LAS VEGAS—Lively and busy, the International Security Conference (ISC) and Expo West, held March 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, represented the evolving industry with a mix of veteran and brand-new exhibiting companies. The majority of exhibitors launched and presented new or enhanced products or various dealer services. A smaller number of sessions and seminars were held this year; however, the majority of these sessions presented valuable technical, design and sales information.
Dealers who are progressing and entering into structured wiring, central vacuums and other home automation services were able to walk over to the Home Automation Show and Conference, once again, partner show to ISC West.
Many of the businesses not previously involved in the North American electronic security industry exhibited at ISC West, most notably those from Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore. Many European companies were also present. Companies traditionally not associated with electronic security (like those that make concrete barrier systems or provide background checks) also exhibited.
Attendance for ISC West was up 4 percent from the 2001 event, totaling 11,280, according to Reed Exhibitions, the show organizer. The jump in attendance came from the government and corporate end-user sector.
The show’s exhibitors also increased 10 percent. Of the 660 companies exhibiting, 242 were considered new to the show.
CCTV continued to be the subject of greatest interest for attendees and exhibitors. Almost one-third of the exhibiting companies manufacture some type of CCTV product. Many dealers stated that they believe digital CCTV still presents their best opportunity for growth.
Despite overall attendance being on par with last year’s ISC West, there was a definite buzz permeating this year’s show. It was apparent that electronic security systems contractors, industry associations, as well as product manufacturers, have a renewed sense of purpose in providing quality protection, security and life safety.
