GSX 2025 brings the security industry’s top professionals to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from September 29 to October 1. This major security management conference combines in-person and online formats, making it accessible to professionals worldwide.
Whether you’re wondering where to stay, what to experience in this vibrant city, or how to navigate the conference itself, this guide covers everything you need to know. From the best restaurants near the convention center to maximizing your time at over 200 expert sessions, we’ll help you make the most of both your New Orleans adventure and your professional development at GSX 2025.
Making the Most of Your New Orleans Stay
Get ready to make your GSX 2025 visit both productive and enjoyable by planning your accommodations and exploring New Orleans’ rich culture. This guide will help you organize your conference stay while discovering what makes this historic city special.
Top Hotels Near Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Looking for the perfect hotel for GSX Conference 2025? These excellent options near the convention center offer everything business travelers need for a comfortable and efficient stay:
| Hotel Name | Distance | Key Features | Price Range |
| Hilton New Orleans Riverside | 0.2 miles | Direct convention center access, business center, river views | $$$ |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center | 0.1 miles | Complimentary breakfast, fitness center, free Wi-Fi | $$ |
| Hyatt Place New Orleans | 0.3 miles | 24/7 dining, meeting spaces, rooftop pool | $$ |
Must-Try Local Restaurants and Cuisine
New Orleans is as famous for its food as it is for its jazz and history, making dining a vital part of your GSX 2025 experience. Whether you’re meeting clients or exploring the city’s legendary flavors after a day of sessions, these top restaurants near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are worth the visit.
1. Cochon
Just a 10-minute walk from the convention center, Cochon offers a modern take on traditional Cajun dishes. Chef Donald Link brings rustic Southern flavors to life with wood-fired oysters, house-made andouille, and signature Louisiana cochon with cracklins. The warm, warehouse-style interior creates a lively yet polished setting for dinner or casual business meetings.
2. Peche Seafood Grill
For fresh Gulf seafood with bold, wood-grilled flavor, Peche is a standout. A recipient of the James Beard Award, this restaurant features whole fish entrees, smoked tuna dip, and small plates perfect for sharing. Located in the Warehouse District, it’s an ideal spot for team dinners or relaxed networking over craft cocktails and expertly prepared seafood.
3. Compère Lapin
Blending Caribbean spice with French and New Orleans cuisine, Compère Lapin is a creative culinary gem just blocks from the convention center. Chef Nina Compton’s menu includes goat curry, conch croquettes, and buttermilk biscuits with bacon butter. With its chic, artful décor, this is a great location for entertaining clients or indulging in a memorable solo meal.
4. Herbsaint
Located on St. Charles Avenue, Herbsaint serves contemporary Southern cuisine with European influences. Menu highlights include duck leg confit, house-made spaghetti with guanciale, and an award-winning wine list. Its elegant yet approachable setting makes it perfect for upscale business lunches or refined evening meals during your GSX 2025 stay.
5. Meril
Chef Emeril Lagasse’s fourth New Orleans restaurant, Meril, offers a casual yet vibrant atmosphere and a globally inspired menu. From Korean short ribs to wood-fired flatbreads and Gulf shrimp ceviche, Meril’s dishes are designed to share. It’s an excellent choice for post-conference gatherings, with a lively bar and open kitchen adding to the energy.
Beyond the Convention Center: Exploring New Orleans
French Quarter Adventures
The historic French Quarter sits just a 15-minute walk from the convention center, making it perfect for evening exploration after conference sessions. Stroll down Royal Street for antique shopping and street performers, or head to Bourbon Street for the legendary nightlife scene. Don’t miss Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral for a taste of New Orleans’ historic charm.
Music and Entertainment
New Orleans jazz comes alive on Frenchmen Street, where local musicians perform in intimate venues like The Spotted Cat and d.b.a. For a more relaxed evening, catch live music at the historic Preservation Hall. Many venues offer late-night shows perfect for unwinding after a full day of conference sessions.
Cultural Highlights for Extended Stays
Planning to arrive early or stay late? The National WWII Museum offers world-class exhibits just minutes from the convention center. Take a Garden District streetcar tour to see stunning antebellum mansions, or explore the vibrant arts scene in the Warehouse District. The historic St. Charles streetcar provides an easy way to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Local Shopping and Souvenirs
Magazine Street offers six miles of unique boutiques, art galleries, and local craft shops. For authentic New Orleans products, visit the French Market for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts. Pick up some authentic hot sauce, pralines, or chicory coffee to bring home a taste of your GSX 2025 experience.
