Blog Posts
Electronic Security Expo
June 15, 2022 ESX 2023
The highly anticipated event of the year for the security industry is finally here! The Electronic Security Expo is open and is bringing together security professionals from all over the country. It attracts the biggest, best, and most progressive installing and monitoring companies in the world to meet with exhibiting electronic security equipment vendors and industry providers.
Each year, ESX is proof that it is possible to offer a show floor large enough to spotlight an incredibly wide range of security products and services, yet manageable enough to tour at a leisurely pace and drill deeply into any category. No end users. No chaotic crowds. This is a tailored educational event designed to help you grow your business. Here are some highlights of the many thing’s security pros have been up to so far and what is in store!
Day 1 – Tuesday
ESA Meetings
The Electronic Security Association, the owner of the event, jumpstarted the events at ESX with several meetings including the Board of Directors, Government Relations, and the Standard & Life Safety Committees to discuss industry trends and more. Thanks to everyone who attended the ESA Annual Meeting and supported our award winners for excellence in the industry, the installation of our newest Board members, and the induction of our new Chairman, John Loud, President of Loud Security in Atlanta.NEW Executive Leadership Workshops
After the meetings attendees jumped into ESX’s New Executive Leadership Workshops. With workforce shortages, supply chain delays, technology platforms rapidly being upgraded, and consumer demands ever-changing. ESX teamed up with Executive Education at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business to develop 4 hours of executive leadership education that will provide breakthrough insights and advanced skills on change leadership and people management – two of the toughest areas for integrator companies.Opening Celebration
ESX finished Day 1 of the event right! There is no better way to take in Fort Worth than with live music, local beer and spirits, and a mix of local flavors as we celebrated the launch of ESX 2022! The Opening Celebration was a perfect opportunity to mix and mingle with other attendees and catch up with old industry friends in a more casual, laidback environment.Day 2 – Wednesday
OpenXChange Breakfast
The OpenXChange Breakfast is where we talked about the newest-of-the new; technologies, services, and go-to market strategies and the changing competitive landscape that will influence the direction of our industry. This year, the lively panel discussion focused on drones and robots and what is likely to happen and how it will impact our businesses and industry. This discussion was led by Alex Pachicov, CEO of Sunflower Labs and Stacy Stephens, EVP & Chief Client Officer of Knightscope, Inc.Expo Open
ESX’s expo floor provides access to multiple exhibitors in varying industries such as Fire Detection, Access Control, Smart Home Building, Video Surveillance IT/Networking and so much more! Wednesday also offered 10 incredible educational sessions from speakers with years of real-world experience, as well as free technical training to exhibitors and sponsors. Throughout the day, attendees were able to walk around the expo floor, observing the latest technology from exhibitors in the industry. The innovation awards were also presented in recognition of the most outstanding products that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward.Keynote Luncheon
There also was the keynote luncheon on the main stage featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Ivan Joseph. Just steps away from the expo floor, this plated luncheon will include programming to help build success, self-confidence, and grit amongst your leadership team. Self-confidence and inspiring self-confidence to meet and achieve goals is a skill.Pub Crawl
After a day on the expo floor attendees visited the local Fort Worth nightlife at the ESX Pub Crawl! Security pros shared experiences, caught up with friends and made new ones in a casual atmosphere. ESX is unique in that it offers opportunities where work meets play and industry friendships are formed.Day 3 – Thursday
Education Sessions
The education sessions continued through Thursday. They focused on growing recurring revenue, contracts, drones, data, reducing false alarms, social media marketing and more.Expo Day 2 Activities
Attendees were able to connect with lunch on the expo floor while continuing to make connections with peers in the industry. This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase each product and service. Thursday also featured a general session by Tony Birdwell who discussed Lessons for a Life Well Lived.Weinstock Celebration
The Weinstock Celebration will be held this Thursday evening and wrap up the second day of ESX. The Morris F Weinstock Celebration commemorates the accomplishments of a security professional whose lifetime achievements have made a significant impact on the industry.Last Day – Friday
SIAC Breakfast
Opening the last day of the Expo is the SIAC Breakfast awards ceremony where the Youth Scholarship award will be announced. The ceremony will be kicked off by Dr. Joseph Kuhns who presented new data that debunks long-standing industry myths about alarm system dispatches and false alarm rates.Education Sessions
With classes like 7 Practical Ways to Become a Better Boss, and Monitoring Innovation in Action, Friday is filled with education-packed sessions that have been designed to help electronic security pros move their business forward towards efficiency and productivity. The expo will wrap up earlier in the day.See You Next Year!
So far ESX 2022 is one for the books! Make sure to save the date for ESX 2023 hosted in Louisville, Kentucky June 5-8! It is bound to be another incredible experience at the Electronic Security Expo.
June 14, 2022 ESX 2023
Fort Worth, Texas – ESA would like to thank its Premier Event Sponsors for their support in this year’s Electronic Security Expo (ESX) taking place June 14-17, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. This conference and tradeshow for security integration, life safety, and monitoring companies has earned a stellar reputation as the must-attend event for the industry’s most innovative and influential leaders. Beyond the tradeshow floor is an unparalleled opportunity to position organizations as a leading force in the marketplace.
“From helping security and alarm dealers modernize their businesses to bringing leading technologies together for the industry to see, ESX 2022 will deliver insights that impact our industry. Furthermore, ESX delivers a rich conference program featuring leading experts who will highlight their knowledge of security technology, business efficiencies, and professional development. Because of these reasons, we are proud to sponsor this year’s event and look forward to engaging with this impressive community.” Rochelle Thompson, Chief Marketing Officer, Netwatch Group.
ESX is where passionate electronic security and life safety professionals gather. It’s large enough to see the latest products and services, and intimate enough to have meaningful business conversations. “Louroe Electronics has been a manufacturer and member for many years with satisfaction. We draw a business relationship with ESA and ESX as the go-to in understanding the integrator need for quality products and services. Life safety and smart technology are two of the interests Louroe has, making us great partners. Both ESA and the ESX show do a great job with training and management services to leading integrators.” – Paul Kersh, Marketing Manager, Louroe Electronics
Our top sponsorship levels afford the best spotlight possible. When this focused group comes together to share their ideas and solutions, the industry takes a bold leap forward in setting the pace for its future. We are incredibly thankful to have dedicated sponsors who allow for this incredible event to happen and continue to bring a nationwide industry together. For a complete list of all ESX sponsors, please visit: www.esxweb.com/sponsors-and-partners/
About ESX
ESX (Electronic Security Expo) brings together professionals who are passionate about the business of electronic security and life safety. Dealers, integrators and monitoring professionals attend ESX to connect with like-minded peers, learn from business thought leaders, and discover emerging trends and technologies. Exceptional peer-to-peer education delivers strategies that help security and life safety professionals run, grow, and maximize their businesses–as well as rethink the future. The exhibit hall showcases the latest products, technologies and services, while dynamic networking events offer professionals opportunities to engage and collaborate. ESX 2022 will be held June 14-17 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth