OK readers, it looks like we need an “inside man” at ASIS this year.
As you may have heard, for this first time ever (or at least in the 10-plus years I have covered this show), ASIS has landed the biggest of big fish – a former POTUS! That’s right, George W. Bush will deliver his keynote message to the security industry at 10 a.m. on Monday (the day before the show floor opens on Tuesday).
And with President Bush’s arrival comes some rules…lots of rules. This has nothing to do with ASIS and everything to do with the Secret Service, which makes total sense. In fact, ASIS has sent out the following advisory:
The following are NOT permitted in the venue:
- Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, switch blades, Swiss Army Knives, etc.
- Large bags to include tote bags, suitcases, roller bags, briefcases, laptop bags, backpacks, event bags, etc. As a standard guideline, follow the same rules as you would when going to an NFL game.
- No coats, umbrellas, selfie sticks, air horns or noise makers
- No photography or video allowed during this presentation. This session is off-the-record and closed to media.
Did you catch that last bit? The trade press surely did.
I was really hoping to hear what President Bush would say to our industry. After all, this industry was remarkably affected by many of the security mandates the Bush Administration passed down in the days, weeks, months and years following the Sept. 11 attacks.
I was hoping to catch a few words of wisdom about how Mr. Bush felt about our industry as the response to the attacks evolved; about how we all stepped up to protect our country. It would have felt good to be acknowledged for the role that the security trade press may have played in that effort (however insignificant those contributions may have been).
I’m not certain of course, but I am pretty darn sure there will not be any national security secrets divulged; however, for whatever the reason is on the Bush/Secret Service side of the equation, I won’t be in attendance. This is where you come in…
If you happen to catch me on the show floor at ASIS – either walking the aisles, or at a press conference, or at our booth (#2125) – please do me a favor and let me know what President Bush had to say. It means a lot to me, even if it will never make it into print.
ASIS: The Show must go on
Hurricane Harvey has devastated parts of Texas; however, ASIS will still go on as scheduled at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Show organizers are aware the convention center will house storm evacuees, but the shelter area will be located away from the convention area and will not impact the conference or expo.
ASIS says it is working closely with its local leadership in Houston and the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau to see how the organization can best support those in the affected areas. ASIS has already donated to the Red Cross to support the rebuilding process, through its Security Cares initiative.
Launched in 2016, Security Cares takes place annually at ASIS as part of the organization’s commitment to give back to the communities the show visits and ensure they benefit from the collective wisdom and product knowledge amassed at the event. Visit http://asisonline.org for more info.
Paul Rothman is Editor in Chief of Security Dealer & Integrator (SD&I) magazine. Access SD&I's current issue, archives and subscribe at www.secdealer.com. Pick up a free copy of SD&I at ASIS booth #2125 or in the publication bins outside the show floor.
