Will Bernhjelm to Deliver Keynote at 2025 SECURITY 500 Conference

Mall of America's Vice President of Security Will Bernhjelm will deliver the keynote address at the 18th annual SECURITY 500 Conference in Washington, D.C. on November 17, 2025, where he'll share strategies for making security mission-critical through integrated technologies and proven practices.

The conference, organized by Security magazine, brings together top security executives and government leaders for a day focused on industry leadership and innovation. Bernhjelm's presentation will highlight how organizations can stay ahead of modern threats by balancing cutting-edge technology with established security protocols, addressing comprehensive cybersecurity benefits for modern organizations.

A Distinguished Career in Security and Service

Will Bernhjelm brings extensive experience to his keynote role, having worked his way through various positions at Mall of America before reaching his current Vice President position. His security career at the Mall includes serving as Director of Security, Patrol Captain, and Training Supervisor, providing him with comprehensive knowledge of security operations at one of America's most visited destinations.

Before joining Mall of America, Bernhjelm served for 10 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard, including deployments to Iraq and Kosovo. His military service earned him significant recognition, including the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge, reflecting his commitment to security and public service.

His educational background includes an Associate's degree in Law Enforcement from Alexandria Technical College and a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University, providing him with both practical and theoretical foundations for his security leadership.

Bernhjelm maintains active involvement with key industry organizations, including the National Retail Federation, SENTRY (a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence), and the American Society for Industrial Security. His industry leadership was recently recognized when he was named among the Twin Cities Business Top 100 for 2025.

Innovations in Mall Security

As Vice President of Security at Mall of America, Bernhjelm oversees protection for approximately 32 million annual visitors to one of the nation's largest retail and entertainment complexes. Under his leadership, the Mall has implemented several forward-thinking security measures that have positioned the organization as an industry leader in establishing robust cyber resilience frameworks.

Among his key accomplishments is the implementation of facial recognition technology, enhancing the Mall's ability to identify potential security threats quickly and effectively. This technology represents part of a broader security technology integration strategy that balances public safety with visitor experience.

Bernhjelm has also expanded the capabilities of the Mall's K9 Unit, developing their abilities to detect firearms and explosives—critical components in addressing modern security concerns in public spaces. These enhanced detection capabilities provide an additional layer of security that complements the Mall's comprehensive approach.

His contributions extend beyond technology implementation to include developing comprehensive training programs for security officers. These programs ensure that personnel are properly prepared to handle various situations, from everyday customer service interactions to emergency response protocols.

Perhaps most notably, Bernhjelm has fostered strong relationships with local, state, and federal officials to create a coordinated security approach. This collaborative strategy recognizes that effective security for a venue of Mall of America's scale requires partnership across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

Integrating Physical and Digital Security

A significant aspect of Bernhjelm's innovative approach has been bridging the gap between physical and digital security measures. His team has developed protocols that address both traditional security concerns and emerging cybersecurity threats, creating a more holistic protection system for both visitors and retail partners. This integrated approach acknowledges that modern security threats often span both physical and digital domains, particularly in retail environments where point-of-sale systems and customer data require robust protection alongside physical assets.

The SECURITY 500 Conference

The SECURITY 500 Conference has established itself as a premier event for security leadership over its 18-year history. The 2025 conference, scheduled for November 17 in Washington, D.C., continues this tradition by bringing together security executives from both private and public sectors.

This exclusive, one-day leadership conference is specifically designed for security executives, senior management, and their direct reports, creating an environment where decision-makers can share insights and strategies. The conference format facilitates valuable networking opportunities alongside formal presentations and panel discussions.

Bernhjelm's keynote is expected to be particularly relevant as retail and entertainment venues continue to adapt their security approaches in response to evolving threats. His experience protecting one of America's most recognized destinations offers applicable insights for security professionals across various sectors, especially those implementing tailored cybersecurity solutions for businesses of all sizes.

The full conference agenda features additional expert security speakers addressing current challenges and future trends in the security industry. Registration is currently open for qualified security professionals interested in attending this exclusive event.

Previous Conference Highlights

The SECURITY 500 Conference has a strong track record of featuring influential speakers who have shaped security practices across industries. Past keynote speakers have included former government security officials, Fortune 500 CSOs, and leading security technology innovators. Attendees consistently report that the conference provides actionable strategies they can implement immediately within their organizations. The 2024 event attracted over 300 security executives and received exceptional feedback for its focus on practical applications rather than purely theoretical discussions.

Practical Applications for Security Professionals

Attendees at Bernhjelm's keynote can expect to gain valuable insights that can be applied to their own security operations:

1. Security professionals can learn strategies for elevating security from a support function to a mission-critical component of organizational operations, potentially increasing both resources and organizational buy-in.

2. The presentation will likely provide practical frameworks for integrating new technologies with established security practices, helping organizations balance innovation with reliability.

3. Security leaders may gain insights into building effective partnerships with law enforcement and government agencies, enhancing their overall security posture through collaboration.

The conference represents an opportunity for security professionals to benchmark their practices against industry leaders like Mall of America, whose scale and visibility make it a model for comprehensive security planning. Much like how Apple revolutionized personal technology with integrated ecosystems, Bernhjelm's approach demonstrates how integrated security systems can provide protection greater than the sum of their parts.

Evolving Threat Landscape Considerations

An important dimension of Bernhjelm's expertise is his understanding of how security threats have evolved in recent years. His presentation is expected to address emerging concerns such as coordinated retail theft, social media-organized disruptions, and the intersection of physical and digital vulnerabilities. These insights will be particularly valuable for security professionals who must adapt their strategies to address sophisticated, multi-vector threats while maintaining positive customer experiences in public venues. According to the National Retail Federation's 2024 Security Survey, retail security leaders now rank organized retail crime among their top three concerns, highlighting the relevance of Bernhjelm's expertise in this area.

For more information about the conference or to register, security professionals can visit the SECURITY 500 Conference website and review the complete agenda of speakers and sessions.