First Time ISC Attendee - Dress Code

As an attendee, I don't believe there is any reason to not dress comfortably.

You may be representing your company and all, but a suit and tie, while walking the floor, I think would look out of place.  Anyone i see walking around at ISC East in a suit i figure is working a booth.

Khakis and a polo shirt with your company name on it is a great way to let booth people know who you are when you sidle up to their booths.

If this is a good thing, then wear the polo - if not, go more incognito.

You'll see a little bit of everything, but if you want to be taken seriously by exhibitors I would recommend a solid business casual outfit. If you wear a suit you'll be overdressed, but not out of place, unless it is some 10 year old out of date suit that no longer fits quite right, then you'll look really bad.

Business casual and comfortable shoes. 

I'll be in a suit with no tie, because I hate ties. 

Like UD3 says, though, you genuinely will see a little bit of everything. I've literally seen a tux once (worn by an exhibitor), and lots of attendees will be wearing dirty jeans, old t shirts, and sneakers that date back to the Bush administration, but business casual is the most comfortable clothing you can wear that will still help you be taken seriously. Neatly pressed khakis, a button down shirt, and shoes for men; pants, a nice top, a sweater (it'll be cold), and flats for women. If you have a polo shirt with a company logo you can wear that, but make sure it fits well and is clean and not wrinkled. 

I cannot stress the shoes enough. They should look nice but be comfortable, because you're going to be on your feet all day. Beware fancy socks, because the designs can be hell on your feet sometimes. Some people like to duck into a bathroom and change socks in the middle of the day, but then you're stuck with what to do about a pair of stinky socks. 

If you know enough about clothes to feel confident about breaking any or all of these rules, then I say go for it. 

If you want to follow the exhibitor dress requirements, you’ll want to avoid:

 Tops displaying excessive cleavage
 Tank tops, halter tops, camisole tops or tube tops;
 Miniskirts or minidresses;
 Shorts;
 Lycra (or other Second‐Skin) bodysuits;
 Objectionable or offensive costumes.

:)

Dress for success! Know who your target is and dress accordingly.

If you're after corporate buyout of your company, dress like someone who wants to be bought out by executives (slim at ISC, but back room always around).

If you're  a dealer looking to cultivate new relationships with new or different manufacturers, dress professionally and be professionally consistent with your core business values.

If you want to go unnoticed or without follow up call, dress like a slob, chew gum loudly and slobber with restraint. 

Exhibitors beware...some some of those knarly types pull some very big strings!

As an attendee, I go suit - no tie.