GSX 2019 is coming to Chicago: elevating the event experience

Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2019 will blow into the Windy City this fall, combining a tradeshow, a full schedule of professional education sessions, plenty of industry networking opportunities, and an annual reunion of the top professionals from around the world tasked with protecting people, property and assets.

GSX – the trade show and industry event 'formerly known as' the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits – will be Sept. 8-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The show promises to 'elevate the event experience with modern education learning experiences, revitalised networking opportunities, and a reimagined trade show floor.' More than 550 exhibitors will be featured in the expo hall (open Sept. 10-12), according to ASIS International. Chicago is a great location for GSX, as evidenced by the successful 2013 ASIS show.

Cutting-edge solutions

X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding

GSX seeks to attract more attendees to the exhibition hall with education events positioned alongside the industry’s latest-and-greatest equipment and technology exhibits. On the expo floor, the GSX: Disruption District will include new and enhanced programs such as the X Learning stages, the D3 (drones, droids, defence) Learning Theater, the Pitch Competition and the Innovative Product Awards.

X Learning is a series of experiential sessions. X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding of new technology. GSX: Startup Sector highlights new companies with emerging technologies; and GSX: Pitch Competition brings together entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to feature early-stage startup pitches. Career HQ will provide free resume reviews, career coaching, professional development and networking opportunities. A Sharpshooter Contest sponsored by Smart Simulators and SB Tactical will allow contestants donating $20 to compete for $500 in prizes each day.

Pre-conference certification courses

More than 300 security courses, plus pre-conference certification courses, will provide security professionals expertise to enhance their career development. Programming will be led by ASIS and InfraGard subject matter experts. (InfraGard is a non-profit organisation serving as a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.) Seventeen education tracks will serve the needs of security professionals interested in topics from business continuity to crime/loss prevention, law and ethics to national security, information security to physical and operational security.

The show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers

'Game Changer' sessions will address hot and controversial topics, including 'The Ever-Changing Drone Landscape: What You Need to Know' and 'Accelerating Digital Transformation: Insights and Applications.' Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group will speak on navigating the geopolitical landscape; Steve Demetriou and Joe Olivarez of Jacobs, a global professional services company, will speak about harnessing technology and big data to make strategic decisions.

Providing new opportunities

Wednesday morning, General John F. Kelly of the U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. His keynote presentation on Sept. 11 will kick off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Tarah Wheeler, cyber security researcher, will speak on protecting assets in the age of cybersecurity leaks and scandals.

More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry

Although the attendee emphasis is on security end-users, the show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers. More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry, according to ASIS International. Networking events will include an ASIS Town Hall Meeting on the afternoon of Sept. 8, aimed at opening communication between ASIS staff and membership. There will be an Opening Night Celebration Sept. 8 centred on the theme 'Chicago on the Silver Screen' at Revel Motor Row, a popular Chicago landmark originally home to the Illinois Auto Club.

Emphasis on education

On Monday (Sept. 9) a networking luncheon will be followed by the Awards Reception later in the day. A reception in the evening will present the Karen Marquez Honors Award, recognising a female security professional. Tuesday (Sept. 10) will have a Happy Hour at the exhibit hall, followed later by a Women in Security and Young Professionals Happy Hour.

Wednesday evening will be the President’s Reception at Wintrust Arena, with a 1980s theme. The annual trade show has declined in recent years, and ASIS International has implemented changes that seek to reinvigorate the show, culminating in the rebranding last year. One challenge is that the show’s emphasis on education keeps attendees engaged for hours of the day, making it harder to meet the expectations of exhibiting companies who want more booth traffic. More attractions on the show floor, including the Tuesday happy hour, are aimed at increasing overall foot traffic in the hall.