The lead up to GSX can be overwhelming—20,000+ people from 80+ countries, 200+ learning sessions, vast expo floor, and work that does not stop. Even after 10 years of attending GSX (in-person and virtually), I still feel a bit daunted by the thousands of steps, unexpected conversations and meetings, fear of missing out, and the tremendous energy that is GSX. Let me share some tips on not missing out on the best that GSX can offer!
Planning for an Amazing Experience
Plan ahead because some amazing events require pre-registration, coming in advance, or packing for fun attire!
- Women in Security Gala: Consider heading to GSX early to attend the Women in Security Gala on Saturday, September 21st at The Westgate Resort in Orlando 9500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819 – across from Convention Center from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. If you will be in attendance for a pre-conference session, volunteer meeting, or just to enjoy Orlando early, be sure to register for this awesome event and bring your formal/black tie attire!
- Texas Night: Texas Night is an amazing, free event sponsored by Evolv and the Friend of Chuck, but you have to register in advance. Things I have done at Texas Night got shocked by an electric fence (thanks, Mark Landry), got my picture on a real Texas longhorn, line danced with live band, and raced armadillos! Be sure to pack your cowboy hat and western attire! This year Texas Night is Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM at Mango’s Tropical Cafe: 8126 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819.
- 30th Canada Night, Eh: Texas Night and Canada Night are the same day, so I recommend moving to Texas Night early and then rounding out your night at the Ice Bar in Orlando at 8967 International Drive, Orlando, Florida. Admission is free to all GSX attendees and guests, and pre-registration is not required. Be sure to wear your fav jersey and grab your toques. Remember on Canada Night, everyone is Canadian!
- ASIS Volunteers’ Day: If you are an ASIS Chapter/Region, Community, or Board volunteer, be sure to register in advance to meet volunteers from around the globe. Enjoy lunch, meet the ASIS CEO, experience ASIS Inspires, and take part in Community and Chapter/Region sessions. This will be followed by the ASIS Awards of Excellence and OSPAs.
- Are You an Active Duty or Retired Law Enforcement, Military Personnel, or First Responder? Be sure to register for the Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Breakfast at GSX. It is free to attend, but you need to register in advance!
- Download the GSX App: The app is one of my favorite features because it provides access to all the education sessions, happenings on the expo floor, map to find your way, education session takeaways, and access to attendee messaging. It also provides critical updates to the schedule and location for education sessions, a calendar and reminder feature to be sure you do not miss key sessions, information on pop-up events, and exhibitor promotions and prizes. It is available now!
On-the-ground Must Attend Events
This year GSX has so many cool events planned. Here are some of my highlights for must-attend events!
- Finland, Finland, Finland!: Join me in hearing from the youngest prime minister globally, former Finnish PM Sanna Marin. She led Finland during truly historic events including Finland’s ascension to NATA membership, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the global pandemic. Her session is, Strategic Security Diplomacy: Charting Paths in a Rapidly Changing World and starts on Monday, September 23rd at 8:30 AM EST. Get there early to get a good seat!
- Exhibition Hall: The expo hall is vast and winding. It will take you some time to orient yourself. Even if you are not a security technology SME, you can find some really interesting systems and see them in-person. You can find the full list of exhibitors in the app. Also, if you are a member or considering membership in related organizations, they likely have booths at GSX. Stop in and say hello!
- Community Sessions: GSX is a great time to meet professionals in similar fields through the ASIS International Communities. Even if you are not currently a member, you are welcome to meet up at the ASIS Hub on the expo floor and learn about the community. Be on the lookout for the community information sessions on the app.
