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.

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