With just seven days left until Global Security Exchange (GSX), you may be wondering what can’t-miss food destinations our host city of Chicago has to offer. Don’t worry–we’ve got you covered with this list of Chicago’s seven best eats.

1. Giordano’s Pizza

While you’re in Chicago for GSX, you can’t go home without having your fill of traditional, Chicago style, deep-dish pizza. There are hundreds of places in the city to go, but you will find the best at Giordano’s Pizza. This pizza has evolved over 200 years, originally being created by Mama Giordano herself in a small town near Torino, Italy. It wasn’t until immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio moved to the south side of Chicago in 1974, that the legendary Giordano’s Pizza was born.

2. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Whether you’re traveling from The Big Apple, or anywhere else in the world, you’ll be able to get your taste of a New York deli in The Windy City at Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen. Manny’s prides itself on being your “home away from home,” having passed its authentic recipes down for generations. After you bump elbows at the counter to get your corned beef sandwich and other assortments of “Jewish comfort food”, you’ll get all the ~feels~ of being right at home.

3. Portillo’s

If you’ve had your fill of deep-dish and you’re ready for your next Chicago food quest, Portillo’s is the place to go (and you’ll probably leave obsessed!). Chicagoans are crazy about this restaurant for good reason – they have the best Chicago style hot dog and have been serving them since 1963. The original Portillo’s in Chicago can be found at the intersection of Clark and Ontario Street, and there you’ll be able to sink your teeth into their famous fare.

4. Gene and Jude’s

Ever found yourself wanting fries and a hot dog? Sounds like an innocent request. But have you ever found yourself putting your fries ON your hot dog? When you travel just outside of downtown Chicago, you’ll discover you’re not the only one that’s thought of this genius invention. Since 1946, Gene & Jude’s has been putting fries on their dogs (hot dogs, that is), and has rightfully earned their title as “America’s #1 Hot Dog.”

5. Au Cheval

After you’ve spent the day on your feet over at McCormick Place and you’re ready to sit down an indulge, Au Cheval will be calling your name. This elevated diner-style bar and restaurant features mouthwatering recipes that have caught the attention of food bloggers everywhere. Along with an extensive list of signature cocktails draft beers, their signature cheeseburger is topped with a fried egg, melty cheese and crispy, juicy thick cut bacon…need I say more?

6. Gene and Georgetti’s Steak House

If a burger isn’t your idea of fine dining, Gene & Georgetti is ready to accommodate you. Founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and Alfredo Federighi (nicknamed Georgetti), the partners worked tirelessly to establish their steakhouse as the finest in Chicago (and Chicago’s finest would agree!). To this day, you can expect unparalleled service and quality to your meal, and you might even see a few celebrities. Everyone from Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball to Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell has dined at this Chicago institution.

7. Garrett Popcorn Shops

If you’re looking for something other than the lifelong friendships and valuable connections you’ve made at GSX to bring home with you, look no further than Garrett popcorn. Available around the city, their world-famous cheddar and caramel popcorn mix will knock your (white) sox off. It might be tempting but try to resist eating it all before you go!

Whether it’s your first or fourteenth time on the Global Security Exchange (GSX) exhibit hall floor, you can navigate GSX 2019 like a pro with the mobile app. To download the app, search the App Store or Google Play for GSX 2019.

Here are the top eight features to take advantage of in the app:

1. Save & Organize with My GSX Planner

Save and organize exhibitors and products you want to remember in your planner. In this area, you can add notes and photos to help you remember what you saw after GSX.

2. Never Get Lost with Maps

We get it, the exhibit floor can be overwhelming sometimes! The map will make sure you never get lost amongst the 550+ exhibitors. Using this feature, you can click on booths to learn more, get directions, and add to your show planner.

3. Find Exactly What You’re Looking for with Exhibitors

Searching for a specific product or service? This feature breaks down the exhibitors by categories so you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for.

4. Know Where the Parties Are with Networking Events

Discover the can’t-miss events all in one place! From the Town Hall Meeting to the President’s Reception to Mingle with Mentors, you can learn more about these events and add to your show planner.

