ISC West 'story is in the numbers'

LAS VEGAS - Security professionals who strolled through the aisles at the 2005 International Security Conference & Exposition West contributed to an 11-percent increase in attendees in comparison to last year's show. This year the show also expanded its geographic borders. ISC recorded international representation from more than 75 countries. According to Reed Exhibitions, international attendance increased to 13 percent of total attendance compared with 11 percent in 2004. Reed Exhibitions, organizer of the annual event, reported that out of the 21,619 people, who attended the show, 50 percent of attendees were dealers and 23 percent were end users. Dean Russo, vice president of Reed Exhibitions commented that approximately 50 percent of the attendees were either business owners or held senior management titles. "I think many of the exhibiting manufacturers were pleased to conduct business with such high-level decision makers," Russo said in a statement. For the first time, the ISC West conference program offered educational opportunities in broad topics areas such as VoIP, business management and offered courses that attendees could earn certification and continuing education credits. In all, 825 companies exhibited on the 544,300 square feet at the Sands Convention Center, of which 239 were new to the show. "Once again, we are pleased with the success of the 2005 event," Russo said. "ISC West continues to offer numerous advantages to the international security community through business-building and networking opportunities."