GAP and VSX 2026 Launch a New Security Partnership

By Mark A. Herrera

Some people have asked me, “You flew all the way to Australia for a keynote and panel?”’

My answer is simple: absolutely.

When you believe in someone, when you believe in the mission, and when you see leadership driving an initiative for the right reasons, you make the trip.

Eddie Idik and the Venue Security Exchange 2026 team are doing something meaningful for venue safety, security, guest services, and operational readiness in Australia. This conference was not about checking a box. It was about bringing people together who are committed to protecting others, elevating standards, and strengthening the teams responsible for keeping guests, staff, performers, and communities safe.

I have seen too many environments where security, guest services, and operations are driven into the ground by ego, fear, politics, or personal gain. That is not leadership. That is not partnership. And that is not Eddie.

Real leaders are not threatened by people who can elevate the mission. Real leaders bring them into the room.

When you have sacrificed at a high level to protect strangers, you quickly learn the type of people you want standing beside you. You surround yourself with people who understand purpose, service, sacrifice, and the greater good.

That is why partnerships and sponsors matter. They are not just logos on a slide. They are part of the foundation that allows important conversations, training, collaboration, and security and guest service initiatives to move forward.

I want to take a moment to thank the VSX sponsors, partners, and supporters who helped make this event possible. Your commitment matters, and your support helps elevate the industry.

At Global Awareness Professionals, we are intentional about who we align with. If someone ends up on our partner webpage, it is because they are truly dedicated to elevating safety, security, preparedness, and the protection of others.

The trip was worth it.
The mission was worth it.
The people are worth it.

Thank you, Eddie Idik, the VSX team, and every sponsor and partner helping drive this important work forward.