5. Find the Answers to All Your Questions with Show Information

Curious about Bistro GSX menu and hours? Need shuttle information? Looking for the lost and found? All this information and more can be found under Show Information.

6. Discover What You Want to Learn with Education

Overwhelmed by hundreds of education session choices? In this feature, sessions are organized by date, speakers, tracks, and types. Discover the sessions that best fit your interests and needs.

7. Find What You Don’t Want to Miss with Exhibit Hall Features

There’s no excuse to miss these special features at GSX! Here, you can learn more about exciting spots in the exhibit hall— including the Disruption District, Career HQ, ASIS Hub, and more.

8. Stay Connected with Social Media

ASIS International is committed to the security profession all year long. Follow us to stay connected before, during, and after GSX!

There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to pack something after you leave for a trip. So, with just nine days left before Global Security Exchange (GSX) kicks off in Chicago, here are nine things you can’t forget to pack!

1. Comfortable Shoes (and Backup Shoes)

While you’re planning to look your best, especially if you’re a first timer to GSX, you may be thinking of bringing your heels or dress shoes. Save those for dinner, and instead, opt for shoes you are comfortable standing and walking around in for long periods of time while you’re in the exhibit hall!

2. Plenty of Business Cards

Our members love to rave about GSX, and how happy it makes them to network with new business contacts onsite. Just when you think you have enough stacks of cards, grab one more box. You will be covered in case you misplace some or in case the perfect lead requests a full deck to pass out to other interested parties.

3. Notepad and Pen

While you’re attending one, or many of our education sessions, or listening to a keynote speaker, be prepared to take important notes with a notepad and pen. This many seem a little “old fashioned”, but it will help save your phone battery in the long run.

4.Portable Charger

Speaking of saving your phone battery, a portable charger is great when you’re in a pinch, and don’t have time to make it back to your hotel for a charge up. Having a portable charger will help you spend more valuable time with your peers and give you ease of mind.

5. Travel Water Bottle

A trade show is like a marathon. Amidst the churning crowds, you must pace yourself, maintain eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help you stay alert and awake, especially if you’re planning to participate in the ASIS Foundation Sharpshooter Competition!

6. 80’s Attire

Before you pack anything else, make sure you are prepared for the President’s Reception with your 80’s attire! So, don’t forget your hairspray, leg warmers, and crazy 80’s prints!

7. Hand Sanitizer

While you’re handing out your business cards and mingling with other fellow security professionals, protect yourself from germs and feel refreshed by bringing a travel-sized hand sanitizer. These are easy to find in any convenience store!

8. Breath Mints

After your first, second, or even third coffee of the day, you might start to suffer from that dreaded coffee breath. Keep a pack of mints or gum on hand so you’re prepared to make your best impression.

9. Snacks

Snacks, because, well…who doesn’t love snacks? Keep your energy up, whether you’re in an education session, listening to a keynote, or just need a little something to munch on. Granola bars or trail mix (with extra M&M’s) are both great and portable options.

There are only 10 days until GSX 2019— where thousands of security professionals will convene to learn, network, and be surrounded by top products and services. Whether you’re a student, transitioning out of the military, or simply looking towards the next step in your career, GSX offers many resources to give you a jump-start on your future. Here are the top 10 ways GSX can take you to the next level:

1. Career HQ

The Career HQ is where you’ll find FREE resume reviews, the Headshot Studio, career coaching, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities with employers and peers. Sign up for resume review and career coaching with our expert coaches.

Career HQ Education Sessions

Tuesday, 10 September

• 10:45 am – 12:00 pm| Career Stages: Move from Management to CSO/CEO
• 2:30 – 3:30 pm | Keep It Professional: Navigating Social Media Beyond LinkedIn
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm | Resume Writing: Secrets to Get More Interviews

Wednesday, 11 September

• 10 – 11 am | Scavenger hunt
• 10:30 – 11:30 am | Career Stages: Move from Entry Level Professional to Management
• 12:45 – 1:45 pm | ASIS Certifications and Your Career
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm | Successful Transitions From the Public to Private Sector

2. Mentoring Day

Close out the week with Mentoring Day on Thursday, 12 September. If you’re looking for guidance from a mentor in the security field, join us for relaxed mentor networking events featuring seasoned mentors who will share their lessons learned and best tips. You might even leave with your own mentee/mentor match!

• 10:30 – 11:30 am | Mentoring Success Stories: Tools You Can Use
• 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Mingle with mentors

3. MLEAD

Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day honors the individuals who make our communities and world a safer place. GSX provides opportunities to aid in the successful transition to the private sector and connects you with a global security network. As a thank you for your service, all law enforcement, military, and first responders get FREE one-day admission to GSX on Wednesday, 11 September. Register today, using the promo code “THANKS” when registering to receive the free pass.

4. Networking

GSX convenes security professionals from all vertical markets throughout the world. Connections are made all throughout GSX—in sessions, receptions, lunches, and the exhibit hall—you never know who you’ll meet next! And there’s no better place to network with the global security community than these must-attend events.

5. Pre-Conference Programs

Join your colleagues prior to GSX in Chicago this September for a certification review program, an accelerated review that provides a high-level overview of the security concepts and practices assessed on the ASIS certification exams. The classroom experience encourages networking with your peers and board-certified instructors. Sign up for this course via the GSX registration form.

6. Certifications

Already have your certification? GSX is the best place to earn CPE credits to help you maintain this important credential. CPPs, PCIs, PSPs, and APPs can all earn CPEs for their participation.

• All-Access Pass: 23 CPEs (15 for sessions + 8 for visiting the exhibit hall)
• One-Day Pass:
  • Monday: 5 CPEs for sessions (no exhibit hall today)
  • Tuesday: 7 CPEs (4 for sessions + 3 for visiting the exhibit hall)
  • Wednesday: 7 CPEs (4 for sessions + 3 for visiting the exhibit hall)
  • Thursday: 4 CPEs (2 for sessions + 2 for visiting the exhibit hall)
• Expo-Only: Up to 8 CPEs
• Pre-Conference: Up to 12 CPEs
• Exhibitors: 9 CPEs + 1 CPE per session attended
• Note: exhibitors must submit a copy of their badge as proof of completion

Credits will be automatically posted in your record (allow up to four weeks for credits to be viewed online).

7. Exhibit Floor

Step onto the exhibit floor to experience the interactive learning lab first-hand. Connect face-to-face and network with professionals from all verticals across the private and public sector, allied organizations and partners, and the industry’s leading service and solution providers. Be sure to collect business cards and follow up within a week of returning to your office.

8. Sessions

Propel your career by building a wealth of knowledge. You’ll find 300+ sessions delivering valuable, actionable takeaways to help shape your organization’s strategy today and in the future. Learn more about the more than 20 professional development courses offered at GSX.

9. Lounges

Take a break from the exhibitor booths to relax and connect with peers in the lounges. The CSO Lounge, Diamond Club Lounge, and International Lounge provides their respective members with private conference rooms and other amenities to facilitate networking and meetings.

10. Free GSX Pass with Student Membership

ASIS student members have the unparalleled opportunity to take advantage of free registration to GSX. A $20 membership grants access to a wide range of career resources, networking opportunities, educational content, and potential employers.

No matter what stage you are in your career, GSX offers the tools and resources needed to take it to the next level. Leave Chicago with a suitcase full of business cards, fresh headshot, and new connections on LinkedIn!

With only 15 days left until this year’s Global Security Exchange (GSX) at Chicago’s McCormick Place, it’s time to start preparing for your trip! Whether this is your first time attending GSX or your 65th, figuring out which sessions to attend or which exhibitors to visit can be overwhelming. However, to ease that bout of anxiety and understand how to best plan your time in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are our tips on how to set yourself up to have a successful week in the Windy City:

Have so many questions, you don’t know where to start?
The best place to get an overview of the conference, and familiarize yourself with what this years’ exchange will entail, is the GSX My Show Planner. Here, you can create your account, learn about the education sessions and exhibits being offered, learn about pre-conference opportunities, and even find out what to do if there are sessions you can’t make it to.

