COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. ― When the fledgling group Advisory Summit Providers (ASP) launched the Electronic Security Technology Summit (ESTS) in 2013, the idea was to introduce to the industry an event format that facilitated an exclusive schedule of one-on-one meetings between installing security contractors and vendors.
It works like this: A limited number of dealer company owners and top-level executives are provided an all-expense paid trip to the venue – ESTS 2013 was held in Miami – with the understanding they will powwow individually with event sponsors based on their compatibility, business needs and other factors.
In the wake of a successful inaugural event, ASP returned this year to host the second annual ESTS in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the 5-Star Broadmoor resort, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. (Yes, maybe you’ve heard, The Broadmoor is all of that and more.)
With SSI once again serving as the exclusive media sponsor, I was in attendance to cover the proceedings, held Oct. 22-24. You might question my partiality when I say the event was a big hit with sponsors and dealer attendees, but there it is. The one-on-one set-up was praised by all I spoke with.
The format is also anchored by a series of presentations and panel discussions, featuring executives from manufacturing, design/installation/monitoring, consultation, business services and other facets of the industry. The intent is to further provide attendees a forum to discuss and learn more about critical organizational and industry issues, as well as other trends and challenges.
A few common themes at ESTS 2014, in particular, emerged during the presenters’ discussions, which served to drive home the inexorable change that’s sweeping the industry and the need for installing security contractors to keep pace if they hope to remain relevant. Among them, the vital need for communications, both internally and externally, and solidifying customer relationships as a means to differentiate.
The ever witty John Jennings, who recently sold his company, Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Safeguard Security, provided an entertaining and informing keynote during the event’s opening gala dinner.
