If the ISC show were a highway, it wouldn’t be that different from a typical rural interstate — gridlocked with the large signs of convenience stores, gas stations and fast-food outlets lining the road as far as the eye can see.

The walkways in Las Vegas’ Sands Expo and Convention Center are filled with dealers, integrators and other security professionals from April 5 to April 7. Like a roadside sign that tries to entice hungry drivers by proclaiming “Eat at Joe’s,” exhibitors try to coax in attendees through new products, fancy booths and other bells and whistles.

The 37th edition of the International Security Conference West features biggest ever, with the most exhibitors (in excess of 800), the biggest square footage (230,000 square-feet) and the greatest anticipated number of attendees (more than 20,000) ever for an ISC West show.

That makes it tough for attendees to find the right exhibitor to meet their needs, and for exhibiting companies to try to get those attendees to come over and check out their wares. “It’s becoming quite a show to work whether you’re a buyer or not,” says Dean Russo, who is once again overseeing the event as Reed Exhibitions’ industry vice president. “This is going to top our numbers in all categories.”

To help buyer and seller get through all the clutter of the exhibit hall and conference, the following pages provide a guide to the 2005 ISC West. For those who are unable to attend, this guide can give you a virtual trip through the event as if you were there.

Exhibitors Ready to Show Their Contributions to Innovation
Last year’s ISC show saw the continued build-up of the entry of IT and networking products into the physical security marketplace. This year continues that trend.

“You’re going to see an increase in that on show floor, but not at the point yet where we’re seeing the IT companies exhibiting at the show,” says Russo, who adds that, nonetheless, the ISC is now on the IT community’s radar. “They’re inquiring and they have people come to the show.”

Of all the new products at the show, the ones that can truly be named “best in show” will be featured April 7 at the New Product Showcase awards at the show’s main entrance at 9:45 a.m. SSI Technical Editor Al Colombo is among the judges.

See highlights from some of the exhibitors on page 110 of the April issue — and see a full list of companies that are at ISC West with their booth numbers starting on page 112.

Security Professionals Wine and Dine at SAMMY Awards
Before the show even started, dealers and integrators gathered to honor the work of their colleagues at the 10th Annual SAMMY (Sales and Marketing) Awards on April 5.

The big winner of the night was Peak Alarm of Salt Lake City. Serving the Utah and Idaho markets, Peak Alarm was the only multiple-award winner.

Attendees at the industry-mixing event at the Venetian Casino Resort were treated to free hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Go to page 106 of the April issue and click on “Industry Pulse” to see the complete list of this year’s SAMMY winners and come back to SSI’s June issue for details on what made these companies winners.

Seminars and Workshops Offer Education and Accreditation
Like everything else about the 2005 ISC West Show, the education and conference program has been expanded. More than ever, those who attend these sessions can get more than a little more knowledge.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has joined up with the ISC to provide educational credits to those who attend the sessions. For each hour of training, 1 continuing education units (CEU) will be awarded.

“They were really interested in being part of the show,” says Russo of UNLV. “They’ve become more aware of the conference and felt it would be a win-win for the both of us.” The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) is continuing its association with the educational sessions, giving National Training School (NTS) credit for those who attend them.

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