Transportation Tips and Getting Around
The RTA streetcar offers easy access along Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, connecting you to main conference locations and popular areas. The Riverfront Streetcar stops directly at the convention center entrance. Rideshare services maintain dedicated pickup spots at the convention center’s main entrance for your convenience.
Walking takes just 15 minutes from the convention center to the French Quarter, making it a great option for exploring nearby attractions. During GSX 2025, take advantage of the free shuttle service running between partner hotels and the convention center. For evening travel or destinations outside downtown, pre-arranged transportation services ensure that you arrive at conference sessions safely and on time.
Pre-Conference Planning
Maximize your GSX 2025 experience by preparing strategically before you arrive in New Orleans. From booking accommodations to understanding what to pack, smart preparation ensures you can focus on learning and networking once the conference begins.
Pre-Conference Programming Highlights
The weekend before the main conference features specialized certification workshops. Security professionals can prepare for APP, CPP, and PSP credentials, which enhance career opportunities in security management. The Enterprise Security Risk Management workshop teaches practical methods for evaluating and handling organizational risks.
Senior security executives can join the Secure Horizons program, which offers focused discussions about strategic challenges and effective solutions. This smaller setting encourages productive conversations about threat prevention and organizational security.
Flight Planning Tips
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) sits about 15 miles from downtown. Book flights to arrive by early afternoon on September 28th if you’re attending pre-conference workshops. For the main conference, arriving Sunday evening gives you time to settle in and explore the city before Monday’s opening sessions.
Conference Registration Essentials
Complete your GSX registration online before arriving to skip long check-in lines. Download the GSX mobile app in advance and create your personalized schedule. Set up your networking profile to connect with other attendees and plan meetings ahead of time.
What to Pack for New Orleans in Late September
Weather Considerations
Late September in New Orleans typically brings warm, humid days with temperatures in the 80s and occasional afternoon showers. Pack lightweight, breathable business attire and bring a light rain jacket or compact umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the convention center and exploring the city.
Professional Essentials
Bring plenty of business cards and a portable phone charger for long conference days. A small bag or backpack helps carry conference materials, water, and any vendor swag you collect. Consider packing a light sweater for over-air-conditioned conference rooms.
Extending Your Stay
Planning to explore New Orleans beyond the conference? Pack casual clothes for evening entertainment and sightseeing. Comfortable walking shoes become even more important if you plan to explore the French Quarter’s historic streets or take extended city tours.
Conference App and Schedule Planning
Download the GSX mobile app before traveling to access real-time maps, session locations, and scheduling tools. Create alerts for must-attend presentations and identify backup sessions in case your first choices fill up. The app also provides networking features to connect with other attendees and schedule meetings.
Review the full session catalog in advance and prioritize your learning goals. With over 200 expert sessions available, having a clear plan helps you make the most of your time while leaving room for spontaneous networking opportunities.
Navigating GSX 2025
Once you arrive at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, strategic navigation and smart scheduling will help you maximize every moment of this premier security conference. Here’s your guide to making the most of the conference experience itself.
First Line of Defense: Theme and Focus Areas
The conference theme “First Line of Defense” centers on effective security preparation and response strategies. Attendees will gain practical knowledge about risk identification and prevention across physical and digital security areas. The conference spotlights integrated security solutions, AI applications, and infrastructure protection methods.
Education Sessions and CPE Credits
GSX 2025 offers more than 200 expert-led sessions, allowing attendees to select topics that match their professional interests. On-site participants can earn up to 22 CPE credits, while virtual attendees maintain access to session recordings until December 2025.
The conference provides focused learning paths in cybersecurity implementation, physical security integration, and crisis management procedures. Each session includes practical examples and hands-on activities, giving attendees skills they can use immediately. Direct interaction with industry experts through Q&A sessions helps clarify complex security topics and provides additional learning opportunities.
Navigating the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The Morial Convention Center offers 1.1 million square feet of space for GSX Conference 2025. This guide will help you efficiently navigate the various exhibition halls, meeting areas, and networking spaces during your time at the event.
Getting Around the Venue
Finding your way through the convention center is straightforward thanks to clear directional signs and digital kiosks at key points. When you arrive, head to the central lobby to collect your badge at the information desks. Remember that security checks are required at all entrances, so plan to arrive with extra time to avoid missing any sessions.
Must-Visit Exhibition Areas
The exhibition floor features themed zones to help you focus on specific security interests. You’ll find SecuriThings at Booth 2408 in the Cybersecurity Innovation Zone, showcasing physical security device management solutions. Visit the Technology Showcase to see hands-on demonstrations, and stop by the Solutions Theater for informative vendor presentations.
