What to expect at GSX 2019

This September, security industry professionals from around the globe will gather in Chicago, IL to attend Global Security Exchange (GSX), the industry’s most comprehensive education, networking and technology event.

GSX 2019, to be held 8-12 September at McCormick Place, will bring together one of the world’s largest and most diverse international audiences from 132 countries to share ideas, explore new trends and innovations, as well as conduct business between supplier and integrators. Attendees will experience multiple opportunities for learning and networking, in addition to seeing some of the most innovative security technology in the world.

GSX offers the ability for attendees to hear from global leaders and their insights into some of the most important issues facing security management professionals worldwide. This year’s general session presentation lineup includes topics such as the geopolitical landscape, creating a connected and sustainable world, cybersecurity risks and more. The speaker lineup features global industry leaders such as Ian Bremmer, Ph.D, President of the Eurasia Group; Steve Demetriou, Chair and CEO of Jacobs; General John F. Kelly of the U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.); and Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Policy Fellow for New America. Attendees will walk away with enriched understanding of the changing landscape of the physical and cybersecurity industry.

GSX will offer cybersecurity professionals comprehensive education across all verticals, in addition to many ways to connect and build lasting, career-building relationships with industry contacts. Cybersecurity professionals can attend peer-led education sessions on topics ranging from analytics and response to mobile, hackers, AI and more. The exhibit hall will be filled with cutting-edge security technology and solutions to help cybersecurity executives to mitigate cyber risks within their organisations.

Putting you on the right track

Beyond the general session presentations, GSX 2019 offers an education with more than 300 sessions designed to offer information, insights and best practices for professionals at every stage of their career. Led by subject matter experts across the security spectrum, the roster is organised into 17 tracks to help attendees find the sessions that are most relevant and useful for their specific career path.

For attendees focused on growing their career in the security industry, GSX 2019 offers their Career HQ, which provides access to security industry recruiters, who are searching for talent at every level of industry experience. Career HQ participants will also have the opportunity to search for job postings and apply for positions. Career coaches will even offer reviews and evaluations of resumes at no charge and there will even be a headshot lounge where attendees can receive a free headshot. The Career HQ also provides professional development sessions and networking opportunities with employers and peers.

ASIS International, host of GSX 2019, is the recognised leader in security career advancement through its Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), Physical Security Professional (PSP), and Associate Protection Professional (APP) certifications. ASIS International has 34,000 members worldwide.

This year at GSX, there are numerous sessions available for show attendees to earn CPE credits towards recertification or to learn more about becoming certified. For those looking to get a headstart prior to the show, an accelerated review program provides a high-level overview of the security concepts and practices assessed on the CPP, PCI, and PSP certification exams.

Disruptive technology

This year’s exhibit hall brings together leading-edge technology from different sectors and will feature presentations and demonstrations on the latest products and services, including machine learning, robotics, forensic analysis, surveillance, IoT and artificial intelligence.

The GSX Disruption District is a unique focus area of the show floor that will showcase some of the world’s most fascinating and innovative technology and offer education about how these technologies can be leveraged for security. Open to all attendees, the Disruption District includes areas such as the X Learning stages, the D3 (Drones, Droids, Defense) X Stage and the new Startup Sector and Pitch Competition. Here’s more about these Disruption District activities:

• In the GSX D3 (Drones, Droids, Defence) X Stage, attendees can experience demonstrations of the latest unmanned aircraft platforms, counter UAS systems, and ground-based robots seamlessly interacting with humans. They can even take their own turn at the command to pilot a drone through the “gauntlet”—a UAV obstacle course right on the show floor. This special area will give attendees everything that they need to know about operating a drone program, the threat of rogue drone operators and the latest drone technologies.
• The GSX Startup Sector highlights new companies with some of the industry’s most innovative new technologies. These entrepreneurs will offer demonstrations and discussions about the future of security technology and attendees will leave with an understanding of potential changes that are on the horizon.
• The Pitch Competition at GSX will unite entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to evaluate pitches from exciting early-stage startups. Each company is given time to pitch, followed by Q&A and feedback with top investors and CSOs.

Inside and outside of the exhibit hall, GSX 2019 offers multiple networking opportunities, such as the opening night celebration at Revel Motor Row, a city landmark that is rich in Chicago history. In the International Lounge (Booth #2481) on the show floor, attendees can connect with peers and colleagues from around the globe, forming lasting relationships along with the potential for new business development and professional advancement. At the ASIS Hub (Booth #2027), ASIS Headquarters staff and volunteer leaders will be on hand to share information about how to join or get involved, new research and programs, career advancement opportunities and more.

Wednesday 11 September is a special day for the show, as GSX will celebrate Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. As a thank you, all law enforcement, military and first responders will receive free All-Access admission to GSX that day, simply by using the code “THANKS” when registering. That evening, the conference wraps up with the President’s Reception, a high-energy party featuring live entertainment, video games and other nostalgia from the 1980s.

For those who are not able to travel to attend GSX, Global Access LIVE! brings the conference to their desktop, offering the ability to livestream select education sessions, ask questions of the presenters, chat with other participants and get access to recorded sessions 24 hours after the live webcast is complete.

With so much to offer–education, security technology, career advice, networking and more–GSX 2019 is the one event that no security professional should miss. Your profession is convening in Chicago for GSX 2019. We hope to see you there.

To register for the event, please click here: https://www.gsx.org/