Mixed Reviews

ASIS 2014 is all said and done. It seems to me many of the exhibitors had some great new technology to share with attendees. I saw a number of products that will make a different in the industry for some time to come.

There are a few problems with ASIS, especially the past couple of years. Most of the issues, for me, are outside the confines of the tradeshow hall. For instance, while leaving the tradeshow on Monday and trying to get to a scheduled dinner, traffic outside was worse than worse. I would hope that ASIS officials would work with the city's law enforcement to direct the increased amount of traffic.

I also understand why ASIS moves from city to city. I am fortunate to be invited on a media tour to the chosen city a few months before ASIS. I've met the nicest people who sit on local ASIS chapters. They understand security, and practice it faithfully.

In my experience with ASIS and tradeshows, please hold the tradeshow in one place and leave it there. I'm thinking Dallas is a great central location, and there is nothing like Texas hospitality. Short of that, Las Vegas. I'm not a Las Vegas kind of guy but the tradeshow industry in Sin City is very successful.

This version of ASIS came with mixed reviews. Many of the exhibitors had pretty good foot traffic, but it came at a price. Other exhibitors lacked the foot traffic necessary to generate good business leads. I would love to see the association make it their goal to help each and every exhibitor get enough traffic to ensure the tradeshow is successful.

Just a last thought: Since many, if not most, exhibitors want to meet with a member of the trade press, I would love to see ASIS provide a service to the exhibitors that would offer new products and press releases on one thumb drive. They do offer exhibitors the opportunity to place a media kit in the press room but, holding on to numerous media kits is bulky and heavy. One thumb drive is a game changer. A thumb drive is a great technological improvement.

See you next year in Anaheim.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Creating More Versatility

    Today, AI has become top of mind for most security professionals. It is the topic of conversation in the technology world and continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.