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/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.