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Human rights activist and CNN Hero, Derreck Kayongo, gives keynote address
Atlanta, GA (15 September 2022)–ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2022 on Wednesday. As a thank you for their service, all law enforcement, military, and first responders received a free one-day pass to attend GSX.
“We witnessed historic levels of engagement by all those involved in GSX,” said 2022 ASIS President Malcom C. Smith, CPP. “From those who exhibited at GSX to the members who traveled great distances to participate in this unique global gathering, I was inspired by the profession’s commitment to this global event and by its resounding success.”
Wednesday’s General Session featured keynote speaker Derreck Kayongo’s ‘A Pathway to Courageous Conversations.’ Kayongo discussed the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring – both in the security industry and the world at large. Kayongo highlighted how people from diverse backgrounds perceive the world differently and as such bring unique ideas to the table. This kind of ideation cultivates better ideas and can yield better and more innovative outcomes. Kayongo’s point wasn’t lost on the thousands of security professionals attending GSX, as new and better ideas in the world of security can save lives.
Also in Wednesday’s General Session, North American Regional Board member and retired Major in the U.S. Army, Richard Duncan, CPP, honored the sacrifice made by the many security professionals who perished during the attacks on September 11th, 2001. He also commemorated the recent deaths of two Cobb County sheriff’s deputies, Deputy Marshall Samuel Ervin, Jr., and Deputy Jonathan Randall Koleski, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In the spirit of Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a number of Wednesday’s sessions focused on the process of transitioning from military and law enforcement into the private security sector. On the Career HQ Stage, Security Consultant Michael D’Angelo, CPP, discussed his experience transitioning from police work to the private sector and gave attendees advice on the differences in public and private security, potential pitfalls of the transition, and how to establish credibility in the private sector.
“This year’s event showcased the sense of community and commitment security professionals across the globe have towards one another,” said Peter J. O’Neil, FASAE, CAE. “Once again, GSX has proven to be a catalyst in bringing the security profession together to learn, collaborate, and get back to the business of doing business. I am so proud of the work of everyone involved in this one-of-a-kind event in the most trying of times.”
ASIS International has announced that Dallas, Texas will host GSX 2023 from 11 September – 13 September 2023. For more information, please visit gsx.org.
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About Global Security Exchange (GSX)
Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the world’s most comprehensive event for security professionals for more than 65 years. Meeting the needs of the global security community, ASIS designed an in-person and digital experience like none other in the security profession. ASIS International remains dedicated to expanding and enriching knowledge sharing, best practices, and peer-to-peer connections so security professionals across disciplines—and at all stages of their career—can get access to the information and resources they need to succeed. For information about GSX, please visit www.GSX.org.
About ASIS International
Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world's largest membership organization for security management professionals. With hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management magazine, and Global Security Exchange—the most influential event in the profession—ASIS ensures its members and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property, and information assets. Learn more about the work we do at www.asisonline.org.
