News
Time to hit the road for conference season

ISC West in Las Vegas continues to be a successful event year-after-year, held in early April and the 2011 iteration was another great opportunity to learn about new products and technologies which continues to attract many Canadians. I represented CANASA, exchanging ideas with representatives of sister associations and learning about U.S. and international trends which might impact us in the future.

More importantly, we will be launching the Security Canada season this month with our very successful expo in Montreal with Security Canada East featuring a conference program on April 19 followed by the trade show on the following day, April 20. This is a great opportunity for all involved in the Quebec market to come network and exchange information about trends specific to this market. If you want to understand the implications of regulations around Bill 88, the Consumer Protection Act, the CCQ and RBQ Security Canada East is a unique venue to get information and for exhibitor to successfully enter this market.

We will also return to Calgary in May for a second year with Security Canada Alberta with an expanded show floor, new manufacturer’s training sessions and the Trilateral Conference, a two-day conference program presented in partnership with three sister associations.

Stay tuned for more information on Security Canada West in Vancouver this June, Security Canada Atlantic in September and finally, Security Canada Central in October.

Our trade show and exhibit provides a unique Canadian experience for exhibitors to showcase new products and services and for buyers to see , touch and hear about trends, technologies and products. But it is also the meeting place of all people involved in the field of private security including integrators, guard companies, monitoring stations, architects and engineers, security directors and many others.

But the more important aspect it is the financial contribution of Security Canada to the betterment of the industry. Did you know that Security Canada is the first source of revenue for CANASA? Without the contributions of all the exhibitors it would not be possible for our association to fund advocacy and education efforts and support our chapter activities. By attending Security Canada you are making an investment in yourself and your organization by getting valuable information and keeping abreast of trends, regulations and technologies which are impacting our industry. You are also ensuring the return of our exhibitors and sponsors year-after-year.

I was asked recently if I thought that the Internet would kill trade shows. The answer is no. It is true that product launches and product information can be effectively deliver online. But the human need to interact and network still cannot be satisfied in the virtual world. As technology evolves and trade shows adapt I foresee that they will become the premium space of networking and human interaction. So long as people will buy from people I strongly believe that Security Canada will continue to be successful.