Can’t Get From Here to Home -- Security Today

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.

About the Author

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

Featured

Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now
- Video Surveillance
UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now
- Guard Services
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
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

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Automatic Systems V07

Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.
AC Nio

Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.
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.