ESX is pleased to announce its 2026 lineup of educational speakers, delivering a peer-driven program built for today’s security leaders. A defining strength of ESX education is its peer-led format, where integrators, monitoring professionals, and executives share real-world strategies that directly impact business performance.

Nearly 100 experts will lead sessions focused on real-world strategies and leadership insights.

The 2026 program spans four core tracks, Sales & Marketing, Field Operations, Management, and Monitoring—along with the Executive Experience designed for senior decision-makers. Each session is built to address the priorities that matter most, from driving RMR growth and improving operational efficiency to strengthening leadership and scaling sustainably.

This year’s program also takes a practical look at how AI is reshaping the industry. From improving monitoring accuracy and reducing false alarms to enabling more proactive service models and smarter operational decisions, sessions will focus on how security companies can apply AI in ways that drive real business outcomes

“ESX is built on a simple belief that our industry grows strongest when its people grow together,” says George De Marco, ESX Chairman. “Our peer-to-peer educational model continues to set ESX apart, bringing security professionals together with experienced practitioners who deliver real-world insight in every session. Whether it’s staying ahead of emerging trends, strengthening leadership, or understanding what AI means for your business, ESX provides the knowledge, community, and perspective to move forward with confidence.” 

ESX Best Practice Sharing Speakers 

View the full list of speakers by directing your browser to – www.esxweb.com/esx-2026-speakers 

Education at ESX is intentionally built for the pro-installed channel, ensuring every session is relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing integrators and monitoring professionals today. From strengthening RMR models to improving operational performance and leadership execution, attendees leave with strategies they can put to work immediately.

Access to the education sessions and esteemed speakers is reserved for Deluxe and Executive pass holders. Register your team today to secure your spot at this unparalleled industry event!  

The ESX Management Education Track is available for sposnorship, the Monitoring Track is sponsored by Becklar, the Field Operations Track is sponsored by AI-RGUS, the Sales & Marketing Track is sponsored by Rocket Media, and the Executive Experience is sponsored by National Monitoring Center. 

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) returns June 1–4, 2026, in Irving, Texas, bringing together security and life safety leaders for the industry’s most focused event on recurring revenue growth, operational excellence, and emerging technology.

One of the most anticipated Main Stage experiences is the OpenXChange Breakfast, a dynamic session dedicated to examining technologies that are transforming the security landscape and redefining what’s possible for integrators and monitoring providers.

This year’s theme, “AI Is Changing Security Right Now,” speaks directly to the rapid transformation underway across the industry. Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept on the horizon. It is actively reshaping how companies operate, how systems are monitored, and how security businesses compete in an increasingly data-driven environment.

Leading the discussion will be Jeff Schatten, Ph.D., a nationally recognized AI strategist known for helping security and industrial companies move from AI conversations to real-world execution. Schatten works with organizations navigating rapid technological change while maintaining operational discipline and measurable business results.

During the OpenXChange Breakfast, attendees will gain practical insight into:

• Where artificial intelligence stands today

• Where AI adoption in security is headed next

• How integrators and monitoring providers can leverage AI to gain a competitive advantage

• The opportunities — and risks — organizations face as AI adoption accelerates

“AI is no longer a concept being debated. It’s a present-day advantage reshaping how security companies and monitoring centers operate, compete, and grow,” says ESX Chairman and OpenXChange Moderator George DeMarco. “Leaders who act now will create meaningful separation in the marketplace. This session will show them how.”

Schatten is also the author of AI Will Take Your Job (and It’s for the Best) (Emerald Publishing, 2025). His work focuses on building human–AI hybrid organizations, where human judgment and machine capability are intentionally combined to create sustainable enterprise value.

The OpenXChange Breakfast is an exclusive ESX session included with Executive, Deluxe, and Expo Plus passes, and will be on Tuesday, June 2, 8:00 am – 9:20 am.

Registration for ESX 2026 is now open. Security professionals are encouraged to secure early-bird savings and join industry peers in Irving, Texas, June 1–4, 2026. Learn more and register at ESXweb.com/Register.

Hear More from Jeff Schatten on the Security Nation Podcast

Want a preview of the ideas Jeff Schatten will explore during the OpenXChange Breakfast at ESX 2026? In a recent episode of the Security Nation Podcast, Jeff joins ESA’s Hannah Boone to discuss how artificial intelligence is already reshaping security operations, where adoption is headed next, and how integrators can begin using AI to gain a competitive edge. Listen to the conversation to get a head start on the insights Jeff will bring to the ESX Main Stage.

