The electronic security and life safety industry gathered in Irving, Texas, June 1–4 for ESX 2026, for four days packed with actionable education, meaningful networking, emerging technology, and business-building opportunities.
Known as The RMR Educational Event of the Year, ESX brought together integrators, monitoring professionals, manufacturers, and industry leaders to share ideas, explore innovations, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of the industry.
Monday: Innovation Takes the Stage
New ESA Member & Attendee Meetup
ESX 2026 welcomed first-time attendees and new ESA members for networking and introductions before the week’s activities began.
One of the week’s most talked-about events was the inaugural TechVision Challenge, a live Shark Tank-style competition where top Innovation Award finalists pitched their solutions before a panel of experienced integrator judges. Contestants defended their technologies based on real-world business impact, operational efficiency, implementation, and ROI.
ESA members gathered for the Association’s Annual Meeting to celebrate accomplishments from the past year, welcome newly elected Board members, and discuss the future of the association and industry.
The day concluded with the Opening Celebration, where attendees gathered for an evening of networking, live music, karaoke, food, drinks, and Texas-sized hospitality, setting the tone for a week built on connections and collaboration.
Tuesday: AI, Education & Industry Insights
Tuesday began with the OpenXChange Breakfast featuring AI strategist Jeff Schatten, Ph.D., who explored how artificial intelligence is already transforming hiring, marketing, monitoring, and business operations across the security industry. The breakfast also featured the presentation of ESA’s Youth Scholarship Award. This year’s National First Place recipient, Cardin Ia, was
recognized for his academic achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. The son of Fresno Police Department Sergeant Erik Ia, Cardin received a $25,000 scholarship and was honored before industry leaders and peers.
ESA Industry Research Center Launch
Following OpenXChange, ESA unveiled the new ESA Industry Research Center, a first-of-its-kind initiative developed in partnership with Beacon Economics and ESA Chief Economist Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D. The center will provide integrators and dealers with valuable market intelligence through a new Industry Performance Index focused on business activity, workforce trends, revenue health, and technology adoption.
Industry-Leading Education
Education remained at the heart of ESX 2026, with attendees participating in more than 30 peer-led sessions designed to address the real-world challenges facing today’s security and life safety businesses. From recurring monthly revenue growth and operational efficiency to workforce development and leadership, sessions delivered practical strategies attendees could immediately implement within their organizations.
Tuesday’s Main Stage programming continued with bestselling author Diana Kander and her presentation, The Curiosity Advantage: How the Best Leaders Stay Competitive, Profitable, and Future-Ready. Kander challenged attendees to think differently about innovation, uncover hidden opportunities, and use curiosity as a practical business tool to drive growth and differentiation. During the Keynote Luncheon, ESA presented the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award to Michael Barnes in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, volunteer service, and decades-long commitment to advancing the electronic security and life safety industry.
The Expo Floor officially opened Tuesday afternoon, showcasing the latest technologies, services, and solutions from leading manufacturers and service providers.
Attendees enjoyed the Texas State Fair Block Party on the Expo Floor, bringing the energy and spirit of a classic Texas fair directly into the exhibit hall while creating another opportunity for networking and fun.
TechVision Challenge Winner Announcement
The winners of the inaugural TechVision Challenge were officially announced on the Expo Floor. DMP’s XR650 Control Panel earned Best of Show honors, while Alarm.com’s Business Fire Communicator (ADC-FC100) was recognized as Runner-Up.
Tuesday evening featured the SIAC Awards Reception, recognizing individuals and organizations advancing alarm management and strengthening partnerships with public safety.
The annual ESX Pub Crawl once again proved to be a crowd favorite, bringing attendees together for an evening of networking, camaraderie, and fun throughout the Toyota Music Factory district. As professionals moved from venue to venue, conversations shifted from products and business strategies to friendships and shared experiences, reinforcing the strong sense of community that continues to define the ESX experience.
Wednesday: Leadership, Recognition & Celebration
Practical Insights for a Changing Industry
Artificial intelligence, business transformation, and emerging technologies were among the most discussed topics throughout the week. Attendees gained actionable insight into AI adoption, customer retention, technician development, video intelligence, labor management, and sales growth, all presented by industry professionals actively navigating these challenges within their own companies.
General Session Featuring Daryl “Moose” Johnston
One of the week’s most anticipated Main Stage events was the General Session featuring Dallas Cowboys legend and three-time Super Bowl Champion Daryl “Moose” Johnston. Johnston shared powerful lessons on leadership, teamwork, accountability, and building cultures that help people perform at their highest level. During the General Session, ESA honored George DeMarco as the 2025 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year. ESA’s highest honor recognizes extraordinary leadership, dedication, and volunteer service to both the association and the industry.
Meet & Greet With “The Moose” and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders at ESA Central
Attendees also enjoyed a special Meet & Greet with Johnston and members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at the ESA Central Booth, creating one of the week’s most memorable photo opportunities.
NEW People’s Choice Innovation Award
ESX announced the winner of its inaugural People’s Choice Innovation Award, allowing attendees to vote for the product they believed represented the most exciting, impactful, and innovative solution showcased at the event. AURA’s Aura Smart Dispatch earned the distinction.
NEW Integrator Impact Award
Alarm.com was named the recipient of the inaugural Integrator Impact Award, recognizing the exhibitor attendees believe will have the greatest impact on their businesses over the coming year.
Denim & Diamonds Expo Reception
As the Expo Floor prepared to close, attendees gathered for the Denim & Diamonds Reception, providing one final opportunity to connect with exhibitors, colleagues, and industry friends before the evening’s celebrations.
Weinstock Celebration & ESA After Party
The celebration continued at The Rayleigh Underground during the Denim & Diamonds-themed Weinstock Celebration honoring George DeMarco. Attendees then kept the momentum going at the ESA After Party at the Plaza at Toyota Music Factory, benefiting the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST).
Thursday: Looking Ahead
Learning from Those Doing the Work
What continues to set ESX apart is its commitment to peer-to-peer education. Rather than theoretical presentations, attendees heard directly from integrators, monitoring professionals, and industry leaders who shared proven best practices, lessons learned, and real-world experiences. The result was an educational experience focused not only on ideas, but on actionable solutions that can help companies grow stronger, more profitable, and better prepared for the future.
ESX 2026 concluded with the Closing Luncheon featuring Michael Barnes. His presentation, The U.S. Electronic Security and Life Safety Market in 2026: Technology Shifts, Capital Trends, and What They Mean for Your Business, provided attendees with valuable insight into industry trends, recurring revenue performance, labor pressures, capital markets, and future growth opportunities.
See You in Tampa
As attendees departed Irving, many were already looking ahead to ESX 2027, taking place June 28–July 1, 2027, in Tampa, Florida.
Thank you to the attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and industry leaders who helped make ESX 2026 another unforgettable week of education, innovation, networking, and growth.
