EXCLUSIVE: Texas Night 2022 – An event like no other

Texas

Share this content

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Security Journal Americas previews Texas Night 2022 and speaks exclusively with Charles “Chuck” Andrews, Founder/Chairman of the Board, Friends of Chuck (FOC).

Where did it all begin? Texas Night (or TX NIGHT) started when Charles “Chuck” Andrews, CPP, Founder/Chairman of the Board, Friends of Chuck (FOC) was appointed many years ago as the Regional Vice President (RVP) of Texas for ASIS International, thus taking over the responsibility of managing the ASIS Chapters in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso and the Texas Gulf Coast.

One of the early challenges was communication and unity – there was no better way to fix this than by gathering everyone at each ASIS International GSX conference, the night before each event began and creating networking and comradery for the week ahead.

With six successful Texas Night events taking place across the United States over the last several years – the last one of which had 3,000 attendees from all over the world – it has now turned into a must attend experience.

The result of such previous occasions has made Texas Night a highly anticipated event, for both ASIS members and colleagues in the wider industry, that kicks off the night before each GSX exhibition-floor opening. In this exclusive interview, Security Journal Americas spoke with Andrews to find out more about what’s in store for the event, which is taking place at 6pm on 11 September at Guardian Works, 775 Echo St NW, Atlanta, Georgia.

Texas Night 2022

“First, you can expect an #epicsecuritynetworkingevent of unprecedented technological and experiential interaction from our partners (sponsors) when you first walk through the door,” explained Andrews. “Free to attend, you need to be signed-up for ASIS GSX and have a business card to enter.”

Visitors will be able to eat all the Texas BBQ they can, get their hands on a Texas-sized drink ticket, try some of Andrews’ birthday cake and mosey over to the live country Texas band while two-stepping the night away. For the event, Andrews is also bringing in the owner of Texas’ number one whiskey distillery who will personally serve samples of the state’s best libations.

“But first, go get your boots shined at our Texas Night Boot Shine Station and be prepared for all kinds of real time social media photo events occurring 360 degrees around you. With 40,000 square feet of fun, inside, outside and on the lawn, networking and cool technology in action can be enjoyed by partners and colleagues alike.”

On the 10,000 square-foot outdoor lawn, attendees are going to witness flying drones, drone detection technology tracking, K9 sniffing, robotic vehicles and thermal radars in action. From millimetre wave demos to eye-opening security integration solutions – as well as demonstrations of the latest and greatest facial recognition technologies – there are exciting prizes to be won such as one whole year of free Whataburger hamburgers.

“Wait though, there is actually more…” continued Andrews. “How about a world class magician entertaining you with crazy tricks never seen before? Or do you want your picture taken with Miss Rodeo USA – Ms. Jessie Lynn? In addition to all of this, we are starting a new tradition this year of giving out a collectable TX Night one-of-a-kind Challenge Coin to the first 1,000 security people that attend!”

Bringing the industry together

The last few years have really put into perspective how networking events are not just important to the security industry, but are in fact, critical. Now, as we continue to bounce back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, true networking is taking place and Andrews is relishing the chance to meet industry peers, in-person, once again.

“Security is a people-centric business that is best served by building face-to-face, genuine relationships,” Andrews elaborated. “This cannot happen over video-chat alone. As

humans, we require the interaction of being together at events all while shaking hands, giving hugs, sharing stories, catching-up and exchanging warm gestures.

“Our partners for Texas Night 2022 span the globe and include RaySecur, Asylon Robotics, Orion Entrance Controls, Patriot 1, Thermal Radar, Gallagher, Alcatraz AI, Robotic Assistance Devices RAD, Global K9 Protection Group, Airsight, TrackForce Valiant, NextGen, Intel, International Security Journal (ISJ), IP Video, Xandar Kardian, Global Guardian, Whataburger, Action CS, Active Intelligence Corp, Gratitude Initiative, Total Security Solutions, American Hat Company, SERV, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, ASIS Texas Chapters, ASIS Military Liaison Community, Justin Mason TEXAS Country Band and the potential for many more.

“Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis will be supporting and attending Texas Night 2022 – Commissioner Davis was the head of the Boston Police Department during the Boston Marathon Bombings and is a respected leader in the law enforcement and security industries.

“Ed will be saying a few words to Texas Night 2022 attendees and sharing a moment of silence in respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. Some of those in attendance will have been both directly and indirectly affected by the terrible events of that day.”

Back by popular demand

Texas Night is in its seventh year now and solely returns by demand from the security community.  Andrews explained to International Security Journal that, personally, he was most excited about the fact that the security community attending GSX will be able to get to gather again and re-engage in the name of friendship.

“The security business is a relationship business! To that end, security networking events like this turn out to be the most important moments where lifelong friendships develop, deals get done, cool technology gets adopted, job acquisitions are filled and where the best of learning takes place!

“If possible, wear your jeans and boots and bring your best cowboy/cowgirl hat! We recommend this for a fun event because we are bringing Texas to Atlanta, Georgia! That being said, everyone is welcome, so please don’t hesitate to also just come as you are.

“Where possible, take an Uber or Lyft to the event. There is parking if you decide to drive, however. If you are struggling to find Texas Night 2022 at the venue, no problem

– just look up in the sky as we will have search lights lighting up the Atlanta skyline – yeehaw!

“On a personal note, I will be releasing my first book at #TexasNight2022 – Yes, S.I.R.

– The Security Influencer’s Guide to success using Strategy, Intelligence and Relationships

– and will be signing 100 copies to be handed out.”

You can’t miss #TexasNight2022 on social media – it is everywhere, especially on LinkedIn. To register, find out more information about what is going on and who the partners are for Texas Night 2022*, click here: https://info.raysecur.com/2022-texas-night

*Those attending Texas Night 2022 must have a business card to get in and must have plans to attend GSX 2022.

This article was originally published in the bumper September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.

Return to Security Journal Americas NEWS INDEX

Newsletter
Receive the latest breaking news straight to your inbox