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.