Until We Meet Again

Until We Meet Again

A short three years ago we were all pondering whether to attend any tradeshows all thanks to COVID-19. Sorry to bring that nightmare up again, but it seems that little pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to meet again.

Following a couple of years of fruitful, but a smartly diminished group of attendees, ISC West made a major bounce back last year. I expect even greater numbers off tradeshow visitors this year. More security professionals will bode well for exhibitors, not to mention local hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.

It seems the old days have returned in terms of activity at the tradeshow. Requests for booth visits are at an all-time high. My three-schedule is filled, and tradition reigns king for members of the media. Tuesday evening, Al Forman and Altronix will host a gathering of special guests, oh and, members of the media are invited as well.

Conflict of interest for the media? Absolutely not. Over the past two decades, some of my finest industry contacts were a result during this event. In fact, several years ago, I bumped into and made friends with Chris Lanier, who by the way has sold Lanier Rep Group to a couple of his staff. Company veterans John Swinford and Kenny Hilton have taken charge.

Yesterday, March 16, I was part of a Zoom call with David Morgan of SD Marketing, who among other topics was equally pleased to show me his first ISC West tradeshow badge. I believe it was from 2009. David is a good guy and a watchful PR representative for his clients. The revelation of that badge got me thinking and wondering if there are many attendees who collect badges over the years.

If you have a collection and have a badge, I would like to know the date and what tradeshow it is from. Please let me know ([email protected]). In fact, I used to collect badges until it just became too much. Then I culled the badges that I had and saved those that I considered unique. Maybe you have “the One.” My badge is from an event at Sears Point Sonoma Raceway in Northern California, sponsored by Infineon Technologies. I still have this one (somewhere) and saved it because part of the event included pouring myself into a racecar driven by Mario Andretti, who had given me an autograph prior to driving the road course.

I like cars. I like racing cars. Until we meet again, Mario.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.