Download the GSX App
With the GSX app, you can save information on the exhibitors you want to visit, use the maps feature to get around, and even check on show and education information and times. Make it easier for yourself while meeting new friends or catching up with old ones. To download the app, search the App Store or Google Play for GSX 2019.

Pack your business cards!
Remember, GSX will be hosting specific events for networking purposes to help you boost your career or get answers from fellow colleagues and peers. Having a business card will make it easier to share your information or know how to keep in touch with someone new while in Chicago! Learn more about the networking events and receptions taking place.

Speaking of packing…
There are a few essentials to remember to pack, especially if this is your first time at GSX. You may gravitate to wear what you normally would in the office but be wary of how much you will be walking! It’s best to wear comfortable shoes, which will make it much easier to get around. And don’t forget to bring a sweater! It might be warm outside, but it can get chilly inside the convention center.

Tell your friends!
With 15 days to go, there’s still plenty of time to get your friends and coworkers to join you! GSX will bring the best of security together – subject patter experts, next-level solutions, and practical applications – all under one roof. So register today, and find out why GSX is home for all security practitioners and their partners.

There is evolution – and then there is revolution.

Evolution is gradual change over time to adapt to a new environment, while revolution is a sharp and rapid change which is more complete and fundamental.
In 2019, Global Security Exchange (GSX) brings you a revolution.

This year, we have so many new things to show you, it’s almost easier to list what’s not new. You’ll still find a vast array of educational sessions – over 300 this year – to expand your knowledge and build your credentials within the industry. Once again you will have the opportunity to network with thousands of your peers. Our exhibit floor will again be filled with technology and solution providers showcasing the most advanced hardware and software available addressing today’s most challenging security issues—areas of keen focus for today’s security management, law enforcement, and homeland security professionals.

But it’s what’s new that makes this year revolutionary for GSX.

The exhibit hall will be transformed into a learning laboratory environment, showcasing new and emerging products and technologies such as machine learning, robotics, forensic analysis, and artificial intelligence.

There will be well over 100 new exhibitors at GSX 2019. Many are from new solution categories such as the audio/video and unmammed vechicle markets, as well as systems integration and managed service suppliers (IT integrators), who recognize the expanded role traditional security systems are playing across the enterprise.

GSX 2019 will propel the advancement and presentation of technology even further with a new dedicated area on the exhibit floor aptly named the Disruption District. Here, the latest technology innovations will be displayed, demonstrated, and discussed in a variety of micro-venues, including:

• X Learning Stages, which will feature experiential sessions with topics and content designed to actively shape the future of security professionals.
• The D3 (Drones, Droids, and Defense), which has been greatly expanded to provide demonstrations of the latest drone technologies for the air, land and underwater. Equally important, D3 will also feature solutions designed to counter infiltration from drone attacks.
• The Startup Sector is dedicated to highlighting new companies at the forefront of new and emerging technologies impacting the security industry.
• The Pitch Competition brings together an elite group of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to experience how some of the world’s most exciting early-stage startups pitch their innovations and concepts. Each company is given time to pitch, followed by Q&A and feedback from world class investors and top CSOs.
• Innovative Product Award (IPA) winners will also have a dedicated area to showcase the industry’s newest, most innovative products, services, and technology solutions.

This year, we are extending learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our live-streaming Global Access LIVE! program will deliver GSX education sessions beyond the walls of the conference center to hundreds of security professionals around the world. These sessions – over 300 in number, led by ASIS and Infragard subject matter experts – will provide an immersive and interactive learning experience for security professionals at all experience levels—including an exclusive CSO track focusing on strategic security, business, and leadership topics.

The program is organized into 17 subject matter tracks, four general sessions, six certification reviews and pre-conference courses, and (new this year) gamechanger sessions. More than 220 ASIS subject matter experts across a wide spectrum of security subjects will deliver this massive education program.

Our new era of revolution is also reflected in the conference name itself, Global Security Exchange. While our new name was introduced last year, this year GSX fully delivers on its promise, demonstrating ASIS International’s commitment to uniting the full spectrum of security—cyber and operational security professionals from all verticals across the public and private sectors, allied organizations and partners, and the leading service and solution providers—for the most comprehensive security event in the world.

Register Today!