For Northland Controls, it’s not just an opportunity to showcase our expertise, but a chance to actively support our stakeholders in real time while engaging in forward-looking conversations about how we can continue to evolve that support. Reflecting on our experience at the 2026 conference, we’re excited to share insights from our team, from highlighting trends to standout moments and key takeaways that will help inform and benefit our broader community. Here’s what they had to say:

On Industry Trends & Technology

Andrew Hill | Program Manager

"One of the biggest trends this year is the continued convergence within physical security systems. Technologies like video, access control, and sensors are becoming more tightly integrated, giving organizations a more unified and streamlined view of their environments and enabling faster, more coordinated responses."

Dakota Bierly | Business Development & Marketing Manager

"The industry is evolving faster than ever before, and with that evolution comes an abundance of data. What stood out most at this conference is that the conversation around data has shifted. We’re no longer asking what’s possible in regards to collecting data, but how can we use that data to drive smarter, more resilient, and more proactive security programs."

Danny Chung | Global Director of Consulting

“At ISC West 2026, it was clear that manufacturers are operationalizing AI (particularly through generative AI and natural language search) to streamline investigations and reporting across all security platforms. Tasks that once required custom scripting can now be accomplished through simple queries, unlocking the full value of the massive data these systems hold and signaling a strong, positive shift for operational efficiency in the industry.”

Zach Henderson | Director Of Operations, Managed Services

"Cloud solutions are no longer an option, they're a necessity for many end users, and manufacturers continue to add functionality and capability to their cloud offerings. There are even more cloud-first manufacturers in the industry today that are pushing out-of-the-box capabilities forward with their platforms, giving the end users greater flexibility and scalability without having to invest heavily in custom solutions."

Sujoy Dutta | General Manager- APAC

"The physical security industry is moving rapidly towards applications and software. The numerous smaller booths and the startup counters talking about open platform was really encouraging. I also noticed that traditional PSIM platforms are evolving, transforming into intelligent middleware layers, increasingly powered by AI agents.

Another very encouraging trend, and one closer to my heart, is the increased presence of Asia-based organizations. For example, I saw a separate Taiwan corner of the floor, we met with a lock manufacturer from Korea who was attending ISC West for the first time with a goal of taking on their US based competitors, and talked with a Japanese company with a Japanese video and access platform."

On the Value of Connection

Sabrina Jones | Global Service Manager

"Returning to ISC West after a decade, I was reminded that while the technology has evolved, the true value of the show remains in the in-person connections. My highlight was the opportunity to step away from the screen to strengthen relationships and engage in the conversations that really move our industry forward."

Dan Daly | Security Consultant

"With this being my first time at ISC West, it was quickly apparent that while the opportunity to review technologies is primary based on the size of the showroom floor, the biggest value add comes in the form of the person-to-person interactions you have with other industry professionals. From garnering new business partners to regrouping with vendors or previous partners, it is hard to imagine a place where the conversation is this focused on ongoing trends and the tools to combat them."

Brendan McFall | Operations Manager

"ISC West is always a great event for meeting with and strengthening our partnerships with clients, manufactures, and local service providers. This year's show was no different. These relationships are core to Northland's success, and I always enjoy getting to spend time face to face with all the people that support our business. For me, my biggest highlight of the show is always our reception on Wednesday night. It's a fantastic way for us to say thank you, while getting to enjoy some fresh air!"

On Real-World Execution

Terry Browne | Global General Manager, Data Center Group

"One of the things that stood out to me this year, and something that came through clearly in the Protecting Data Centers Breakfast panel, isn’t just the pace of innovation, but the shift in focus toward how these technologies are actually delivered and operated in real-world environments. There is no shortage of capability in the market, but the challenge and opportunity ahead of us is making sure that it translates consistently into real-world outcomes across sites and regions."