Less than a week after Avigilon became the first North American-based company to drop out of ISC West over coronavirus (aka COVID-19) fears, a slew of other companies have followed suit, including two of the industry’s largest systems integrators – Convergint Technologies and Stanley Security.
In a statement posted on its website, Convergint said that it is suspending all non-essential air travel for its employees.
“Given the current challenges being created by COVID-19, our primary concern is for the health and safety of our colleagues and customers. With that in mind, we have currently suspended all non-essential air travel for our colleagues, are indefinitely postponing the 2020 Convergint InterNational Conference in San Diego, and will not be participating in ISC West 2020 in Las Vegas,” the statement reads.
In a statement provided to SecurityInfoWatch.com on Thursday, Matthew Kushner, President, Global Electronic Security, Stanley Security, also confirmed that they would not be attending the show.
“Like many other global organizations, we are keeping a close eye on the dynamic coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. In an abundance of caution to protect our employees and do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Stanley Security leadership has decided that we will not be attending the upcoming ISC West trade show,” Kushner's statement reads.
Also on Wednesday, Security Robotics firm Knightscope took to Twitter to announce that it too would not be in attendance at the show. “Due to concerns related to coronavirus, our company and employees will not be participating in ISC West,” the company’s tweet reads.
SecurityInfoWatch reported last week that the attendance of Johnson Controls and Ring were questionable as well given recent employee travel bans implemented by Johnson Controls and Amazon, Ring’s parent company. A spokesperson for Johnson Controls told SecurityInfoWatch late Thursday that the company still plans to attend, albeit with a smaller footprint. According to the ISC West floor plan, the company's 4,500-square-foot booth has been scaled back to just 500 square feet of exhibit space.
"At this time, Johnson Controls will be at ISC West. While we will have a smaller presence for both our products and service business we look forward to engaging with customers and partners," the company's statement reads.
According to IPVM.com, no less than 16 other companies have also decided to withdraw from ISC West as Thursday morning. The full list can be found here.
Reed Exhibitions, the company behind ISC West, remains steadfast that the show will take place as scheduled later this month and sent an email an email to attendees on Wednesday evening that the show would have a “no handshake” policy.
“Our team has taken extra precautions this year to help ensure your health and safety in regards to the recent COVID-19 virus, so we invite you to participate in our NO HANDSHAKE SHOW policy by picking up your No Handshake Show sticker at registration downstairs in Hall G upon arrival. Plus, be on the lookout for exhibitors with No Handshake Show ribbons on their badges, and let’s all stay safe to avoid unnecessary handshakes!” the email reads.
Stay tuned to SecurityInfoWatch for updates on this developing story.
Joel Griffin is the Editor-in-Chief of SecurityInfoWatch.com and a veteran security journalist. You can reach him at [email protected].
