If It Were Not for the Airlines...

• By Ralph C. Jensen
• Sep 19, 2022

GSX 2022 was a smashing success. In fact, all three days were busy and aisles filled with security professionals. A job well done by the ASIS team.

Thanks to the airlines, I was able to spend an extra, unplanned day in Atlanta.

The success of GSX was met with the numerous social events. Perhaps the highlight of those events was a planned outing that I gave up. Securitas hosted an event at the Georgia Aquarium. I was pleased to be able to share a ticket to the event with our senior editor Matt Jones.

When he learned that the Barenaked Ladies were set to perform, he was all about getting that entry ticket. I thought to myself, what would Tony do? Tony Byerly is the president of Securitas, and he offered the invite to me, but I reasoned that the many years of our friendships have always been about doing the right thing for others.

After hearing about and reading of Matt’s experiences, it was the right thing to do. My thanks to Securitas for welcoming Matt to the event.

For me, GSX started with Texas Night with Friends of Chuck at Guardian Works. This was a great event to get GSX going, and hang out with a bunch of Texans. Monday night was an opportunity to mix and mingle with customers of Security 101. Great music, and on my way out, joined in a dance to celebrate the evening.

Hanwha Techwin and friends hosted an event at Hard Rock Café. The buffet dinner and music spilled out to Peachtree St. I am a collector of Hard Rock guitar pins, and over the years have picked up what seems like hundreds.

Thankfully, GSX 2023 is in Dallas. Will not have to worry about a flight home. If you have not been to the Dallas /Fort Worth area before, Welcome to Big D and Cowtown.