ASIS International rebrands annual event as the 'Global Security Exchange'

For Ron Rosenbaum, ASIS International’s chief global marketing and business development officer, the decision to change the name of its annual security conference was a natural progression of where the association is moving. 

So today, the leading association for security management professionals worldwide, announced it has changed the name of its annual security conference from the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits to the Global Security Exchange (GSX). The event, which is now newly branded GSX, heads into its sixth decade of operation when it unveils its new name and revamped format in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 23-27, 2018, in partnership with InfraGard and ISSA.

“The Global Security Exchange reflects the changes we are making, both across the society and at our flagship event. In 2017, we saw the beginning of this transformation. We expanded our organizational partner's program, which saw more than two dozen groups aligned to security participating in our event. We revamped our education lineup and delivered a more immersive, contemporary learning experience for attendees at all career levels. And we significantly enhanced our investment in keynote speakers by showcasing global thought leaders who set the tone each day, as well as our networking events that bookended the program,” explained Rosenbaum. “Throughout the year, attendees know they can turn to their ASIS community to exchange ideas, best practices, and peer support. Our year-round commitment to excellence and reinvestment in the security profession is what differentiates the Society and our event. At GSX, we will continue to foster this community of professionals and organizations that share a common mission to advance security worldwide. There’s much to be excited about and in 2018, attendees can count on even more event enhancements in Vegas.”

Peter J. O'Neil, CAE, Chief Executive Officer for ASIS International, added that the association is building upon the change and reinvention that has been introduced at ASIS throughout this year.

"This name reflects the Society's commitment to uniting the full spectrum of security—cyber and operational security professionals from all verticals across the private and public sector, allied organizations and partners, and the industry's leading service and solution providers—for the most comprehensive security event in the world," said O’Neil.

GSX will offer a best-in-class environment for education, networking, and business building that will provide year-round benefits for attendees and exhibitors alike. The education program, led by ASIS, InfraGard, and ISSA subject matter experts, will deliver an immersive and interactive learning environment for security professionals at all experience levels. The exhibit hall will be transformed into a learning lab environment, showcasing new and emerging products and technologies such as machine learning, robotics, forensic analysis, and artificial intelligence. In addition, the revitalized networking events will facilitate relationship building and the sharing of best practices with peers from across the globe.

"From the Internet of Everything and soft target attacks to data breaches and drones, the velocity of change and risks knows no boundaries," said Thomas J. Langer, CPP, 2017 president, ASIS International. "GSX fills the industry's need for a global event that brings together the entire security industry, to exchange ideas and lessons learned, keep informed of current and emerging risks, and gain exposure to the emerging technologies shaping society and our workplaces."

Rosenbaum is most excited about the revamped educational concept and show experience that is reflected in the “learning lab” approach.

“We believe learning shouldn’t be reserved for the classroom. It’s important for security professionals to get hands-on access to new and emerging technologies, as well as ideas and insights that offer new takes on current challenges,” said Rosenbaum. “Whether through immersive reality and robotics and drone demos or through expanded Impact Theater learning and Career Center programming, at GSX, we will upend the traditional exhibit hall format and provide attendees with the industry’s most robust and engaging technology and solutions experience.”

ASIS is also hoping to engage its vendor partners in a more up close and personal way with its attendees at the annual event according to Rosenbaum.

"We are changing how exhibitors and attendees engage with each other, elevating the conversation from a traditional buyer and supplier model to one of true partnership and information exchange. It’s important to ASIS that our community is inclusive and representative of the full spectrum of security – end-users, allied organizations, and our exhibit partners," concluded Rosenbaum. "At GSX, we are creating an atmosphere where exhibitors and attendees will engage in a more dynamic learning environment, which includes more education, experimental learning opportunities, and hands-on access to the newest technologies and solutions on the market." 

While the annual event's new name is debuting today, the full rebrand will launch at the 2018 ASIS International Leadership Conference, which will be held January 16-19, in Arlington, Virginia.