produce audit‑ready reports that support compliance and investigations
- Apply best practices for report performance, accuracy, and reporting governance
This is a non-certification course. A certificate of completion will be issued at the conclusion of the training session.
Evening
Free Evening (on your own)
Parking Information
You may park on campus for the conference, but you will need to register for a permit from RIT first. All parking for the conference will be in Lot U. Parking permits are required at RIT for all conference days and post-conference training with the exception of the Welcome Reception on Sunday. Permits are not required for events on Wednesday afternoon at LenelS2 Headquarters and the Woodcliff Hotel.
To obtain a parking permit for the conference, use the button below and select “6/8-10/26 – HELUG Conference” from the event list. Then add to the basket and input vehicle information. If you have been on campus before you may get a warning that your vehicle is in the system, you can click past it and check out.
You don’t need to put in anything other than your vehicle information. If you have any problems, email Rachel Kohl with screen shots at rakfms@rit.edu.
Flight Information
If you are flying to Rochester, select ROC (Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport) when booking with your favorite airline. Once you land, you are less than 5 miles from RIT.
Things to Do
The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play.
George Eastman House
The George Eastman Museum, also referred to as George Eastman House and the International Museum of Photography and Film, is a photography museum, located on the grounds of the George Eastman’s estate in Rochester, New York.
Rochester Museum & Science Center
The Rochester Museum & Science Center is a museum in Rochester, New York, dedicated to community education in science, technology and local history. The museum also operates the Strasenburgh Planetarium, located next to the museum, and the Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre nature preserve near Naples, New York.
Seneca Park Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo is a 20-acre zoo located in the city of Rochester, New York, US. The zoo is home to over 90 species including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and arachnids.
Susan B. Anthony Museum
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York, features the National Historic Landmark home of the legendary civil rights leader.
Lamberton Conservatory
This conservatory is a modern reconstruction of a 1911 building housing palms & ferns.
Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery is a civic art museum in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1913, it is part of the University of Rochester and occupies the southern half of the University’s former Prince Street campus.
Swillburger
Set in an old church building, this trendy hangout offers burgers, cocktails & vintage arcade games.
Radio Social
Pizza, Middle Eastern grub & booze served in a recreational hub with bowling, lounges & event halls.
Record Archive
Vintage vinyl specialists with new releases, a backroom lounge, and live music stages, plus event space.
Redwings Game
The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
Wickham Farms
Outdoor activities from a corn maze to mini-golf plus ice cream & light eats in the barn.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Genesee Country Village and Museum is a 19th-century living history museum covering more than 600 acres located in the town of Wheatland, New York, United States, in the small hamlet of Mumford, about 20 miles from Rochester.
Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours
Pleasant cruise aboard an 1800s packet boat replica, navigating a working canal lock.
Schutt’s Apple Mill and Country Store
Schutt’s Apple Mill is a fourth-generation farm and country store established in 1918 in the heart of the Webster and Penfield communities.
Pittsford Farms Dairy
Pittsford Farms Dairy is located on North Main Street in the heart of the historic village of Pittsford. The landmark dairy property traces its origins back to 1814 when Samuel Hildreth built his home and established a stagecoach operation and livery business.
Comedy @ The Carlson
Relaxed choice for comedy evenings, featuring big-name comics alongside local acts.
Rochester Pinball Collective
The Rochester Pinball Collective is a pinball arcade, open to the general public, located in East Rochester, NY. We feature over 75 different pinball machines dating from the 1950’s to new releases. All games are set on unlimited free play.
Restaurants
Dinosaur BBQ
Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).
Nerdvana
A chic gaming-themed restaurant & bar that features custom cocktails & scratch kitchen all under one roof! Unique food & libations, fresh coffee & much more… Play the latest 4 player games, a new tabletop experience, or a retro classic all from your table.
Good Luck
Innovative, upscale American plates to share in an industrial yet intimate warehouse-style space.
Branca
Rustic-chic restaurant with a patio serving wood-fired pizza, gourmet Italian dishes & cocktails.
Bitter Honey
Creative tacos & Mexican bar snacks in a lively space with patterned tiles, specializing in mezcal.
CRISP Rochester
An American food restaurant, in Rochester, New York, serving seasonally inspired, modern comfort food, with a southern influence, sophisticated cocktails & local beers in an old school chic and wonderfully cozy setting in the South Wedge area.
Native Rochester
Stylish restaurant & bar serving locally sourced New American fare & handcrafted cocktails.
Nosh
Modern American fare & craft cocktails served in a restored factory with industrial-chic decor.
The Gate House
Creative burgers & wood-fired pizzas served in a casual, kid-friendly American cafe.
Polizzi’s
Casual eatery featuring Mediterranean cuisine, including vegetarian options, and a full bar.
Umai Revolving Sushi
Trendy spot serving sushi – from rolls to nigiri – alongside Japanese steaks, hot items and udon noodle soup.
Aladdin’s
Soups, salads & Greek plates made with natural ingredients star at this cafe with a covered terrace.
Fattoush
Casual eatery specializing in grilled meats such as kabobs and chicken shawarma along with salads, falafel and pita wraps.
dogTown
Tiny shack known for German-style franks named after dog breeds, with burgers & veggie options.
Highland Park Diner
A vast breakfast selection plus burgers, sandwiches & desserts served up in a ’40s-era boxcar diner.
Jines
All-day breakfast & Sunday brunch draw crowds to this friendly Greek diner with sidewalk seating.
Below are the lodging options arranged for this year’s conference.
Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Brighton
$192 / night (fees included) – HELUG Conference Rate
Book by May 13, 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta
$199.50 / night (fees included) – HELUG Conference Rate
Book by May 16, 2026
RIT Global Village (Residence Hall)
$61 / night (plus one-time $47 linen fee)
Will get one room in a 4 or 5 bedroom suite with other HELUG guests. For more details follow the “Book Now” link below.
Book by May 20, 2026
