I Like What I See at ISC

April 30, 2001 SSI Staff

The Strip was not the only Las Vegas hot spot filled with throngs of spectators and dazzling sights during the week of April 1. Removed from the clatter of slot machines and parades of grandiose theatrics, plenty of excitement was also generated at the International Security Conference and Expo (ISC West).

This being my first ISC show, I was not sure what to expect. However, thanks to the extraordinary technology and variety of products on display, my Wow Factor remained consistently high throughout the show.

In particular, digital CCTV seemed to be everywhere. I could scarcely turn around without bumping into a digital video recorder (DVR). (For more on DVRs, check out our new Product Primer department on page 36 to learn what makes these machines so attractive in the market.)

In addition to DVRs, exhibitors offered several cutting-edge and, from an end-user’s perspective, fun electronic devices and systems that are ready to be introduced to the security industry. Many of them are being produced for the burgeoning home automation market, which had a very strong presence at the show. Not only were there scores of exhibitors demonstrating smart home devices within the ISC, but a separate home automation show was held adjacently within the convention center as well.

I was also quite impressed with the caliber of people I encountered, both on the supplier and dealer side. So far, I have found alarm industry professionals to be very knowledgeable and helpful. And, with all the fascinating new products and tremendous traffic inside the hall, the overwhelming majority of attendees and exhibitors I spoke with matched my enthusiasm.

If I could change one facet of ISC West, it would be the keynote speech. This year, the California Alarm Association (CAA) put together a panel of industry insiders to discuss hot topics in a format taken from television’s “Politically Incorrect.” It was both entertaining and educational, but I believe it could be much more that that.

I would like to see the show’s organizers bring in world-class, high profile speakers/officials and move the keynote out of the conference room and into a giant ballroom. Now that would really kick off the proceedings with a bang!

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