Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers

Viva la France

Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers.

Because I have never been afraid to ask, I powered into my boss’s office to plead my case to attend in some destination call Nice, France. I am sure you already know this, I did, Nice, and the surrounding area is a destination for the rich and famous. I am neither, but my boss agreed and sent me away to make the necessary travel arrangements.

Here was security on the grandest stage of all where security directors from all over the world would be attending and contributing to the narrative. I was way out of my league on this one, but I did not want to squander the opportunity

There were numerous opportunities to listen and learn.

As the three-day affair was nearly complete, the planning of evening events included a bus trip to Monte Carlo, at the Hotel de Paris at Monte-Carle, for a social gathering, and drinks. I am not a drinker, but more about that in a minute.

It is a stunning drive from Nice to Monte Carlo, passing Port Hercules, the only deep-water port in Monaco. In the 1970s the port underwent substantial improvement to provide anchorage for up to 700 vessels. No tugboats or shrimping boats in the marina.

Back to the security soiree at the hotel, a few of the people I met and have the opportunity to chat with included the director a security for ARAMCO, a well-known player in the oil business, especially Saudi Arabia. I really did hear some amazing security stories from the oil field.

vWhile passing through the crowd, I bumped in to the vice president of (Europe) security for Coca Cola. Worried about my welfare, he asked why I did not have a drink. I said I do not drink, but if I did, it would be a Coke, I would be happy. I thought it was something I said, but the man disappeared only to return with a member of the serving staff with several small bottles of Coca Cola. Upon his return, he replied “what kind of security professional would I be if I could not get you a Coke?”

J'ai répondu, ‘’j'espère que vous n'avez pas dû entrer par effraction dans une pièce fermée à clé pour cela, mais merci."

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.