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Record Breaking $2 Billion AFWERX Challenge Announcement Made at Global Security Exchange

Media Contact:
Peggy O'Connor
[email protected]
+1.703.518.1415

Lineup of events and education featured global security remarks from top military leaders, in addition to tackling today’s most critical headline issues

Las Vegas, NV (September 26, 2018)—The third day of record-breaking programming and education at Global Security Exchange (GSX) saw cutting-edge security innovations, an early look at Magic Leap, a mixed reality wearable leading the pace of innovation in the market and the launch of a $2 billion AFWERX challenge.

“AFWERX is proud to have Major General Gersten, Commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, announce the latest challenge at GSX, surrounded by thousands of innovators and security experts,” said Mark Rowland, Innovator Actualizer and Director for the AFWERX  Las Vegas Hub. “The Advanced Microelectronics Autonomous Challenge will seek solutions that use advanced microelectronics in autonomous vehicles, for both commercial and military applications, to secure and advance autonomy, communication, on board sensing, processing, localization, telemetry, and navigation.”

AFWERX, the Air Force innovation and tech hub, is designed to foster collaboration between the Air Force and the private sector to bring new security product ideas to the market. Major General Gersten invited attendees to visit the AFWERX booth on the show floor to learn more about the new challenge and how they can get involved in shaping the next generation of security solutions.

As thousands of attendees flooded into the exhibit hall on day three, they were greeted with a live drone takedown from Fortem Technologies, in addition to countless demos and innovative product discussions on the three X stages, including ones from STRIVR; best known for transitioning from virtual reality football training to working with larger organizations focused on loss prevention; and RealWear, which demoed Realwear - HMT-1Z1. The event also offered attendees an exclusive early look of Magic Leap One, a mixed reality wearable that will change the way professionals are able to train and prepare for future security needs, provided by Accenture.

“It has been an amazing show for us,” said Gregg Pugmire, VP of Worldwide Sales, Fortem Technologies. “We’ve been blown away by the high level of interest and engagement that we have received - from security professionals to general attendees. It is very apparent that everyone is really concerned about protecting the skies, which is the last frontier - and we’re proud that we’ve been able to showcase our technology in front of audiences that represent the entire industry at GSX.”

The free Security Cares program brought together the local Las Vegas community for thoughtful conversations around school security. GSX honored the individuals who make our communities and world a safer place through the Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. As a thank you for their service, all law enforcement, military, and first responders received FREE one-day admission to the day’s GSX programming.

The day’s lineup of GSX education sessions aligned with today’s most critical headlines—including IoT security, active shooter, soft target protection, school safety, human trafficking, and workplace violence. In particular, the program’s Security Cares sessions brought together members of the local Las Vegas community to take a deep dive into the role communities play in keeping schools safe. Panelists made up of local law enforcement, government, mental health, and security professionals examined pre-violence indicators, implementing ‘see something, say something’ policies, issues surrounding how reported behaviors are escalated, resources available to connect at-risk individuals, and the importance of taking a collaborative approach to assess threats.

Thursday, September 27’s must attend events include:

  • Keynote Address: K.T. McFarland, Former Deputy National Security Advisor to the Trump Administration will walk attendees through the challenges and opportunities facing America and those around us—both allies and competitors. In addition, she will explain how global security professionals play a crucial role in shaping the world of today—and tomorrow.
  • Developing the Security Innovation Ecosystem: Join this engaging discussion about the methods and strategies of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in accelerating technology and frontier solutions. A special guest moderator from Accenture will examine how innovation best practices can be translated to corporate security.
  • Career HQ - How to Position Yourself for the Careers of the Future: Local Las Vegas job seekers will have access to resume reviews, a headshot studio, career coaching, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities with employers and peers—all free.
  • All Women Security Panel: Jill Allison, Cybersecurity Strategist and Emerging Technology Evangelist; Loren Dealy Mahler, President of Dealy Mahler Strategies; Stefanie Horvath, CISSP, CRISC, Executive Director of Enterprise Services for Minnesota IT Services; and Tina Meeker, CISSP, CIPP-US will share their experiences from Fortune 500, the White House, and military positions from the War Room to the Board Room about The Diverse Talent Gap in IT/Cybersecurity at 2:15 PM (Room N260).

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About Global Security Exchange

Entering its 64th year, Global Security Exchange (formerly the ASIS International Annual Seminar & Exhibits) is the world’s most comprehensive event for security professionals worldwide, dedicated to addressing fast-paced changes across the industry with a focus on immersive learning, revitalized networking, and a reimagined exhibit floor. Attendance at GSX directly supports scholarship programs and the development of education, certification, and standards and guidelines year-round. 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, 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 (formerly the Annual Seminar and Exhibits)—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.

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