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Tuesday night is the best chance for show attendees to live it up a bit before the show begins, and with the Security Industry Association’s Customer Appreciation Reception at the SkyBar inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Gallagher Security Management Systems’ mixer at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on the Las Vegas Strip and the Women’s Security Council’s inaugural networking reception at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino’s V Bar, they had a few fun options.

Every year, the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Customer Appreciation Reception brings security product manufacturers, dealers, integrators and buyers to relax and have fun before hitting the show floor the following day at ISC West. This year, the reception was held on Tuesday evening, April 5, 2011, at the modern Hard Rock Hotel & Casino SkyBar. The Las Vegas skyline was spectacular at sunset at this impressive outdoor event.

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Not only did 550 registered guests attend the reception — even Elvis himself was there. The ironic connection? Travis Allen, the Elvis impersonator, had worked in the security industry 10 years before following his passion to “bring Elvis to the people.” It is a small world!

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Gallagher’s pre-show reception is in its third year now, and quickly gaining popularity if the full-house at Margaritaville’s balconied Clipper Room overlooking the Las Vegas Strip is any indication. Guests enjoyed tropically-themed hors d’oeuvres Tuesday evening while the blender rendered more than one frozen concoction.

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The Women’s Security Council (WSC), a newly formed network of security professionals promoting the success and growth of women in the industry, held its kick-off networking reception Tuesday evening. Roughly 100 attendees — the majority of them women — congregated at the posh V Bar at the Venetian to see the WSC come alive.The room buzzed with Jimmy Buffett tunes and anticipation for the show. Gallagher celebrated a promising year by bringing old and new friends together to enjoy great conversation and amazing views of the Strip, while, as they said, there was not “a product demo, corporate brochure, or PowerPoint in sight.”

Rhianna Daniels, a member of the WSC’s founding committee, gave an introduction to the programs goals and support tools, which will include e-newsletters, webinars, and networking opportunities as well as its plans for recognizing outstanding women in the industry and their achievements during future ISC events.