How to Get the Most out of ISC West 2014

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Mar 27, 2014

In mere days, I will be beating my feet around the showroom floor at ISC West 2014, engaging with companies regarding the latest and greatest when it comes to the security industry, and of course, tweeting! (Be sure to follow me on Twitter @GingerHill13.) Having attended last year, which by the way was my very first trade show, I learned exactly how to get the most out of my ISC West experience. Here are a few tips to make this ISC West the best one yet!

Wear comfortable shoes. By "comfortable" I mean it should feel like you are walking on a cloud! You will be walking around all day on carpet-covered concrete, so opt for shoes with a strong arch support, adequate padding and that fit your foot properly.

Carry a bag. Most exhibitors will have some pretty cool "freebies" and brochures, so I suggest carrying a backpack and keeping both of the shoulder straps on your shoulders when walking around. A one-strap bag may be stylish, but at the end of the day, you'll be in for a world of hurt!

Bring along some snacks. The tradeshow floor is huge, so it's important to stay well-nourished and hydrated throughout the day. I suggest bringing along protein-rich snacks such as peanut butter and crackers or pretzels. Also opt for carbs since you will be active all day, like granola bars. Also, be sure to pack one bottle of water. More than one bottle would get heavy to lug around, and there will be plenty of opportunities to refill it.

Create a tradeshow first-aid kit. I suggest packing Band-Aids, a tube of antibiotic ointment, tissue and lip balm. You never know when a blister will pop up on your foot, and there's nothing worse than having to walk around with one!

With a desert climate, it is extremely dry in Las Vegas, so if your lips aren't accustomed to that type of weather, they can become chapped. Lip balm is a must!

Plan your route. Plan a logical walking route to ensure that you see all the exhibitors you would like to see. Use the "My Show Planner" tool to keep track of the exhibitors, and organize your sessions and appointments.

Use ISC Mobile. We always have our smartphones or tablets with us, so why not download ISC Mobile, a free app for iPhone, iPad and Droid devices? This app allows you to browse the full exhibitor list, get new product information, search with keywords, and more while on-the-go.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • 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.