Yet again, the Faith Group team hit the road for ASIS International’s Global Security Exchange (GSX), this year held in lively New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA). From September 29 through October 2, our security team members joined thousands of industry professionals exploring the latest technologies, trends, and through leadership shaping the future of physical security.
As always, GSX offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with our technology partners, experience hands-on demonstrations, and bring back insights that will help us better serve our clients. Below, our team shares some of the most impactful technologies, innovations, and conversations that stood out during the week.
Brendan Kamps, PSP, ASC, DHC, CHDAI
Every year, one theme seems to dominate the GSX show floor. And this year, that word was integration. While the past few years have been filled with AI buzzwords, it was refreshing to see manufacturers focuses on how these technologies deliver real-world value.
What stood out most was Genea’s AI assistant — currently read-only, allowing operators to ask natural-language questions like —“show badge denials at HQ this week” or “summarize after-hours entries for Door 12” without risking configuration changes. On the roadmap, that same natural-language interface will expand into system configuration, translating simple requests into safe, audited updates (think creating roles or adjusting schedules) with built-in guardrails and approvals.
Genea also plans to bring machine-learning anomaly detection online to flag unusual access patterns—such as atypical time-of-day activity, repeated denials, or suspected tailgating—and to present clear, human-readable explanations tied to the relevant doors, users, and events.
In short, Genea pairs a modern, cloud-first foundation with practical AI that helps today and hints at even more capable workflows tomorrow.
brendan.kamps@faithgroupllc.com
Clinton McGraw, PSP
Walking the floor this year, one key takeaway for me was the introduction of AV1 compression in security cameras, which is a major leap forward in the industry. A large camera manufacturer is now adding the AV1 compression to its capabilities of their cameras, and several major Video Management System software manufacturers are following suit. While AV1 has been used by many entertainment streaming platforms for a number of years, this is the first that I’ve seen it in the Security Industry for video surveillance. It will be interesting to see if this compression is adopted by ONVIF, how long it will take for other camera manufacturers to incorporate into their products and how it plays out overall.
Another encouraging trend was the growing flexibility in access control infrastructure. I was encouraged to see new options that allow replacement of both access control head-end software but also replacing the hardware and software without needing to replace field cabling, connectors, or enclosure. It is also encouraging to see that cutting-edge technology is being constantly incorporated into products. It is truly an exciting time to be a Security Practitioner!
clinton.mcgraw@faithgroupllc.com
Jimmy Houlihan, PSP, EIT
One of the standout innovations at GSX this year came from Gallagher Security and their QuickSwitch solution. This solution provides a streamlined and efficient pathway for migrating legacy access control systems to Gallagher’s modern platform.
By using Gallagher controller boards designed with a similar form factor to many existing access control systems, the boards can be swapped in quickly without major rewiring. This enables a faster installation, reduced system downtime, and ultimately lower labor and infrastructure costs compared to a traditional access control system upgrade.
This approach significantly simplifies what has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming migration process, making it a standout innovation in access control modernization.
jimmy.houlihan@faithgroupllc.com
Wes Monteith
What an exceptional experience at the ASIS Global Security Exchange (GSX) Convention in NOLA! I had the opportunity to connect with fellow security professionals and engineers, and experts in related fields as risk management. With over 500 vendors, the expo floor was buzzing with familiar vendors from past collaborators and recent partners, including exciting new vendors showcasing innovative technologies.
My primary takeaway is the rapid pace of technological advancement in the industry. Just eight years ago, I often noticed usability gaps when installing systems. Now, events like GSX are pushing vendors to innovate and compete, fostering strong relationships, essential integrations, and groundbreaking solutions.
