The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) shifted gears from Sin City to Disney World for its 2000 Seminar and Exhibits in Orlando. And while attendance was down slightly from the 1999 event in Las Vegas, the 46th annual conference easily filled two of the six halls at the spacious Orange County Convention Center.

Many attendees traveled from locations as far away as Southeast Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. An unebbing stream of more than 14,000 end users, dealers and other attendees from 70 countries visited more than 1,800 booths representing nearly 700 companies.

Interesting presentations and innovative ways of drawing attendees to a booth ruled the day throughout the show. SecurityLink from Ameritech spoofed the “Austin Powers” movie series with a cool ’60s retro presentation on the “Awesome Powers of Innovation.” CCTV manufacturer Lanex Inc. drew passersby to its booth by offering alcoholic or nonalcoholic strawberry margaritas.

Also on the show docket were 143 informative sessions and dozens of press conferences. Comedian Steve Allen closed the show in a special luncheon performance on Thursday, Sept. 14.

One of the highlights of the show was when Charlie Pierce, president and founder of LRC Electronics Co. and LTC Training Center, received the ASIS Presidential Award of Merit. According to ASIS President Raymond F. Humphrey, Pierce was honored for his years of volunteer service to the group. “I am extremely pleased and honored to receive this award, and I accept it on behalf of all the dedicated and hard-working volunteers of ASIS,” Pierce says.

ASIS organizers were pleased with the overall turnout in Orlando and expect a similar success when the 47th Annual Seminar and Exhibits arrives in San Antonio on Oct. 1-4, 2001.

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