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

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.