ISC West 2025 is the largest security industry tradeshow in the U.S., with over 700+ exhibitors showcasing the latest security innovations. Several members of our security staff had the opportunity to attend this year. To stay up-to-date on the latest technology product offerings, use cases, standards, and best practices, our team attended classes and walked some of our clients around the expo floor to support product evaluations.
A couple weeks ago, we asked our LinkedIn audience in a recent poll which security technology trend they were most interested in learning about: Operational Efficiency of AI, Electronic Security Systems, Autonomous Vehicles, or Emerging Technologies. We found that Operational Efficiency of AI and Emerging Technologies are tied as the top areas of interest, each receiving 36% of the votes. Electronic Security Systems followed with 23%, while Autonomous Vehicles rounded out the list with 5%.
With those insights in mind, our team returned with valuable takeaways, highlighting the most impactful products, innovative use cases, and lessons learned from the conference. Keep reading for their expert perspectives on the top security technologies shaping the industry this year, and how they align with the trends our audience is eager to learn most about!
Cary Gulsby
This year’s ISC West had the highest attendance I’ve seen since before the pandemic. In step with current world trends, AI seemed to be a core focus of the conference. One of the biggest trends was the application of these new technologies on video surveillance systems, monitoring camera streams with a level of precision, speed, and quantity far beyond human capability.
Machine learning has produced technologies that can differentiate and abstract abnormal events from common situations in live video streams, as well as predict unwanted events before they occur. A game-changing outcome for the industry is the ability for a singular system to now monitor thousands of cameras. Previously, live viewing had been a very cumbersome and ineffective method of crime detection or prevention when left up to humans monitoring video walls. This same technology is now being utilized in other security systems, such as access control, to monitor door activity, predict behavior, and detect anomalies.
The introduction of AI into the security industry has drastically changed the demographics of the convention. The industry is ever-evolving alongside technology trends, but typically at a slow, cautious pace – it is the security industry, after all. This year, there was a much larger presence of AI-based software companies, many of which were clearly small startups trying to get a foot in the door with the big industry players. Many of these companies have little to no experience with the actual practice of physical security.
As a veteran security practitioner, this raises some concerns about the methodology behind how these technologies are being marketed directly to the end user. There is an underlying consultative process required to understand business operations, define use cases, and apply the appropriate technologies. In what seems to be the “Wild West” of AI, it is more important than ever that we, as consultants, understand the impact and help guide our clients through what is going to be the most significant shift in the security industry ever.
Clinton McGraw
As more use cases are being identified, the number of companies offering AI-powered solutions to address them continues to grow. In many cases, AI is increasing the power of security platforms while simultaneously decreasing the training time required for users. With these advanced capabilities, successful implementation will remain dependent on responsible guidance from the consultant community to ensure end users are receiving technology that meets their needs. Likewise, professional services companies, such as our sister company, Saefix, which specializes in the implementation of advanced technologies, will play a key role in ensuring successful implementation and testing.
One new product that stood out to me this year was the Motorola Sentry ERS. It enables lockdown initiation through a building’s access control system, much like a fire alarm pull station would trigger a fire alarm. Also, the product is a handheld communication device utilizing a lockdown initiator allowing users to receive notifications, provide location information and video to support situational awareness to first responders, and a flexible way to call for assistance. This technology would be particularly beneficial in K-12 and higher education environments, but I could also see this unit being utilized on each floor of a high-rise building for emergency situations and mustering, as the handheld unit communicates via Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
Marcus Anderson
Attending ISC West 2025 for the first time was both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable. From reconnecting with industry peers and exploring the expo floor, to experiencing the energy of Las Vegas, the conference delivered a well-rounded mix of learning and networking opportunities.
One of the main focuses throughout the conference was on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLM). Several vendors, including AMAG, Hirsch, and Ipsotek, showcased platforms that leverage technologies to enhance video analytics and real-time situational awareness. For example, these models allow for users to input a phrase such as, “find a man in a red hat,” and the system can search through extensive footage in seconds. Traditionally, this is a task that requires operators several minutes, or even hours to find. These tools offer substantial benefits in incident response, operational efficiency, and cost savings.
Overall, ISC West 2025 highlighted the remarkable progress being made in AI and LLM technologies. That said, a common message from exhibitors was that these platforms could be seamlessly deployed using existing cameras without any changes. While in some cases this may be true, it nullifies the importance of having individuals who are properly trained in setting up cameras for the purpose of analytics.
Kevin Cotter
As a first-time attendee at ISC West, I was able to gain a broader understanding of the security industry and its evolving technologies. One of the most prominent themes I observed throughout the showroom floor was the integration of AI – particularly in video analytics and search functionality. The term “AI Language Model” came up frequently in connection with video management systems, access control systems, and aggregator platforms. These models leverage vast datasets of text and code to generate human-like responses to text-based queries.
One standout benefit was their ability to assist with training. Users can ask how to perform a specific system function and the language model will provide a clear, step-by-step guide. Some systems take it a step further, allowing the model to perform the function directly with a confirmation prompt. One provider even showcased a voice assistant similar to Siri or Alexa, enabling users to ask questions and execute tasks via voice commands.
Roy Ener
It’s been a few years since I’ve last attended ISC West, and as expected, AI once again has dominated conversations across the show floor. One standout moment? The always-entertaining presence of robot dogs, which continue to draw crowds and spark discussion about the future of physical security.
Among the most unexpected innovations that caught my eye was a new walk-through scanner I had first encountered while traveling through newly expanded Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). As frequent travelers know, security scanners often blend into the background due to familiarity. However, I noticed this unit when passing through TSA, with its unique footprint and frame, noticeably different despite not having the standard TSA identification plates or markings.
Rohde & Schwarz USA QPS Walk-Through Scanner
Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to meet members of the team behind the technology, and we reconnected again on the ISC West showroom floor. At the Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. booth, I learned more about the scanner’s capabilities. Notable features include its ability to detect objects as small as a single pill on a person in a pharmaceutical company, or high-value items like a $10,000 USD package in environments such as international airports/TSA lanes, border crossings, etc. It was an impressive example of how innovation continues to raise the bar for security screening technology.
Whether it was their first time or a seasoned attendee, our team left ISC West 2025 energized by the possibilities – and aware of the responsibility that comes with helping our clients navigate a rapidly evolving security landscape. Want to talk more about what our team saw and learned? Reach out to Clinton McGraw at clinton.mcgraw@faithgroupllc.com – we’d love to share how these trends may impact your organization.