How to Plan Your ISC West Trip as Told by a Trade Show Pro
As a 20-year veteran of ISCWs, Scott Goldfine can tell you a thing or two about mapping out your experience at this year’s show.
With ISC West Las Vegas just around the corner, I thought I would share the top 10 things associated with the industry’s biggest show that I am personally looking forward to the most. Be sure to look elsewhere on SSI online for more of my “top” ISC West lists.
1. SAMMYs/Industry Hall of Fame/MVP Awards gala (Tuesday, 4:30 pm, Venetian)
This isn’t just because it is SSI’s affair and I host, it is a truly fun and unique gathering. This year is the SAMMYs’ 23rd year, Hall of Fame’s 14th and Most Valuable Products’ fourth.
2. Expo Extravaganza!
Around 1,000 vendors showing off their wares in the year’s largest domestic spotlight of the latest and greatest security products and technologies, allowing hands-on demos. Also curious to see new branding from several vendors following significant M&A among suppliers the past 12 months.
3. Visiting With Media Partners
Allows me the chance to see many if not most of those leading suppliers that support SSI’s efforts to deliver the industry’s finest dealer/integrator trade publication.
4. SSI Editorial Board Meeting
The publication’s annual gathering of its esteemed board to discusses critical issues, trends and opportunities that ensure editorial leadership, credibility and value.
5. Networking Opportunities
Just about everyone who is someone in the electronic security industry makes an appearance at ISC West, and so it’s a fantastic forum to meet and reconnect colleagues.
6. Educational Sessions
If you judiciously pick and choose there are several valuable training and informational presentations to be experienced at the show, but arrive early as Tuesday’s slate may be the best.
7. Special Presentations
There are three keynotes: one featuring a DHS cybersecurity expert (8:30 a.m. on April 11); a second with a local police officer recounting the Las Vegas shooting massacre (12:15 p.m. on April 11); and a third with an IBM IT expert discussing hacking (8:30 a.m. on April 12). Also take a look at the video verified alarms session at 3:45 p.m. on April 11.
8. Social Affairs
Literally dozens of vendor-provided mixers, dinners and parties are always on tap during the show week, some of which offer quality entertainment as well.
9. Face Time With Team
Many members of the SSI team and associated publications work remotely, including myself, and so events like ISC West are welcome opportunities to spend time together.
10. Heading Home
As invigorating as the show is a little Las Vegas goes a long way and it sure is comforting to exhale and head back to family and home sweet home … then work like mad come Monday on post-event coverage and catching up for time away from the office!
What are your favorite things about ISC West?
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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