The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC) West recently wrapped up the first major security and public safety event of the year, boasting record-breaking attendance growth. Held March 22-25 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas and hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA), the leading annual comprehensive and converged security trade show and conference in the U.S. had an 88% increase in participation compared to its 2021 West event, which took place July 19-21 at the same venue.

According to officials from RX, which owns and produces ISC Security Events, an undeniable energy permeated the entire show, with nearly 20,000 total security and public safety industry professionals and more than 550 exhibitors displaying the most advanced security products and technology. Just under 12,000 dealers, installers, integrators, end-users and consultants were in attendance, many for the first time since pre-pandemic times. 

“Clearly the security and public safety industry is ready to get back to face-to-face meetings, as the show floor was packed and the electrifying energy consistently included positive messages throughout the week, such as ‘exceeded our expectations,’ ‘feels like 2019’ and ‘ISC West is back,’” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, event director of ISC Security Events. “This industry is resilient, dedicated and passionate, and without our customers’ support and participation, we could not have put on such a successful event. We are excited about the positive momentum and are already looking ahead to future success and further growth.” 

She added that the industry the show serves heavily supported the event’s return to an in-person format this year. 

Alongside more than two dozen special events and keynote series sessions, ISC’s education program also experienced a sizable uptick in participation—a 119% growth rate and double last year’s attendance. According to show officials, nearly 1,000 security professionals took advantage of the show’s 65 Education@ISC and 15 sponsored sessions, which covered a gamut of security-related topics, including the latest security trends, evolving strategies and tactics and emerging challenges. 

Additionally, many of the show’s collaborative events this year focused on honoring and supporting women in security, attracting new young professionals as the future of the industry and showcasing vertical market trends, such as artificial intelligence, cloud storage, cybersecurity certifications and more. 

Out on the bustling 214,000-square-foot expo were a host of new or updated show floor components, including the revamped SIA New Products & Solutions Awards program, which showcased more than 70 participating products and solutions next to The Bridge (Powered by Intel), an updated space in the middle of the show floor featuring curated complimentary education sessions focused on industry megatrends. There were also reimagined Featured Area gateways designed to modernize the look and feel of the show floor. 

“We really focused on creating an elevated experience this year,” Shaughnessy explained. “We brought The Bridge stage to the event, and it really became the heartbeat of the show. The content and special events happening right in the middle of a completely packed expo floor had everyone who attended this week buzzing. People were definitely excited this week, and they’re already talking about next year.” 

She added that many exhibitors have already booked their space for ISC West 2023, which is set to return to Venetian Expo March 28-31.  

“SIA was inspired by the outstanding growth seen at ISC West 2022, and by seeing the energy and dedication on the show floor, in the conference sessions and at events taking place throughout the week,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “This year’s show saw exceptional turnout for SIA’s signature events, including our Market Leaders Reception, RISE happy hour and Women in Security Forum breakfast and keynote, and great enthusiasm for the SIA Education@ISC conference program and SIA’s training offerings during the show.” 

He added, “We were thrilled to help bring the industry together for an exciting opportunity to learn, explore cutting-edge technologies, network and collaborate.” 

Up next is the show’s sister edition, ISC East 2022, the Northeast’s leading security and public safety event, also hosted in collaboration with SIA and in partnership with ASIS NYC. Set for Nov. 16-17 at New York’s Javits Center, it will collocate once again with the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, a comprehensive trade event dedicated to the preparation, response and recovery of physical and human assets of public and private organizations. 

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