The First Alert Professional Conference, held Oct. 14 through the 16, was a spectacular success with more than 800 people in attendance. This year’s event was held at the Lowes Miami Beach Hotel in South Florida. First Alert Professional attendees occupied more than 450 of the available rooms.

The first day, attending dealers registered, networked, and talked with First Alert and Honeywell officials. Many also visited with a number of exhibitors who operate within the First Alert program. Others found time to see the South Beach sights. A new dealer orientation meeting was held later in the afternoon and a cocktail party and reception followed later in the evening where the First Alert Professional’s Sales Frenzy grand prize drawing took place.

The second day of the conference began at 7:00 a.m. eastern time with an excellent buffet breakfast fit for a king in the Salon 4 room, just off the Americana Foyer. The royal treatment didn’t stop there. After breakfast, First Alert Professional dealers, Honeywell and First Alert people, as well as members of the press, met in the Americana Ballroom where they were treated to a stunning performance by talented dancers and singers.

The theme of the presentation, as well as the ensuing discussion by Joe Sausa, President of First Alert Professional, was “Turn Up The Heat!” Sausa began by offering words of wisdom and encouragement to Honeywell partners actively involved in the First Alert Professional program. He spoke of his vision for the future where Honeywell provides the First Alert network not only a growing list of innovative, high-tech products, but also a caldron of value-added services designed to aide member installers grow their businesses, both today and into the 21st Century.

Sausa then introduced Dave Cote, CEO of Honeywell, who talked about the many benefits that Honeywell brings to the First Alert Professional program.

According to Cote, “First Alert is an important part of Honeywell. It success as a premier professional security brand is key to our long-term strategy. The business is a terrific fit with Honeywell’s brand promise, which is ‘We are building a world that’s safer and more secure, more comfortable and energy efficient, more innovative and productive’.”

Cote spoke of the crossing of Honeywell divisions between divisional lines and how some of the high-tech sensor and control technologies now in use within Honeywell’s aerospace and industrial divisions have helped to foster even greater results in the technologies incorporated in today’s security control systems, people detectors, and more. Cote also told the First Alert Professional crowd about the work that Honeywell has accomplished in the European market.

He specifically mentioned wireless sensors that are able to perform tasks that were hereto impossible. It is Cote’s belief that the wireless concept will continue to grow new and exciting products in the years to come. It was evident that those who attended overwhelmingly approved of Cote’s vision, as he was treated to a standing ovation.

That afternoon, First Alert Pro dealers were invited to attend a wide variety of seminars, held on the second floor of the hotel. Later that evening, Honeywell treated everyone to a big bash at Fifteen O One Barton G., a nearby lounge. Needless to say, a most excellent time was had by all who attended.

On the last day of the conference, First Alert Professional dealers were treated to another royal breakfast. Afterward, the assembly broke into groups, attending a variety of roundtable sessions led by a variety of First Alert leaders. At 10:15 ET, attendees then met in the Americana Ballroom where they listened to a number of high-ranking Honeywell and First Alert officials. For example, Ben Cornett, President of Honeywell Security, discussed the First Alert Professional program, the advancements made over the past year, and the direction of the programs over the next year. Ken Weinstein also spoke to First Alert Professional dealers about a variety of issues related to technology, First Alert operations, and systems. Weinstein is Senior Vice President of Program Marketing.

 

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