From a technology standpoint, what stood out most wasn’t on the main convention floor but at the Hanwha A&E Forum I attended the day before the convention. Their latest P Series cameras incorporate EdgeAI analytics to detect blocked exits using an advanced scene-change-based algorithm. Beyond posing a security risk, obstructed exits represent a serious life-safety hazard. This feature helps mitigate emergency risks and can prevent substantial OSHA fines, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, Hanwha is also in the process of developing a similar algorithm for detecting personal protective equipment (PPE). The straightforward installation on existing P Series cameras makes this a highly cost-effective upgrade.
Not only was the trip filled with innovative technologies and new perspectives, but it also fostered camaraderie amongst our team.
wes.monteith@faithgroupllc.com
Jaqueline Terini
At GSX this year, one technology truly caught my attention was at the Motorola Solutions. Their AI video analytics system showcased a new level of sophistication and detail. The platform can recognize things like what a person is wearing, the colors of their clothes, hair length and color, if they’re wearing glasses, and even the type of bag they’re carrying, if it’s a backpack or a handbag.
They also showed that you can upload a photo, for example, of a missing child and the system tracks through all the connected cameras to locate that person and identify if this child leaves the area with another person or not. This functionality could be transformative for human trafficking responding and prevention, particularly in high-security environments such as airports. In these settings, where traffickers cannot easily cover their faces, the system can not only track the vulnerable individual, but also help with the trafficker identification faster than the actual video system.
Another important function was object tracking. At Motorola’s demonstration, they used the example of a paper bag left on a bench in a museum for more than 24 hours. With only a click, the system was able to pull up every moment that bag appeared, eventually leading back to the person who left it there. I immediately thought of how useful that could be in real situations, like suspicious packages. On top of that, the system can also detect unusual activity, identify vehicles, read license plates, spot unusual crowds and even pick up sounds like gunshots or screams.
Overall, it really showed me how video surveillance can go from being just a recording tool to something proactive that supports investigations and turns responses much faster. It was definitely one of the technologies that left the strongest impression on me during the conference.
jaqueline.terini@faithgroupllc.com
Additionally, Faith Group had the opportunity to send some of our non-technical staff to experience GSX for the first time. Their participation included walking the expo floor and attending sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the industry and our clients’ needs.
Madison Kukic, CAPM
GSX 2025 brought security professionals from all over the world together to explore the latest technologies, industry challenges, and strategies shaping the future of physical security. As a non-technical participant, I found tremendous value in walking the expo floor, meeting with vendors, and gaining a better understanding of the physical security solutions our clients consider. Beyond the products, the conference offered an important opportunity to step back and think about the cultural and human factors that influence how security is practiced and perceived.
One of the most impactful moments for me came during the session “Bridging the Divide: Security Solutions in a Politically Polarized World.” While walking around NOLA earlier in the week, our team noticed temporary security barricades set up around the courthouse. In the session, I asked the moderators what kind of message this type of anticipatory security posture sends to the public. Their response underscored the balance between safety and accessibility. While visible barricades may project preparedness, less invasive approaches (such as bollards cleverly disguised as planters or strategic landscaping) can achieve the same protective effect without creating a sense of alarm or denying access to a public space. This perspective highlighted that security is not only about technology and infrastructure, but also about the messages we send through design and implementation.
madison.kukic@faithgroupllc.com
Conclusion
Overall, GSX 2025 was a valuable experience for both our new and seasoned professionals. The conference provided opportunities to explore the latest advancements in physical security, connect with long-standing partners, and engage with emerging technologies that continue to shape our industry.
Faith Group’s team returned from NOLA with new insights, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of how innovation can drive smarter, safer environments for our clients. These firsthand experiences allow us to stay at at the forefront of technology trends, helping our clients make informed decisions, plan for the future, and implement solutions that fit their unique operational needs.
From cloud-based platforms and flexible infrastructure to advanced AI analytics and user-centered design, GSX reinforced the importance of thoughtful, adaptable systems that evolve alongside the organizations they protect. This show did not disappoint, and we’re already looking forward to reconnecting with our peers, partners, and clients at GSX 2026!