- Career Center: Did you know that you can attend professional development sessions on the expo floor, get professional coaching, and have an expert review your resume for free? I have such a passion for this element during GSX and believe everyone should take advantage of this! Even if you are happy with your current position, going to the Career Center gives you a confidence boost! You are preparing for anything, and that is empowering! The Career Center is hosting 18 SESSSIONS this year. Most are 20 minutes, providing a quick dose of knowledge. Here are some stand-out sessions:
- LinkedIn: Profile Hacks to Propel Your Brand & Career, Tuesday, September 24th from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM
- Revolutionizing Job Search: Leveraging AI to Enhance and Automate Your Job Search, Monday, September 23rd from 1:30 Pm to 1:50 PM
- Maximizing Cultural Intelligence for a Global Workforce, Wednesday, September 25th from 12:30 PM to 12:50 PM
- ASIS Celebrates! Even if you are not an all-access pass-holder, you can purchase a ticket for this event. This is not to be missed! ASIS members will converge on Universal Orlando for an unforgettable experience on Tuesday, September 24th from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Bus service will be provided between official GSX hotels and Universal Orlando from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Please note: On Tuesday evening only, walk hotels will be serviced by Route 5. All guests at the three walk hotels will board at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
- ASIS Sub-Saharan Africa Reception: This is a networking event designed to connect Sub-Saharan attendees, and anyone interested in the unique business challenges and opportunities across the continent while celebrating its diverse culture. This event provides a platform to share insights, build meaningful connections and also explore potential collaborations. No registration is required. It takes place Wednesday, September 25th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at S331AB.
Pro Tips
Over the years, I have collected some lessons learned to limit stress and have an amazing week. Here are some GSX tips just for you!
- Connect with the LinkedIn QR Code: If you have LinkedIn on your mobile device, don’t reach for your business cards when making a new connection. Reach for your cellphone. Go to your LinkedIn App, tap on the search bar, and then tap on the QR icon. Your QR code will pop up allowing your new connection to scan the code and connect with you on LinkedIn immediately. You can also use the scan function to scan someone else’s QR code to connect to their profile. If you want to avoid following up with stacks of business cards, struggling to find people on LinkedIn, or forgetting to follow-up, use this tool!
- Download the Presenter Content: Many session presenters provide their speaker notes, slides, or other content after their presentations through the GSX App. I download as many of these documents as possible—even from sessions I could not attend—to get the most out of the educational sessions. Let’s face it, every year (despite best efforts) a lot of the hot sessions are at the same time.
- Bring an Extra Battery Pack for Smartphones. Don’t be the GSX attendee who’s hunting for an outlet or missing out on a session because you have to charge your phone in the hall. Also, do not forget your charging cables or earbuds.
- Plan for Virtual Meetings: If you are like me, your work does not stop for GSX! If you have to take any virtual meetings, plan in advance where you will go to limit the background noise.
- Get Your Coffee/Tea before Heading to Convention Center: The lines for coffee/tea at GSX are long. While I have met some great friends in line for coffee/tea, it does not maximize the limited time onsite. I grab my Starbucks strawberry acai refresher near my hotel.
- Reach out to People in Advance: For me GSX is a homecoming and an amazing time to meet new people but also connect with amazing friends I have made over the years. Check in with your friends and colleagues in advance to make sure they are planning to attend and schedule meetups. Do this in advance because the GSX week is hectic. I love to get together with old and new friends on Wednesday night for dinner.
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: GSX is a great time to explore new topics, check out new technology, and meet new people. Be sure to attend the social and networking events at GSX. Introduce yourself people who are seated nearby in educational sessions, people in line to get coffee, people on the bus or in common areas, etc. Over the years, I have met mentors, future ASIS presidents, and future managers and colleagues, and made lasting friendships through chance encounters. One of my favorite questions to ask people if how they got into the security field. You get some really interesting insights that can generate more conversation.
Post Conference
When you return from GSX, be sure to share what you learned with your colleagues. Consider drafting some highlights in bullet form about the GSX educational sessions, learnings from the expo floor, and networking insights. Be sure to thank your leadership for investing the resources in sending you to GSX.
I hope you find these tips helpful, and I hope to see you at GSX!