GSX is Chicago bound for 2019

ASIS International’s annual conference, Global Security Exchange (GSX), returns Sept. 8-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Il.

Last year was the “first” GSX (held in Las Vegas, Nev.) following a rebranding of the original ASIS International Seminar and Exhibits conference. The organization recently announced its general session speaker line-up for GSX 2019, including Steve Demetriou, chair and CEO, and Joe Olivarez, vice-president, global security, of Jacobs, a multinational engineering company; General John F. Kelly, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.); and Tarah Wheeler, cybersecurity policy fellow at New America.

Canadian Security caught up with Ron Rosenbaum, chief global marketing and business development officer, ASIS International, for an update on what else we can expect this year.

What were the lessons learned from the “new” GSX last year?

We rebranded our 64-year-old event to demonstrate that it is evolving, and to give it an identity that more accurately speaks to the broader, more global security community. What we’ve learned is that the industry is actively looking for ways to connect in a learning and networking environment. There is a true need for a community-driven event, highlighted by experiences that blend learning, networking and access to the products and technologies that will help shape the future of the industry. As we continue to evolve, we will closely watch how our participants are interacting with the event to better understand how we can anticipate their needs with new program features.

How does GSX stand apart from other security events?

This year, GSX has more than 300 educational sessions including certification reviews and pre-conference programs. Our Disruption District is right in the exhibit hall with two X Learning Stages offering fresh, forward-thinking TedX style content. The Disruption District features a Startup Sector highlighting new companies with emerging technologies, a Shark Tank style Pitch Competition and presentations from our Innovative Product Awards (IPA) winners. Our D3: Drones, Droids and Defense learning theater returns this year with more live demos and learning opportunities connected to the use of unmanned vehicles in the security field. Our Career HQ offers resumé critiques, mentoring and sessions designed to help attendees elevate their careers. And of course, GSX offers attendees and vendor partners the opportunity to unwind and mingle with peers and customers at a variety of networking and social events.

Are there any areas of the GSX education program you would like to highlight for 2019?

New this year are four Game Changer sessions that will address critical topics. A few of the more cutting-edge areas of focus include unmanned systems, cybersecurity, the cannabis industry and workplace violence, to name just a few. There is so much to learn, with so many expert and peer-led presenters, session styles and formats. GSX really is the event that’s “By the industry and for the industry!” Our full learning schedule can be found at www.gsx.org.

Did ASIS members request any specific areas of education?

Our members are looking for a wide range of security intelligence…ranging from benchmarking information regarding physical and operational security to insights regarding the latest digital technologies and applications that will help safeguard us for tomorrow. Sessions addressing Enterprise Security Risk Management topics continue to be in high demand. This is being addressed in a variety of formats including a one-day intensive pre-conference program as well as 13 classroom style and X Learning Stage sessions.

We have also had requests from our international members to live stream sessions. We are proud to be in our third year offering Global Access LIVE!, which streams a variety of topics including our general sessions. This allows everyone to access GSX from work or home! Many chapters are viewing them as a group in watch parties! And lastly, our learning lab environment extends from the general session stage to the classroom to exposition floor to the computer screen.

We’re truly modernizing our GSX educational offerings so security practitioners can consume critical content where they want it and in the format they prefer.