Annual AiN Live and Learn Conference 2025 Exceeds High Expectations

The annual three-day AiN Live and Learn Conference, in Phoenix this year, combines education, entertainment and networking.
Published: January 24, 2025

PHOENIX — The AiN Live and Learn Conference is in the books.

More than 500 participants attended the 2025 gathering, a three-day event that combines education, entertainment and networking, at the Arizona Biltmore, a stunning Waldorf Astoria Resort, and participants were not disappointed.

Keynote speakers included Tim Whall, the former CEO of ADT who now serves as interim Everon CEO following Dan Bresingham’s departure in November. He engaged with the audience for about two hours, sharing his thoughts on operating metrics that dealers/integrates should aspire to reach.

Whall has always been open, upfront, and engaging and his presentation did not disappoint.

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He was followed by Michael Barnes, a partner with Barnes and Associates, who shared his state of the security industry report, including attrition rates and acquisition activity. Barnes and his team have tracked this data for more than 20 years and it is always interesting to see how our industry is doing year over year.

On Saturday, attendees were honored to hear an inspirational session by retired Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell. His harrowing ordeal became the subject of his best-selling book, Lone Survivor, which recounts the mission and heroism of his fallen teammates.

The book was adapted into a 2013 blockbuster film of the same name, starring Mark Wahlberg as Luttrell.

There was a question-and-answer period following the talk and Luttrell kept thanking the audience (the US taxpayer) for training and equipping him to do his work on behalf of the United States. Such a wonderful and humble man.

AiN Live and Learn

Tim Whall (Photo courtesy of Kirk MacDowell)

Why the AiN Live and Learn Conference is So Popular

In addition to the high-profile keynotes, the 2025 edition of the AiN Live and Learn Conference featured plenty of dealer/integrator-led sessions, covering everything from using bots and artificial intelligence to gain efficiencies to technician productivity and utilization sessions with integrators openly sharing their metrics.

AiN Live and Learn

The annual AiN Live and Learn Conference includes plenty of time for networking among SSI contributors Ken Kirschenbaum and Kirk MacDowell. (Photo courtesy of Kirk MacDowell)

On both Friday and Saturday, for a part of the day, dealers met with manufacturers and service providers for 20-minute one-on-one sessions, providing uninterrupted time to see new offerings and services.  Late afternoon and evenings dealers had free time to explore the beautiful landmark hotel built in 1929.

The closing night was an absolute hoot with Speros Venios, vice president of security sales at EZLO serving as the master of ceremonies during the awards banquet. He introduced John DiDomenico, a seasoned actor and comedian who is well-known for his character impersonations.

DiDomenico portrayed President Donald Trump perfectly and had the audience rolling with laughter.

At the conclusion of the evening, Stan Matysiak, president of the AiN Group, invited attendees to the next Live & Learn, scheduled at the BAHA MAR resort on Nassau, Bahamas, Jan. 21-24, 2026.

Kirk MacDowell is president of MacGuard Security Advisors.

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Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series