10 Things I Am Most Excited About for the ‘New’ GSX Show
Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine shares what he is most looking forward to at GSX 2018, and offers some tips for attendees.
With what would have been the 64th ASIS Seminar and Exhibits (renamed for 2018 as the Global Security Exchange, or GSX) taking place next week in Las Vegas, I thought I would share the top 10 things associated with the electronic security industry’s “other big show” (after ISC West) that I am personally looking forward to the most.
Be sure to look elsewhere on securitysales.com for more of SSI’s extensive special pre-, live- and post-event GSX Spotlight coverage.
1. Show to Remain As Is?
How much difference will the new GSX name make? Frankly, looking over the agenda, at least from a security dealer and integrator perspective, little change is discernible. However, as before this show is mainly about the security end user and from that standpoint it looks to offer even more expansive sessions and value. And it looks to remain a viable experience for dealers and integrators. Certainly not crazy about the Las Vegas location this year though. Once a year for ISC West is plenty for me, and so far all the other industry professionals I have discussed it with too. I hear 2019 is in Chicago, now that is more like it!
2. Exploring the Exposition
Several hundred vendors will show off their wares in the year’s second-biggest domestic spotlight of the latest and greatest security products and technologies, allowing hands-on demos. ISC East notwithstanding, it’s also the last platform for the year for new product introductions and peeks at the coming year. Also looking forward to seeing how branding is evolving among acquired and merged suppliers since the last show.
3. Media Partner Close-ups
The event allows Security Sales & Integration editors the opportunity to see many (most that are exhibiting at GSX) of the leading suppliers that support SSI’s efforts to deliver the industry’s finest dealer/integrator trade publication. It also affords the chance to build relationships with new partners. And this year, be ready to get caught on camera because the video will be rolling!
4. Building Relationships
Hundreds of high-level industry executives and managers make appearances at GSX, and so it’s a great forum to meet and reconnect with colleagues. It’s also a grand channel-strengthening opportunity that applies to both the manufacturer side, as exhibitors, and especially with high-level end-user customers and prospects as some 15,000 of them is expected to be on hand.
5. Learn and Pick Up on Pain Points
If you pick and choose from the more than 300 offered sessions, there are several valuable training and informational presentations to be experienced at the show. There is not much directly related to dealer or integrator operations but many tracks are filled with topics beneficial in helping understand end-user challenges and needs. Note that while the education program runs the entire week many courses are concurrent with expo hours.
6. Keynotes Key on Policies & Politics
There are four scheduled special speaker and keynote sessions. On tap: Renowned journalist (CNN) and thinker Fareed Zakaria (9/24, 8 a.m.); founder and principal of TriCorps Technologies Scott Klososky (9/25, 8:30 a.m.); Major General Bradley D. Spacy (9/26, 8:30 a.m.); and former Deputy National Security Advisor to the Trump Administration K.T. McFarland (9/27, 8:30 a.m.).
7. Rub Elbows With High Security Society
There are a host of vendor-provided mixers, dinners and parties on tap during show week, some of which offer quality entertainment as well. In addition, ASIS has more than a half-dozen GSX networking-oriented activities listed on the show’s website. The most compelling one is the President’s Reception on 9/26 at the Cromwell hotel.
8. Taking Industry’s Temperature
The participation, energy and vibe of this show are strong indicators of how the year will close out and serves as a harbinger for what 2019 may look like for the electronic security industry. Typically the event is considerably more low-key than ISC West but perhaps being in the same Vegas locale will kick it up a bit. Let’s hope it is hectic and upbeat!
9. Seeing Eye to Eye
Many members of the SSI and sister publication Campus Safety team and associated publications work remotely, and so events like GSX are welcome opportunities to spend time together. This year is additionally exciting because it is the first since the brands were acquired by Emerald Exhibitions. With how many folks work remotely these days I am sure other companies look forward to the event for this reason as well.
10. Final Analysis
The end of the show is just the beginning of post-show coverage for SSI and it is immensely satisfying to have accomplished thorough pre-, during and post-coverage. Sifting through all the information, photos and videos helps solidify a summation of the worthwhile takeaways and convey to readers what they need to know. The drag is having to then catch up for a missed desk week as media deadlines are relentless beasts.
What are your favorite things about the annual ASIS (GSX) event? Also, let us know what caught your attention at the show and your overall opinion.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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