ESX is very proud to announce that its 2026 Keynote Luncheon, entitled The Curiosity Advantage: How the Best Leaders Stay Competitive, Profitable, and Future-Ready, will be presented on the Main Stage by author and innovator Diana Kander.  

Based on the book The Curiosity Muscle which she co-authored, Diana likens curiosity to a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. If not used, she contends, it can weaken, leading to blind spots and a lack of innovation within organizations. This Keynote is designed to guide attendees on how to embrace and embody the virtues of innovation. Diana will empower attendees to harness the power of curiosity to unlock new possibilities and drive business growth.  

As ESX Chairman George De Marco points out “Curiosity isn’t a personality trait, it’s a muscle you can strengthen. In an industry facing workforce pressures, evolving customer expectations, and rapid technological change, every role requires an innovator’s mindset. When you’re being asked to do more with less while staying relevant to customers, that muscle is the difference between those who adapt and those who get left behind.” 

Key takeaways from this year’s ESX Keynote Luncheon will include:  

• Turn curiosity into a repeatable business discipline that keeps their company competitive as technology and customer expectations evolve
• Avoid the “expert trap” that causes established companies to miss new revenue, efficiency, and differentiation opportunities
• Ask better customer-focused questions that lead to stronger positioning, higher retention, and smarter growth decisions
• Build a culture of practical innovation that delivers results—without disrupting operations or burning out teams

  . 

Secure Your Spot Today & Save 

This motivational ESX Keynote Luncheon will take place on June 2nd from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. Register today at ESXweb.com/Register to secure early bird savings and join with other industry professionals in Irving, Texas, June 1–4, 2026. 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available 

The ESX Main Stage Keynote Luncheon also offers a premier sponsorship opportunity for organizations seeking high-visibility brand alignment with industry leadership, innovation, and executive decision-makers. Companies interested in aligning their brand with this flagship Main Stage experience are encouraged to contact ESA’s sponsorship team for availability and details. 

ESX continually delivers the industry’s most impactful education, networking, and best-practice sharing for electronic security and life safety integrators, dealers, and monitoring professionals. Many companies bring full teams—from field operations and installation to sales, marketing, and executive leadership—to learn, connect, and grow together.

Let’s break down which ESX 2026 pass best fits your goals.

Bring Your Team & Save!

ESX is better together—and team discounts make it easier to attend.

• • • 10 percent off for groups of 5 or more 
    • 20 percent off for groups of 10 or more 

Looking for Practical Education & Leadership Insight?

If you’re focused on gaining real-world strategies you can implement immediately, Deluxe and Executive Leadership Passes are the best fit.

ESX 2026 education delivers tactical guidance on topics like leadership development, workforce challenges, emerging technologies, AI-driven monitoring, sales strategy, and operational efficiency—all designed for today’s security and life safety professionals.

Both passes include access to:

• ESX education sessions
• Main Stage presentations
• Networking and social events
• Food functions
• Expo floor access
• Exhibitor-led Tech Talks

Executive Leadership Pass 

Designed specifically for C-suite and senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Pass includes everything in the Deluxe Pass—plus exclusive, expert-led Executive Leadership Workshops.

These structured sessions are built for leaders navigating growth, culture, accountability, and high-level decision-making. Rather than peer discussion, workshops are guided by subject-matter experts and tailored to the unique challenges executives face.

Executive Workshops:

• Stacking Value: Building Good, Better, Best Subscription Packages that Boost RMR and Retention 
• An AI Implementation Playbook for Security Leaders 
• Take Control: Transform Your Security Business with 5 Essential Metrics 
• Growth Intelligence: Benchmarking Performance and Value 
• Breakfast Roundtable – Fail Forward: Leaders Share the Lessons That Built Them 

Networking, Motivation & Market Exposure?

If your priority is exploring new technologies, meeting vendors, and gaining inspiration, consider the Expo Plus Pass.

This pass includes:

• Full expo access
• Main Stage sessions featuring industry leaders, authors, and disruptors
• Networking and social events
• Food functions
• Exhibitor Tech Talks

Expo Plus is ideal for professionals who want connection, inspiration, and insight—without committing to the full education program

Just Want Expo Access?

The Expo-Only Pass is perfect if you’re focused on the show floor.

You’ll gain:

• Expo floor Tech Talk sessions
• Access to the ESX expo
• Meaningful conversations with exhibitors and sponsors
• Entry to select networking events, including the Opening Celebration and Pub Crawl

As a targeted industry event, ESX offers a more focused, relationship-driven expo experience.

No matter your role or goals, there’s an ESX 2026 pass designed to maximize your experience. Choose the option that fits your team, your strategy, and how you want to engage—and get ready for an impactful week at ESX. Register Now!