Photo by SDM Staff

Representatives from more than 200 exhibiting companies and approximately 4,500 attendees gathered with special guests in the North Hall entrance for the grand opening ceremony of ISC East 2014 today, as the New York Police Department’s Emerald Society Pipes & Drums played with enthusiasm and skill.

In addition, New York Metropolitan Opera soprano, Amy Shoremount-Obra, daughter of Bob Shoremount, of Strandberg Consulting, a long-time Connecticut Alarm & Systems Integrators Association (CASIA) member, sang the National Anthem to the delighted crowd.

 A number of industry professionals were on hand to kick-off ISC East 2014 including Don Erickson, CEO, Security Industry Association (SIA); Tim Creenan, CEO, Amherst Alarm Inc., and president, New York State Electronic Security Association; and Andrew Wilson, owner, Fireworks LLC, and president, CASIA.  Also present were John Stroia, CEO, The Will-Burt Company, and chairman, SIA; Ron Petrarca, director of operations, Electronix Systems CSA and president, New York Fire Alarm Association; George Anderson, vice president, Operations for the Port Authority of NY & NJ for Allied Barton Security Services and chairman of the ASIS NYC Chapter; and Rhianna Daniels Hile, managing director, CompassPR, and founder, Women’s Security Council.

“We’ve invested in significant efforts to deliver the enhanced value for attendees and exhibitors through new educational programs, unique special events and updated technology, such as the new ISC East new mobile app, sponsored by Genetec, that provides attendees with the latest information about the

 event,” said Sherida Sessa, event director, ISC Events, in the days leading up to the show. “ISC East is expecting increased growth in the number of attendees and we believe it’s a testament to our dedication to quality education, and strong collaboration with industry thought leaders.” 

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony ISC East raffled off tickets to see the concert, Billy Joel LIVE at Madison Square Garden. Check back on 

Other highlights at the show include the ISC Executive’s Club®, which brings in attendees who have open projects and money to spend on product at th

e show; and the brand-new Exhibitor Recommendation program, which suggests exhibitors to visit, based on the buyer’s product interest.