The recent ICA annual conference in Cancun, Mexico had over 600 delegates from around the world and represented the largest global gathering specifically on the topic of CPTED!

It was one of the most successful events in ICA history.

Located on the sun-bathed coast of Cancun’s beautiful beaches, the Iberostar resort hotel hosted this year’s event. The Mexico ICA chapter co-organized the event and, under the leadership of Mercedes Escudero, outdid itself in providing musical entertainment, the first-ever ICA Expo with incredible exhibitors, and welcomes from local politicians and the State Governor.

International speakers and attendees hailed from locales such as India, Chile, Honduras, Korea, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Slovenia, Denmark, Netherlands, South Africa, Canada, the United States and, of course, Mexico. Presentations covered a wide range of topics including school safety, fear of crime, CPTED, SafeGrowth and neighborhood planning, and anti-terrorism tactics.

Professor Irvin Waller from the University of Ottawa, founder of the UN Center for the Prevention of Crime, delivered a keynote address with some practical examples from cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime. He discussed how science and evidence play an important role and introduced his latest book “Ending Violent Crime”.

There were also regional meetings of various ICA chapters, and workshops on CPTED methodology and CPTED in schools. Special awards for leadership went to ICA Regional Director for Latin America Mercedes Escudero, ICA Director Carlos Gutiérrez and newly appointed ICA Executive Director Mateja Mihinjac.

Thanks very much to the Mexico ICA chapter for an excellent conference.

Gregory Saville

ICA Co-founder/Inaugural Chair