Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/31498
SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS MARCH 2011 www.securitysystemsnews.com NEWS 9 ISC West growth a good economic sign for industry The fact that exhibit space is nearly sold out means industry is rebounding from recession By Tess Nacelewicz LAS VEGAS—It’s a good economic indicator for the security industry that show floor space for ISC West, which takes place here this year April 6-8, is 95 percent sold out, according to Ed Nichols, VP, strategic accounts, ISC. Nichols Ed Nichols expects all 300,000 square feet of the show’s available exhibit space at the Sands Expo & Convention Center to be totally sold out when the show starts. That means that ISC will be the same size that it was before the economic down- turn, a good sign for the industry, Nichols said. “What we’re encouraged about is being at 2007 square-footage levels, pre-recession, and that really is the message we want to get out there,” Nichols told Security Systems News. “We’re very fortunate to be recog- nized as one of the leading indicators of the health of the security industry, both domestically and internation- ally. So what we feel this success means for the industry is a positive Poll Continued from page 6 “We feel the major shows have become important to at least show the longevity of our com- pany … We are spreading the message of our 25 years in busi- ness under the same private owners,” Caruthers said. “This show continues to draw people not only from the entire U.S. but from around the world, where other shows are attracting more regional attendees.” A nearly even three-way split characterized voters’ feelings on what the bigger ISC West 2011 meant for their businesses. Thirty-two percent of voters said the bigger show meant more business opportunities, while 34 percent thought its biggest benefit was more networking. Another 34 percent said a larger show had no relevance. “I think that when trade shows get bigger it means they’re counting on higher attendance,” said C.O.P.S. EVP Don Maden. “When we go out there, we see dozens of existing customers, and every year we end up signing up a few dealers from the show. In fact, we’re upping our attendance this year because we upped our staff recently. Besides it’s important that you have the personnel there to talk with people who approach your booth.” SSN outlook in 2011.” At the height of the recession, in 2009, exhibit square footage space was about 25 percent less than this year, Nichols said. More than 1,000 companies will be represented at the show, of which SIA is the sole sponsor. Attendees are optimistic this year, Nichols said. “We’re hearing our customers, hearing our integrators say there’s an increase in the number of oppor- tunities that they get to bid on,” Nichols said. “We’re hearing from the security end users, the security directors and CSOs that budgets are rebounding. In fact better than half of those we spoke to in the past year anticipated having larger budgets in 2011 than they did in 2010.” The show’s educational compo- nent includes numerous highlights this year, Nichols said. “We’re going to repeat our suc- cessful ‘state of the industry’ panel,” he said. The panel discussion, which he said packed the room last year, will feature representatives from each channel component of the indus- try, ranging from manufacturers to end users. SSN Introducing the network video certification that shows your strengths Get ready! This winter Axis is launching a new global standard in network video certification to help people and companies demonstrate their competence and skills in IP-Surveillance. To achieve certification, you will need to pass an advanced level test covering the latest in net- work video surveillance technologies, solutions, products, and best-practice techniques. Once certified, you’ll have a stamp of endorsement from Axis, the global leader in network video. It’s good for your career and your company’s reputation as it verifies your proficiency, and speaks volumes of your company’s ability to de- liver effective network video surveillance. Get ready for the new certification standard in network video. Axis offers both online- and classroom-based training to help you acquire the knowledge needed to pass the exam. Go to www.axis.com/certification to find our online certification center for more information. Get certified at ISC West! www.axis.com/iscwest. Visit Axis Booth #18051 for more details. Untitled-12 1 2/10/11 2:00 PM