16,000 Registrants from 86 Nations Participate in GSX 2024
Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2024 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 exchanges for the global security community. Attendance exceeded projections, with 16,000 registrants from 86 countries along with approximately 500 exhibiting companies demonstrating the latest security solutions.
"GSX 2024 has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for security professionals worldwide to connect, collaborate, and innovate,” stated Cy A. Oatridge, CPP, 2024 President, ASIS International.” The diversity of our attendees, representing 86 countries, underscores the truly global nature of our industry and the challenges we face. This event is not just about showcasing the latest technologies; it's about fostering relationships and sharing knowledge on a global scale. As we navigate a complex security landscape, it's these relationships that will drive innovation, enhance our collective knowledge, and ultimately strengthen our ability to protect and serve. GSX reminds us that in the field of security, we are indeed stronger together."
GSX was supplemented by a weekend of pre-conference events, such as Secure Horizons: An Immersive Experience for Senior Security Executives, ASIS Volunteers’ Day, and the ASIS Awards of Excellence alongside the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). ASIS Volunteers Day at GSX brought together more than 200 ASIS members from five continents, celebrating the organization's dynamic volunteer community and their contributions to the profession. ASIS also hosted pre-conference education, including ASIS certification
reviews and workshops on facility security design, Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM), and stakeholder communication.
The ASIS community raised over $31,000 for the ASIS Foundation through GSX and pre-event activities like the Fitness Challenge. These donations support career advancement through certification scholarships, research, member hardship grants, and more. This year’s event also featured a blood drive, which collected 83 pints of blood, saving up to 249 lives.
Each of the keynotes opened with a performance of original work from spoken word artist Charity Blackwell. Charity helped inspire new ways of thinking, convey different perspectives, and set a rhythm for attendees at the show.
GSX kicked off on Monday 23 September with a keynote presentation from former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin. Prime Minister Marin discussed the intricacies of modern geopolitics, especially the recent Russian assault on Ukraine and Finland’s entry into NATO, calling for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to global security challenges that maintains the benefits of global trade while reducing vulnerabilities to authoritarian regimes.
Following Marin’s keynote presentation, the event’s exhibit hall opened showcasing 500 companies providing innovative security solutions. Monday also launched the start of more than 200 education sessions featuring presenters from 21 countries over the three-day event.
In Tuesday’s general session, Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, co-founder of Blue Tulip Ventures, and an investor in leading AI technology, discussed the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in our lives, the opportunities that it presents, and the potential risks. She also highlighted the real-world effects and economic impact of artificial intelligence.
The ASIS Professional Standards Board hosted a press briefing Tuesday morning featuring a panel of experts who detailed the proposed ASIS School Security Standard. The proposed standard is a comprehensive tool, including information on program management, risk management, behavioral threat assessment management, developing operational emergency plans as well as effective approaches to managing physical security in K-12 settings.
Tuesday's speed mentoring session connected emerging security professionals with 40 experienced mentors from four continents, fostering global knowledge exchange and career development opportunities. The second day of GSX concluded with ASIS Celebrates! at Universal Studios Florida. Thousands of attendees enjoyed food, performances, and rides with exclusive access to the park.
The final day of GSX, Wednesday 25 September, celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. To honor those who serve and protect, ASIS began the day with a special breakfast event. celebrating the dedication of active duty and retired professionals from law enforcement, military service, and emergency response fields. ASIS extends its gratitude to service members worldwide for their tireless efforts in safeguarding our communities.
In Wednesday’s general session, Commander Kirk Lippold, U.S. Navy (Ret.) shared his personal experience as the commanding officer of the USS Cole in 2000, when it was attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists in a suicide bombing. Commander Lippold highlighted the importance of making decisions with integrity, and the importance as a leader of knowing the strengths of your people and trusting them to make the right decisions.
GSX included an updated edition of SM Live featuring brief, social-formatted content highlighting the best of GSX. The Security Management team produced more than 40 videos spotlighting education sessions, exhibitors, and more. Check out a compilation of SM’s coverage here or go to the Security Management Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) pages.
Among the robust learning opportunities at GSX, were “game changer” sessions with industry experts speaking on resilience, trust and maintaining security in crisis. There were “speed learning” sessions on the exhibit show floor, such as the X Stage, the Resilience Zone, and the Cybersecurity Pavilion, each of which offered cutting-edge solutions to keep businesses thriving. At Career HQ, security professionals were offered resume reviews, access to the headshot studio, and professional development sessions.
"The sheer scope of this year's event – from our thought-provoking keynotes to over 200 specialized education sessions – demonstrates the dynamic nature of our industry,” said Bill Tenney, CEO, ASIS International. “What resonated with me most was the vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. GSX 2024 has not only been a showcase for cutting-edge security approaches and solutions but also a testament to the strength and unity of our professional community. Events of this caliber are vital in propelling our profession and industry forward, equipping us to meet future challenges head-on. As we look ahead to GSX 2025 in New Orleans, I'm excited about the opportunity to build upon this momentum and further elevate our collective impact on the security landscape."