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Getting The Most Out Of ISC West

Alex Flitton
Feb 13, 2019 9:13:22 AM

ISC West is the biggest electronic security event of the year. Gathering more than 30,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, the event can be a lot to take in without any preparation. Below you'll find useful information on what to expect from the trade show. For the most up to date article on ISC West 2020, click here.

networking, isc west

If you want to make the most out of your ISC West experience this year, you should consider doing the following:

  • Book your hotel ahead of time
  • Download a ride hailing app ahead of time
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Set appointments
  • Get a map
  • Plan your route
  • Attend special events
  • Attend evening activities

Book Your Hotel Ahead Of Time

hotel room bed, las vegas

You wouldn’t believe how many people we talk with that either forgot to book a room for ISC West, or simply made a mistake in the check out screen by failing to finish the order process. You can save yourself, and your co-workers a load of stress by first booking your room, and not counting the task finished until you have confirmed that the room has been reserved. After all, who wants to have to deal with the stress of finding a hotel before the biggest event of the year?

There are several booking services you can use to reserve your hotel room. ISC West even has a page dedicated to help you find rooms in the closest hotels. You can find them HERE.

Download A Ride Hailing App

taxi, ride hailing, uber, lyft

It’s important to have a travel method in place before you need to get from the airport to your hotel, or from the hotel to the Sands Expo center. If you download a ride hailing app ahead of time, and already have a payment method put in place, it will be one less thing you will have to think about when you arrive in Las Vegas.

Here are some links to add reminders to your calendar to download a ride hailing app one week before the event.

Google Calendaroutlook calendar

Wear Comfortable Shoes

comfortable shoes, walking, event

ISC West is known for its long days and busy showroom floor. The event is massive, and getting from one place to the next can get tiring. Do not forget to wear shoes that you feel comfortable walking around for hours in. Even the smallest improvement in comfort can help you feel more positive and confident when you’re striking a business deal, or meeting new people.

Another important thing you can do is find a place to relax and sit down. AvantGuard will have a room just off the showroom floor where you can kick your feet back, have a drink, and meet with the AvantGuard team. You only have to fill out a free registration form, and you’re in.

Click the image below to register for, and learn more about, AvantGuard’s annual Relax event at ISC West.

AvantGuard Relax Event, ISC West

Set Appointments

appointment, calendar, writing

It goes without saying, that you should have your days planned in advance. See if the companies you want to talk with have time you can schedule in advance to speak with them. This will help you ensure that your time is well spent, and that you have their full attention. Nothing is more frustrating than swimming through the sea of people to a booth with occupied team members. If you really want to make sure you have their full attention, schedule a time to meet with them.

Once you register for the AvantGuard Relax event, you can schedule time to meet with any of the AG Team members.


While at the event, you can meet with existing business partners to meet with some of the people you talk to on the phone every day. This is a great way to strengthen existing relationships and learn a little more about what they can offer you.

In addition, you can meet with financial companies, and other potential partners that can help you expand your service offering and business operations.

Get A Map

map, red pin


There are a lot of exhibitors, so we recommend printing out the floorplan (link above) and highlighting the booths you want to visit. The showroom floor can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to go, and you certainly don’t want to get lost, or stuck talking to the wrong people.

It also helps to know where the event will take place. We have the address of the Sands Expo center below. You should write it down, or take a note on your phone so you can easily find it, in case you have a poor internet connection, or just need to quickly reference it.

Sands Expo Center

201 East Sands Avenue,

Las Vegas, NV 89109


Plan Your Route

isc west, map, route

Once you’ve got your map printed out, or saved on a digital device, mark out the booths you want to attend, and when you plan on visiting each one. This will help you efficiently make your way through the showroom floor without getting lost or distracted. Obviously, you can plan some time to stroll around and look at companies you’ve never heard of, as long as you feel it’s the best use of your time.

Attend Special Events

justin bailey, isc west, interview


At ISC West, you can attend membership meetings for industry associations you belong to, training seminars to help you develop your business further, and awards ceremonies for companies and individuals who have excelled in their field. You may just want to attend so you can get an idea of what your competitors are doing to stand out.

Attend Evening Activities

top golf, las vegas, isc west

Nearly every reputable exhibitor will have something going on in the evenings. Whether its a dinner, activity, or meeting, you can make the most of your nights by meeting with your existing and potential business partners. If you know of a company you would like to meet with, just ask them if they have something going on, and you just may get an invitation.

Never underestimate the power of networking at live events. It always helps to put a face with the name, and discuss potential partnership opportunities. It makes a big difference to speak with someone in person as opposed to making a phone call. Nurturing positive business relationships can help you find new business ideas and meet with people you may not have found through a simple Google search.

Take advantage of our robust library of industry and AG related news, articles, webinars and other resources available through our resource center to enhance your success.  You will also discover valuable insights and content you can share with your subscribers through your website, newsletters, and emails.

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