ASIS International’s Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2024 concluded at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, seeing 16,000 registrants from 86 countries and approximately 500 exhibiting companies at the show. 

“GSX 2024 has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for security professionals worldwide to connect, collaborate and innovate,” stated Cy A. Oatridge, CPP, 2024 President, ASIS International.

“The diversity of our attendees, representing 86 countries, underscores the truly global nature of our industry and the challenges we face.

“This event is not just about showcasing the latest technologies; it’s about fostering relationships and sharing knowledge on a global scale.

“As we navigate a complex security landscape, it’s these relationships that will drive innovation, enhance our collective knowledge and ultimately strengthen our ability to protect and serve. 

“GSX reminds us that in the field of security, we are indeed stronger together.”

Additional events

GSX was supplemented by a weekend of pre-conference events, such as Secure Horizons: An Immersive Experience for Senior Security Executives, ASIS Volunteers’ Day and the ASIS Awards of Excellence alongside the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). 

ASIS Volunteers Day at GSX brought together more than 200 ASIS members from five continents, celebrating the organization’s dynamic volunteer community and their contributions to the profession. 

ASIS also hosted pre-conference education, including ASIS certification reviews and workshops on facility security design, Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) and stakeholder communication.

GSX kicked off on Monday 23 September with a keynote presentation from former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin.

Prime Minister Marin discussed the intricacies of modern geopolitics, especially the recent Russian assault on Ukraine and Finland’s entry into NATO, calling for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to global security challenges that maintains the benefits of global trade while reducing vulnerabilities to authoritarian regimes.

Following Marin’s keynote presentation, the event’s exhibit hall opened, showcasing 500 companies providing innovative security solutions.

Monday also launched the start of more than 200 education sessions featuring presenters from 21 countries over the three-day event.

In Tuesday’s general session, Dr Rana el Kaliouby, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, co-founder of Blue Tulip Ventures, and an investor in leading AI technology, discussed the increasing prevalence of AI, the opportunities that it presents and the potential risks.

The final day of GSX, Wednesday 25 September, celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

To honor those who serve and protect, ASIS began the day with a special breakfast event celebrating the dedication of active duty and retired professionals from law enforcement, military service and emergency response fields.

In Wednesday’s general session, Commander Kirk Lippold, US Navy (Ret.) shared his personal experience as the commanding officer of the USS Cole in 2000, when it was attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists in a suicide bombing.

Commander Lippold highlighted the importance of making decisions with integrity and the importance as a leader of knowing the strengths of your people and trusting them to make the right decisions. 

“Collaboration and shared purpose”

“The sheer scope of this year’s event – from our thought-provoking keynotes to over 200 specialized education sessions – demonstrates the dynamic nature of our industry,” said Bill Tenney, CEO, ASIS International.

“What resonated with me most was the vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. 

“GSX 2024 has not only been a showcase for cutting-edge security approaches and solutions but also a testament to the strength and unity of our professional community.

“Events of this caliber are vital in propelling our profession and industry forward, equipping us to meet future challenges head-on.

“As we look ahead to GSX 2025 in New Orleans, I’m excited about the opportunity to build upon this momentum and further elevate our collective impact on the security landscape.”

GSX 2025 will take place from 29 September to 1 October in New Orleans, Louisiana.