Exhibition Zone Quick Reference
Here’s a practical overview of the main exhibition zones and what you’ll find in each area:
| Zone Name | Location | Key Features |
| Cybersecurity Innovation | Hall A | IoT security solutions, device management platforms |
| Physical Security | Hall B | Access control systems, surveillance equipment |
| Emergency Response | Hall C | Crisis management tools, communication systems |
Networking Zones and Meeting Spots
Make meaningful connections in the convention center’s dedicated networking areas. The Central Networking Lounge provides comfortable seating, charging stations, and refreshments. Need a quiet spot for conversations? Meeting Point stations near exhibition zones offer perfect spaces for quick discussions.
Schedule important meetings in the Business Connection Rooms on the second floor, equipped with presentation screens and video conferencing tools. The GSX Networking Hub at the main entrance acts as a central meeting point, featuring digital boards with current session information and networking event times.
Maximizing Your Security Technology Experience
GSX 2025 brings together advanced security solutions that solve real challenges in physical security management. This guide highlights the practical technologies and implementations you’ll discover at the conference.
Featured Security Solutions at GSX 2025
The exhibition space features proven security technologies that boost efficiency and strengthen security measures. Visitors can test and experience automated surveillance systems, access control platforms, and integrated security management tools through interactive demonstrations.
| Technology Category | Key Features | Business Benefits |
| Physical Security Device Management | Automated maintenance, real-time monitoring, security compliance | Reduced operational costs, improved device uptime |
| Access Control Systems | Biometric authentication, mobile credentials, visitor management | Enhanced security, streamlined access procedures |
| Surveillance Solutions | AI-powered analytics, remote monitoring, cloud storage | Improved threat detection, reduced false alarms |
Latest Trends in Physical Security Management
Automation stands at the forefront of physical security management advances. Security teams are implementing solutions that offer complete device visibility, streamline routine tasks, and maintain consistent security measures across their infrastructure.
The convergence of IT and physical security creates effective options for unified security management. Organizations now monitor, maintain, and secure their physical security infrastructure using centralized platforms that provide instant insights and automated issue resolution.
Looking to improve your physical security management strategy? Contact us to learn how automation can strengthen your security operations.
Strategic Booth Visits
Plan your exhibition hall visits strategically by identifying key vendors that align with your organization’s needs. For example, visit Booth 2408 to see the SecuriThings Physical Security Device Management and Remediation Platform in action – one of many innovative solutions showcased at GSX 2025. This approach to automated security device management demonstrates how modern platforms reduce operational costs while improving security effectiveness.
Final Preparation Tips for GSX Success
Security professionals attending GSX 2025 in New Orleans can maximize their conference experience through thoughtful preparation and strategic planning. Make the most of this premier industry event by organizing your schedule to include educational sessions alongside networking opportunities.
Getting together with fellow professionals in small groups adds significant value to your GSX conference 2025 experience. Reserve time for testing new security equipment at vendor booths while keeping your schedule flexible enough to take advantage of unexpected learning chances. Success at GSX 2025 will come from blending careful advance planning with the ability to embrace unplanned yet valuable interactions and discoveries.
Big Data, on the other hand, refers to extremely large and complex datasets that cannot be easily processed or analyzed by traditional data processing applications. It’s characterized by the “Five Vs”: Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, and Value.
FAQs
When and where is GSX 2025 being held?
GSX 2025 will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from September 29 to October 1. Attendees can choose between attending the GSX conference in person or joining through the virtual platform.
How many CPE credits can I earn at GSX 2025?
Attendees who participate in person at GSX 2025 can acquire up to 22 CPE credits. Those who join virtually will have access to recorded sessions through December 2025, allowing them to continue their professional education at their own pace.
What certification preparation workshops are available before the main conference?
Before the GSX conference begins, participants can attend workshops focused on APP, CPP, and PSP certification preparation. Additional training sessions cover specialized Enterprise Security Risk Management topics.
Is there a mobile app for navigating GSX 2025?
The GSX mobile app helps attendees make the most of their time through interactive maps, session planning tools, and features that connect professionals with other participants. Users can customize their conference schedules right from their phones.
What types of security technologies will be showcased at GSX 2025?
Across 500 vendor displays, GSX 2025 exhibitors will present AI security detection systems, automated maintenance equipment, device control solutions, and connected security platforms. These innovations represent the latest advances in security technology.
