Way Out West
The year's first ISC event promises not to disappoint
- By Megan Weadock
- Feb 29, 2008
The effects and innovations of globalization seem to be
appearing in an astounding number of ways, from Internet
penetration into the world’s most remote areas and American
products being built abroad to the outsourcing of pregnancies
to surrogate mothers in India—believe it or not, a real service.
While some globalization trends border on the absurd, the security
industry can only benefit from the worldwide sharing of products and
ideas. Those in the industry should take advantage of globalization
trends—and ISC West is the perfect place to reach out to the international
security community. This year, the tradeshow will be held April
2-4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Let's Work Together
In past years, ISC West organizers have grouped international security
companies into country pavilions, such as Korea and Taiwan. However,
this year, the Global Expo at ISC West, an exclusive hall within the
Sands Expo Center, will include all international exhibitors. Now, all
buyers entering the international hall will be there because they are
seeking international vendors and products.
“In providing value and efficiency for attending security professionals,
we have decided to group international participants in one location,
making it easier for security professionals to seek out new products
they’ve never seen before,” said Ed Nichols, industry vice president for
the ISC tradeshows. “Increasingly, the world is getting smaller.
Domestic security professionals will now have the opportunity to
source products from around the world without stepping foot outside
the United States. By grouping the international exhibitors, security
professionals can then compare products, features and benefits in one
location without having to make their way across several areas of the
show floor. Their time is maximized and the opportunity to conduct
business with more manufacturers is enhanced.”
Learn and Earn
Time is an important factor at such a large show, with more than 1,000
companies exhibiting and about 24,000 security professionals in attendance.
Nichols said the show will be especially helpful for those interested
in increasing their knowledge of the global industry. For these
attendees, ISC West offers educational programs in four areas: technology
applications, integration and design, critical infrastructure and incident
management.
“ISC West provides critical knowledge, new technologies, applications
and solutions to protect and prevent in today’s complex world,”
Nichols said. “All of the major technological advancements introduced
on the show floor are applied in practical, hands-on sessions. Hot technologies,
from wireless broadband networking and video analytics to
the transition from analog to IP megapixel video surveillance cameras
and access control, are explored in-depth.”
The educational sessions at ISC West are designed to confront the
problems that security professionals encounter daily. Topics include
integration with new technology, securing critical infrastructure, threat
and vulnerability assessments, managing crisis management centers
and cross-border security concerns. These classes pose a great opportunity
for those in the industry to broaden their perspective while earning
CEUs from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
New for this year’s education program is the Signature Series, classes
that present trends, insights and issues from the industry’s most
knowledgeable thought leaders. The Signature Series’ topics range
from retail video solutions to a panel discussion on multimedia mass
notification systems. For example, “Designing CCTV for Today and the
Future” provides in-depth theory, application and technology while taking
into account long-term upgrades and expansion considerations.
“For dealer/installers looking to grow their businesses, the ISC education
program offers myriad sessions designed to identify the most
common issues and obstacles for growth,” Nichols said. “These courses
provide information and know-how on how to take advantage of
product and service offerings that stimulate new business.”
Growing Your Business
As an event that has doubled in size over the last seven years, ISC West
offers a little for everyone. Visit the Urban Security pavilion and learn
more about protecting cities, public marketplaces and commercial properties
with hundreds of products and services designed for the urban
environment.
In its second year at the show, SmartHome@ISC promises to help
attendees master the art of the integrated home. Meet with the growing
group of security professionals who also are developing their services
in the custom electronics industry. Learn how to expand your service
offerings and increase revenues by incorporating new high-margin
products for a completely connected and automated residence.
Finally, don’t miss the New Product Showcase, a juried presentation
of new products that are judged by product category by a panel of security
experts, consultants, industry stakeholders and trade publication
editors. The Best in Show products are always worth checking out.
If you’ve been to ISC West before, you probably already know of all
these benefits. If you haven’t, it’s about time you took advantage of this
dynamic and educational event that
keeps growing each year.