Can’t Get From Here to Home

By and large, the GSX experience was good. There were a few hick-ups here and there, but overall GSX seems to be a nice regional tradeshow.

I had a crazy experience getting home from Chicago, no thanks to American Airlines. Let me break it down for you. First of all, I wanted to take in the entire GSX experience, so I made sure to stay until the final minute of the show. That left me plenty of time for a lunch with staff and still able to get to the airport for a 5 p.m. flight, which was canceled on the way to the airport. I thought I would be able to get on the 8:35 p.m. flight, but no such luck. Then, someone came up with a great idea that I could fly to Detroit, and catch that flight home to Dallas.

Seemed like a great idea when I agreed, but the flight out of Chicago kept getting pushed back because of weather. The weather wasn't bad enough for other airlines, but American Airlines has this policy of not pushing away from the gate for whatever reason. Finally, about 10:30 p.m., we were headed for Detroit, only to land after midnight. I spent a week, that night, in Detroit. Lucky to find a hotel at 2 a.m. In the end, let's see … it only took 27 hours to get from Chicago to Dallas. At least I'm home safe and sound.

Just a couple of fun things from GSX. Securitas threw one heck of a party on Tuesday night at the Navy Pier. Former lead singers from Journey, Chicago and Kansas were on hand to rock and roll the crowd. For me, it was a welcome throw-back to yesterday. Chicago was a favorite band from the teenage years, but the most enjoyable time was montage of songs from The Eagles. It was a very enjoyable time amidst hardworking days on the show floor.

Hanwha held a similar event on Wednesday evening at the Chicago Sports Museum. You should see the pictures. This is a very cool place where they have life-size models of sports stars without the heads, and where the visitor can stand behind and have their photo taken. My personal favorite was standing behind a hockey uniform and my bald head sticking out. This is one for posterity. Lots of cool sports memorabilia, especially from the Harry Carey era.

I'm looking forward to the 2020 version of GSX in Atlanta. I know the ASIS staff is working diligently to make this a better experience; one that will bring the crowds back to the tradeshow floor. There was a positive vibe on the Chicago GSX floor. Let's hope it carries over to Atlanta.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.