Hybrid GSX demonstrates strength of the security community
James Thorpe
Share this content
The synchronous portion of Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2021 has concluded at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Presented by ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, the event offered discussion and idea exchange for the global security community. Attendance exceeded projections, with 8,600 registrants from more than 80 countries and 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest security solutions. More than 7,200 of the registrants were for the in-person portion of the event.
“I’m proud of my friends and colleagues for arranging what is by all metrics a fantastic GSX,” said John A. Petruzzi, Jr., CPP, 2021 President, ASIS International. “We’ve received an overwhelming response from exhibitors and attendees commenting on the high quality of this year’s show. We’re pleased that the new event footprint—placing learning theatres in the exhibit hall—was well received, allowing for ease of access between our event’s best-in-class education and the solutions offered by our exhibiting companies. I’m incredibly thankful to our show’s international contingent for the lengths that they went to in order to gather here in person. The dedication of these individuals just proves the commitment of our profession to make GSX the industry’s premier event.”
GSX 2021 kicked off on Wednesday 15 September with a digital preview event that featured a Security 2030: Crossroads of Innovation and Transformation general session presentation from #1 bestselling author and motivational speaker Erik Qualman. From this date, attendees were able to get acquainted with the digital platform and prepare their game plan for the remainder of event.
The main event began on Monday 27 September. Following an 8:30 am How to Make Time Your Ally, Not Your Enemy general session presentation by bestselling author Daniel Pink, the exhibit hall opened at 9:30 am—marking a change to the GSX footprint where the exhibit hall is now open each day of the in-person event. Exhibiting companies Azena, Boon Edam, Cognyte, Cloudastructure, Evolv Technology, Everbridge, OnSolve, RaySecur, Smiths Detection, Trackforce Valiant and Thermal Radar debuted products on the GSX exhibit hall.
On Tuesday 28 September, award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley gave a general session presentation examining Breaking the Spell of High Conflict.
Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (MLEAD), the final day of GSX, featured a Leading Through Uncertainty general session presented by Lieutenant General (ret) Nadja West. As a thank you to all active duty and veteran military, law enforcement and first responders, these groups were invited to attend GSX for free this day. More than 90 individuals registered using the MLEAD discount code.
New to GSX this year was SM Live, a daily broadcast featuring conversations between industry leaders and Editor-in-Chief of ASIS International’s award-winning Security Management magazine, Teresa Anderson. In all, SM Live shared 20+ discussions about topics ranging from digital transformation to workplace violence.
Daily Game Changer sessions provided panel discussions focusing on new and future-focused strategies to elevate professionals’ expertise in key areas of security management—tackling cyber threats, employee mental health and wellness and management lessons from female military leaders.
Sessions from the technology-focused X Stage in the exhibit hall touched on issues regarding robotic process automation, ransomware, facial recognition, autonomous vehicle safety and more.
While the in-person portion of GSX has concluded, on-demand broadcasts of all sessions will be available to All-Access attendees through the digital platform until the end of 2021. During encore events taking place 20 October and 10 November, ASIS will rebroadcast top-attended sessions from GSX with presenters in attendance to answer audience questions in real-time.
The industry is excited for GSX 2022, taking place 12-14 September in Atlanta, GA—advance booth space selection for GSX 2022 represents more than 90% of GSX 2021’s exhibit floor space. For more information about this year’s show, upcoming encore events, or GSX 2022, visit GSX.org.