SIA RISE Presents: The ISC West Survival Guide

Going to ISC West 2023? SIA’s RISE community for young professionals shares how you can make the most of this year’s show.

ISC West is just around the corner! And while some RISE members can call themselves conference pros, others may be attending this show for the first time. Whether this is your first time or you’ve lost count, here are some of our best practices, tips and tricks for surviving ISC West (or other conferences on your calendar this year!). And as an added bonus, check out our recommended conference sessions featuring RISE members or initiatives and can’t-miss events at this year’s show!

Survival Tips for ISC West:

• Dress for success: ISC West is known for long days with little time to get back to your hotel room. Be sure to wear something you feel confident and comfortable in – both for the show floor and for any happy hours, client dinners or networking events happening later in the day. Your outfit choice may depend on what is planned for the day, but you can expect to see show attendees in everything from jeans and a polo to full business attire. When packing, keep in mind your goals, company culture and schedule. For example, booth duty may have you wearing a company polo, whereas show floor networking may lend itself more to business casual apparel.

• On that note…select your shoes carefully: While your dad may suggest those leather-soled shoes that he shined up, wear something that is going to be comfortable on your feet for 8-10 hours or more. For women, wear flats, or if you do wear heels, chunky heels or wedges are suggested.

• Drink plenty of water: There isn’t a convenient place on the show floor to fill up a water bottle, so you will want to load up beforehand and bring some to the show. Just make sure to recycle! Also, take some hydration supplements or vitamins to help restore fluids and avoid dehydration – even if you do not plan on indulging in evening libations.

• Don’t miss out on special events or educational sessions: Events such as the SIA Women in Security Forum Networking Breakfast, Keynote and Power 100 Celebration only happen once a year, so you won’t want to miss the chance to join, network and get to know some of the industry’s most highly regarded women. There will not be another time you will have access to so much education at your fingertips. Plan to attend as many conference sessions as possible to expand your industry horizons and check out the Career Zone for free educational content all week long.

• Get outside during the day: Seriously, it can get pretty stuffy on the show floor. Take a break (bring a friend or take a moment of zen alone) outside and inhale the fresh desert air. Take a walk around the block while you’re at it to get some people watching in.

• Don’t overindulge: Las Vegas is a city of temptations, so act like you’ve been there before. There is nothing worse than working at a trade show booth when you are hungover. Have fun, but in moderation!

• Plan your visits: Map out a few of the must-visit booths and exhibits before you even arrive, then work down in order of priority to create a list of who you will visit and who you want to visit.  This way, you get the most out of your time during show hours! 

• Don’t forget your business cards: Whether they are physical cards or the new mobile-enabled ones, make sure to always have these on hand. If you do forget them, the LinkedIn mobile app has a cool feature where you can scan a QR code and become instant LinkedIn connections!

• Have fun with it: Make this show yours. Smile, create positive connections with others and learn something new about yourself, others and the industry. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to spread positivity.

• Treat yourself: Find some way to break up the grind of the show. Whether it’s room service, a massage, a nice meal or a pedicure, be sure to take some time to get away and de-stress. Make it your own!

• Create a plan for strategic networking: Create a list of individuals you would like to meet and add to your network. You can even go one step further and create a one-page dossier on each person with a screenshot of their profile picture and where you might find them. Then, when you have a lull between meetings or sessions, pull out your list and go meet some new people!

Your Session Conference Guide, But Make It RISE

Mark your calendar for these key sessions, many of which feature RISE community members and initiatives.

Wednesday, March 29

Day 1 Keynote: Secure the Future – Cybersecurity Trends and Best Practices for Business

• Time: 8:45-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Venetian Ballroom
• Speaker: Theresa Payton, first female White House chief information officer, technology thought leader and cybersecurity expert
• Access: Free to all badge holders

How to Meet a Mentor

• Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Chris Wilson, CEO/principal, MXV Consulting
  • Dakota Bierly, sales and marketing manager, Northland Controls
  • Brian Coulombe, senior manager of physical security, Americas, Amazon
• Access: Free to all badge holders

Challenging the Status Quo: The Next Generation of Security Professionals and the Future of the Security Industry

• Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Location: SIA Education@ISC West Conference, Room 305
• Speakers:
  • Kelly DeLeo, senior manager, solutions acceleration team, Axis Communications
  • Erin Mann, senior enablement manager, Latch
  • Jackie Paryz, director of sales and marketing for technology solutions, North America, Securitas USA
• Access: Paid conference registration required

LinkedIn Profile Workshop

• Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Maria Castellanos, account executive, Convergint
  • Kim Hooper
  • Anna Yates, director of talent and culture, ZBeta
• Access: Free to all badge holders

Unlocking the Power of Diverse & Inclusive Mentoring

• Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Location: SIA Education@ISC West Conference, Room 305
• Speakers:
  • Jim Black, senior director, security architect, Microsoft
  • Bobby Louissaint, global head of technical partnership engagement, global security services and technology, Meta
  • Alex Orr, global strategic account manager, Johnson Controls
  • Amanda Payne, program manager, Northland Controls
  • Rodger Schmidt, technical trainer, ASSA ABLOY
• Access: Paid conference registration required

Building a Personal Brand

• Time: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Benji Bolick, senior digital communications specialist, ASSA ABLOY
  • Kim Hooper
• Access: Free to all badge holders

Emerging Leaders: How to Run an Organized Committee

• Time: 2:15pm-3:15 p.m.
• Location: SIA Education@ISC West Conference, Room 305
• Speakers:
  • Kelsey Carnell, regional sales manager, Axis Communication
  • Erin Mann, senior enablement manager, Latch
• Access: Paid conference registration required

Let’s Chat: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Security Industry

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Location: SIA Education@ISC West Conference, Room 305
• Speakers:
  • Eddie Reynolds, founder and CEO, iluminar
  • Erica Reynolds, founder and CEO, E.L. Reynolds & Associates, LLC
• Access: Paid conference registration required

RISE Happy Hour

End the day with other members of the RISE community at our annual Topgolf happy hour!

• Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Location: Topgolf Las Vegas
• Access: Free with registration

Thursday, March 30

Day 2 Keynote: Leveraging Technology in Modern Security Operations for Major Events

• Time: 8:45-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Venetian Ballroom
• Speakers:
  • John Bertsch, executive director, global safety and security, IRONMAN Group
  • Jim Mercurio, former executive vice president and general manager, Levi’s Stadium
  • Joe Monroe, chief, University of Kentucky Police Department
• Access: Free to all badge holders

Level Up: Industry Credentials That Can Boost Your Career

• Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone- Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Phil Bratton, ASIS
  • Katie Greatti, SIA
  • Chip Hollis, NICET
• Access: Free to all badge holders

SIA Learning and Development Forum

• Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Rob Hile, general manager, Florida operations, GC&E Systems Group
  • Christopher Peckham, chief operating officer, Ollivier Corporation
  • Elli Reges, director of learning and development, SIA
• Access: Free to all badge holders

What We’ve Learned Along the Way: Career Advice from the Girls, For the Girls

• Time: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Rebecca Bayne, president, Bayne Consulting & Search
  • Maureen Carlo, director, strategic account development, Arcules
  • Janet Fenner, president, Defined Marketing
  • Tracy Larson, president, WeSuite
• Access: Free to all badge holders

Building an Impactful Social Network

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Location: Career Zone, Exhibit Hall Floor
• Speakers:
  • Candice Aragon, vice president of marketing and education, PSA Network
  • Chad Cooper, business development director, strategic accounts, Motorola Solutions
  • David Morgan, co-founder, SD Marketing
  • Jason Wright
• Access: Free to all badge holders