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 previous year’s event in Las Vegas, the 46th annual conference easily filled two of the six halls at the spacious Orange County Convention Center.

All of the major players in the industry were represented on the show floor, as an unebbing stream of nearly 17,000 end users, dealers and other attendees from 70 countries visited more than 1,800 booths representing nearly 700 companies. And while the weather outside was hot and sticky, reaction to some of the new technologies on display was even hotter. Manufacturers like Radionics, Northern Computers, Samsung and Johnson Controls showcased their newest wares to slews of excited clients.

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 non-alcoholic strawberry margaritas. And, much like the ISC show in New York, popcorn was again a popular handout. Also on the show docket were 143 informative sessions and dozens of press conferences. Comedian Steve Allen closed the show with a special luncheon performance on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Activities after the show were also plentiful, as attendees chose from a variety of tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Sea World and Church Street Station. Many major companies threw special parties for select groups. Both HID Corp. and ADT held events at Universal on Sept. 12. HID’s party was located on the Universal Studios lot, while ADT rented out Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Visitors to both were treated to a buffet dinner, use of each park’s attractions and access to Universal City Walk’s bars and clubs following the parties.

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

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Related Content