By Rodney Bosch
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Electronic Security Association (ESA) and Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) will present the 4th Annual Electronic Security Expo (ESX) June 6-10 at the Charlotte, N.C., Convention Center.
Established in 2008, the event will offer a wide assortment of seminars, networking opportunities and an exhibit floor with more than 200 participating manufacturers and service providers.
Organizers have identified five major technology trends that are transforming the businesses of security integration and monitoring companies, and will highlight these developments throughout the conference. They are: home automation; hosted and managed services; networked security; mobile apps; and alternative signal transmission.
"The electronic security industry is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation change," says ESX Chair George De Marco. "The shifting landscape of technology is providing more opportunities for integration and monitoring companies to generate RMR beyond traditional means such as video, access control, home automation, energy management, mobile apps and alternative signal options."
More than 65 educational sessions will comprise a six-track program, featuring executives from leading installing security contractors and manufacturers, as well as a host of other subject matter experts. The tracks include curriculum geared for business development and management; central station operations; installation management; recurring monthly revenue (RMR); sales and marketing; and technology.
Among the offerings, SSI Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine will moderate the "Tools for Greater Sales Success" seminar (June 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m.). The dialogue will focus on the various types of sales force automation and customer relationship management systems that can be used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of sales and marketing strategies. Panelists include Christopher BenVau of Stanley CSS, Michael Jagger of Provident Security Corp., and Jay Stuck of Guardian Protection Services.
This year's event will feature an expanded show floor to accommodate increased demand for exhibit space and a projected 20-percent growth in attendance, according to organizers. Interspersed amid product displays and demonstrations will be the Carolina Pit Stop Pavilion hosted by local manufacturer's representatives and distributors; a consulting and business services pavilion; and, for the first time, the ESXperience Stage, offering presentations on industry trends and updates from ESA and CSAA.
Array of Event Offerings
Among the roster of special events, the ESX Industry Icebreaker Luncheon on June 7 will consist of multiple proceedings. SSI will announce this year's Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award recipient, recognizing an installing security contractor that best demonstrates a proactive and cooperative effort to reduce unnecessary alarm dispatches. The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) will bestow its William N. Moody Award to honor a volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to stem false dispatches. And Jon Hannan, fire chief for the city of Charlotte, will speak to the importance of relationships between security professionals and the public safety sector.
Away from the show floor on June 7, attendees will have the option to partake in either of two offsite excursions. A motor coach will take participants to CPI Security System's nearby headquarters for a tour of the facility's technology, design and state-of-the-art security systems.
Race car fans also have the choice to tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame for a behind-the-scenes view of the security and A/V operations in this new, 150,000-square-foot facility. Security professionals from the Hall of Fame will discuss the system design, objectives of the security system and "war" stories from the facility's first few months of operation.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will also serve as the venue for an evening ceremony on June 7 during which winners of the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year and the Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award will be announced.
Then on June 8, former NFL coaching great and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs will provide the keynote address during which he'll discuss examples of leadership, teamwork and perseverance.
Dates and venues have already been secured for the 2012 and 2013 ESX offerings. The event will be held at the Nashville, Tenn., Convention Center, June 25-29, 2012. ESX 2013 is scheduled for June 17-21 in Nashville, but at the brand new Music City Center, currently under construction.
Rodney Bosch is managing editor for SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION. He can be reached at (310) 533-2426.