Secure identity technology event connect:ID 2017 is set to host a high-profile stakeholder debate on the long-awaited implementation of a biometric exit programme in the US. A key track at the show's conference, held from May 1-3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, will focus on the issue.The organisers, Science Media Partners and the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA), have noted that with recent presidential orders adding to existing legislative mandates and 9/11 Commission recommendations, that there is new momentum to implement biometric exit.Alongside this legislative backdrop is the fact that air travel is growing about 5% a year, and expected to double by 2030. It is estimated that existing U.S. airport infrastructure will be insufficient to handle this increase in traveler capacity unless both security AND traveler flow can be enhanced."While the technology exists to accomplish such improvements, unless all the key stakeholders work together with a unity of purpose, both security and passenger flow could be negatively impacted", noted the organisers.To dive deeper into the issue, connect:ID is bringing together top executives from Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, airlines, and airports in a ground-breaking debate to explore a positive vision of this unity of purpose, and highlight the roles that each stakeholder will play in realising the vision.In other sessions set to cover a wide range of industry issues, confirmed speakers for connect:ID 2017 also include JoAnn Stonier, SVP of Global Privacy & Data Protection Officer at MasterCard Worldwide, who will be speaking in "Ethical uses of (automated) identity data as a social good".Dave Burhop, Deputy Commissioner/CIO, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, will be covering the coming mobile driving licence revolution.On the hot topic of digital identity, Brenda Coone, Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, Alabama Department of Revenue, will join Michael Garcia, director of the Trusted Identities Group and director, National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, Applied Cybersecurity Division, Information Technology Lab, National Institute of Standards and Technology.Meanwhile, Richard Conrad, a program manager for the Transportation Security Administration, will be speaking alongside Walter Hamilton, senor consultant at Identification Technology Partners. To book a conference ticket and make use of early bird pricing, click here.For a full list of confirmed speakers, click here.