The synchronous portion of Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2021 has concluded at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL. Presented by ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, the event offered discussion and idea exchange for the global security community. Attendance exceeded projections, with 8,600 registrants from more than 80 countries and 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest security solutions. More than 7,200 of the registrants were for the in-person portion of the event – creating an estimated economic impact of $18.5 million for the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome back GSX 2021 to the Center of Hospitality,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “Both the digital and in-person experience provided an opportunity for attendees to connect and serve the needs of global security professionals. I look forward to welcoming back ASIS to the OCCC for many years to come.”
The main event began on Monday 27 September. Following an 8:30 a.m. “How to Make Time Your Ally, Not Your Enemy” general session presentation by bestselling author Daniel Pink, the exhibit hall opened at 9:30 a.m. —marking a change to the GSX footprint where the exhibit hall is now open each day of the in-person event. Exhibiting companies Azena, Boon Edam, Cognyte, Cloudastructure, Evolv Technology, Everbridge, OnSolve, RaySecur, Smiths Detection, Trackforce Valiant, and Thermal Radar debuted products on the GSX exhibit hall.
“I’m proud of my friends and colleagues for arranging what is by all metrics a fantastic GSX,” said John A. Petruzzi, Jr., CPP, 2021 president, ASIS International. “We’ve received an overwhelming response from exhibitors and attendees commenting on the high quality of this year’s show. We’re pleased that the new event footprint—placing learning theaters in the exhibit hall—was well received, allowing for ease of access between our event’s best-in-class education and the solutions offered by our exhibiting companies. I’m incredibly thankful to our show’s international contingent for the lengths that they went to in order to gather here in person. The dedication of these individuals just proves the commitment of our profession to make GSX the industry’s premier event.”
Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (MLEAD), the final day of GSX, featured a “Leading Through Uncertainty” general session presented by Lieutenant General (ret) Nadja West. As a thank you to all active duty and veteran military, law enforcement, and first responders, these groups were invited to attend GSX for free this day. More than 90 individuals registered using the MLEAD discount code.
While the in-person portion of GSX has concluded, on-demand broadcasts of all sessions will be available to All-Access attendees through the digital platform until the end of 2021. During encore events taking place 20 October and 10 November, ASIS will rebroadcast top-attended sessions from GSX with presenters in attendance to answer audience questions in real-time.
GSX heads to Atlanta, GA in 2022. The OCCC is slated to welcome back GSX in 2024 and 2028.