Here We Go Again

It doesn't seem possible that it's time for the annual ASIS' GSX tradeshow. So, here we come Las Vegas. Seems like I was just there.

It is obvious this event is struggling, but it doesn't diminish the importance of attending the tradeshow. There are several educational highlights that are well worth noting. For instance:

1. Drones and College Football Stadium Surveillance. Richard Ham is hosting this session on Monday, 10:30 a.m., Session #4116. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as "drones" are changing the face of security surveillance. While some form of autonomous systems has been flying since 1918, the level of expertise and skill required often made them impractical. New sensors and cameras, as well as new safety technology and a workable regulatory environment, have made them not only practical, but the preferred method for large venue surveillance. Three areas of rapid advancement may be the tipping point to your ability to use UAS technology to improve your security posture.

2. School Emergency Preparedness Using a Tabletop Exercise. Keena Powell, the director of safety and security at Providence Day School and Paul Timm, vice president at Facility Engineering Associates will present a Monday education session, 3:45 to 5 p.m., Session 4306. During any emergency, security professionals must be able to draw from all available resources. The special skills, training, and capabilities of staff play a vital role in coping with the effects of any disaster as well as its aftermath. Working in teams, participants take on specific roles (spokesperson, scribe, stakeholder). After an emergency scenario is introduced, participants draw on the experiences of their team members then share responses as the scenario unfolds.

3. Defending Against Vehicle Ramming Attacks. Kathleen Thompson, detective 1st Grants, NYPD and Sgt. Dennis Jahnke, Hennepin County, MN, Sheriff's Office, will present Session 5118 on vehicle ramming attacks. As security measures have become more sophisticated and effective, violent extremists have responded with attack methods that require little preparation and can be carried out by a single individual. Working together, local governments and the private sector can devise mitigation strategies to help protect lives.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.