GSX+ 2020 virtual forum attracts thousands

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The virtual doors have closed on the inaugural Global Security Exchange Plus (GSX+), but the event drew more than 4,500 registrants from 82 countries, along with 88 exhibitors populating the virtual Marketplace.

Presented by ASIS International, a global association for security management professionals, GSX+ offered five days filled with live and on-demand education and networking for the global security community.

"GSX+ was a bold, positive statement to the world that the professional security industry is committed to learning, sharing experiences and information, and building strong interpersonal relationships across borders, time zones, and distances," said ASIS President Godfried Hendriks, CPP, in the announcement. "I am delighted by the energy and enthusiasm of the ASIS membership and the security community at large, and I am already looking forward to GSX 2021, planned to take place in Orlando, which will combine the best of this virtual experience and our traditional live event."

The GSX+ learning lineup offered attendees more than 130 world-class security education sessions over the course of the week, across five subject areas:
•    National Security
•    Physical and Operational Security
•    Risk Management
•    Digital Transformation/Information Security
•    Leadership and Managing within Organizations

All-Access attendees earned up to 25 CPEs and can now access all session recordings on-demand through Dec. 31. This effectively allows attendees to view every session offered at their leisure, without any scheduling conflicts.

Other popular GSX+ activities included the virtual Marketplace, where attendees interacted with exhibiting companies to learn about their latest offerings. Visitors had the ability to schedule private meetings, chat with booth staff during open Marketplace hours, and use GSX+ Matchmaking and Networking features to connect directly with speakers, vendors, and fellow attendees.

GSX+ 2020 kicked off on with a keynote address presented by Juan Manuel Santos, two-term President of Colombia and recipient of the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. In his address, titled Leading with Hope, Not Fear: A Global Perspective, Santos reflected on what it takes to build bridges and create unity when the task seems insurmountable. With an eye toward the future, he also shared insights on the global economic outlook and what lies ahead for global security.
 
The day two keynote presentation was an interview with Solvay's CEO, Dr. Ilham Kadri, and Group Security Director, Werner Cooreman, titled Embracing the Future: Strategies for Building Resilience and Innovation. In the afternoon, the ASIS Women in Security and Young Professionals happy hour provided an excellent opportunity for building strong relationships within these important groups.

On day three, General Stanley McChrystal, 4-star general and former commander of U.S. and International forces in Afghanistan, spoke about Leading in Turbulent Times, including such key leadership principles as transparency and inclusion, leveraging the power of teams through relationships, leading by influence, relentless mission focus, and sharing a clear vision with everyone who must execute against it - all against the shifting backdrop of the ever-evolving remote workplace.
 
The final keynote presentation was given by Keren Elazari, CISSP, Security Analyst, Researcher, and Public Speaker, titled The Future of Cybersecurity
 
ASIS International closed the week with a celebration of exceptional performance in the security industry on the final day at its virtual Gallery of Stars — a 360-degree tour of Longview Gallery where attendees could learn more about the accomplishments of security leaders who went above and beyond in 2020. The Gallery of Stars, which is accessible until 25 October, also hosts the U.S. Security Outstanding Performance Awards (OSPAs) and recognized INTRUSION Shield as the recipient of ASIS International's 2020 Innovative Product Award.

For more information about GSX+ 2020, or to learn more about GSX 2021, please visit www.GSX.org.