Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers

Viva la France

Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers.

Because I have never been afraid to ask, I powered into my boss’s office to plead my case to attend in some destination call Nice, France. I am sure you already know this, I did, Nice, and the surrounding area is a destination for the rich and famous. I am neither, but my boss agreed and sent me away to make the necessary travel arrangements.

Here was security on the grandest stage of all where security directors from all over the world would be attending and contributing to the narrative. I was way out of my league on this one, but I did not want to squander the opportunity

There were numerous opportunities to listen and learn.

As the three-day affair was nearly complete, the planning of evening events included a bus trip to Monte Carlo, at the Hotel de Paris at Monte-Carle, for a social gathering, and drinks. I am not a drinker, but more about that in a minute.

It is a stunning drive from Nice to Monte Carlo, passing Port Hercules, the only deep-water port in Monaco. In the 1970s the port underwent substantial improvement to provide anchorage for up to 700 vessels. No tugboats or shrimping boats in the marina.

Back to the security soiree at the hotel, a few of the people I met and have the opportunity to chat with included the director a security for ARAMCO, a well-known player in the oil business, especially Saudi Arabia. I really did hear some amazing security stories from the oil field.

vWhile passing through the crowd, I bumped in to the vice president of (Europe) security for Coca Cola. Worried about my welfare, he asked why I did not have a drink. I said I do not drink, but if I did, it would be a Coke, I would be happy. I thought it was something I said, but the man disappeared only to return with a member of the serving staff with several small bottles of Coca Cola. Upon his return, he replied “what kind of security professional would I be if I could not get you a Coke?”

J'ai répondu, ‘’j'espère que vous n'avez pas dû entrer par effraction dans une pièce fermée à clé pour cela, mais merci."

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    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.