The ISC West International Security Conference and Exposition is still growing! With more than 1,000 exhibitors (including more than 170 new companies), 60-plus education sessions and a larger-than-life venue at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, making the most of ISC West 2013, being held April 9-12, requires a bit of preparation. As you plan your show, take a look at the tradeshow and conference highlights, announcements and planning tools in this pre-ISC West 2013 issue of SDM eNews.

Open the all ISC badge-holders, the opening educational session in ISC’s Signature Series, “State of the Industry: What Will it Take to be a 2020 Security Leader?” is not to be missed. The panel discussion will take place on Wednesday, April 10 at 8:45am in Room 502. This session is ideal for security proven practice leaders and next generation talent who aspire to be relevant and valuable to the clients, communities and the organizations they serve.

As in previous years, innovation will be highlighted in the SIA New Product Showcase which has more than 80 entries, an increase of 30 percent over last year. These are products that are brand-new to market and will be available for sale on or before the show. Check out the winners during the NPS Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 10 at 3:00pm, Sands Expo, Main Lobby Level 2.

The Smart Card Alliance is also hosting an expanded pavilion at the show with industry leaders including Intercede, Quantum Secure, XTec and GET Group.

And don’t forget to download the ISC West 2013 app at www.iscwestmobile.com. Plan a point-to-point route to the vendors you don’t want  to miss on an interactive show floor map, check out the special events schedule if you’ve got some free time or get new product information. This year the app features some new capabilities, including filtering exhibitors by product category or segment and searching products, exhibitors and conference sessions by keywords.