The doors have closed on this year’s Global Security Exchange (GSX), held at Chicago’s McCormick Place this week. Presented by ASIS International, the world's largest association for security management professionals, the event offered six days filled with education and networking for the global security community. Attendance was strong with 20,000 registrants from more than 125 countries and 550+ exhibitors packing the convention center. Security professionals also engaged in sessions around the world via Global Access LIVE! streaming with participants in more than 15 countries.

“GSX serves as a powerful forum for convening security leaders across the globe to learn, share information and network,” said Christina Duffey, 2019 ASIS president. “I leave this year’s GSX more energized about our association, our profession and our industry. I am eternally grateful to our Chicago chapter and host committee for their strong support and look forward to GSX 2020, which will take place in Atlanta.”

GSX 2019 launched on Saturday, Sept. 7, with ASIS member certification reviews and the start of continuing education workshops in support of professional accreditations. Sunday, Sept. 8, brought a Town Hall providing attendees with an open discussion forum with ASIS volunteer leaders. On Monday, Sept. 9, the keynote address was delivered by geopolitical expert and author Ian Bremmer, covering the most pressing risks, trends and economics around the world. 

The GSX Exhibit Hall opened Tuesday, Sept. 10 with more than 550 exhibitors and feature areas including the GSX Disruption District, X-Learning stages and the D3 (Drones, Droids, Defense) Learning Theater. New this year was the Startup Sector pavilion, highlighting new innovations in the security profession.   

John F. Kelly, retired four-star general and former U.S. secretary of Homeland Security and White House chief of staff, kicked off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11. General Kelly touched on changes in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency structures and policies since 9/11 and described how the dramatically increased collaboration across the intelligence and enforcement agencies in recent years has made the country safer.

The closing general session featured Tarah Wheeler, cyber security policy fellow at New America, who emphasized that the evolving world requires security practitioners to plan ahead and continue to update their thinking. 

“We are at GSX because we want to be fierce protectors,” Wheeler told the audience before providing guidance on how to prepare before an incident response is required. “I think like a bad guy so I can keep people safe — and you should start thinking like a bad guy too.” 

GSX 2020 will take place Sept. 21-23 in Atlanta. For more information about this year’s event, or to learn more about next year, visit http://www.GSX.org.