Can’t Get From Here to Home

• By Ralph C. Jensen
• Sep 16, 2019

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.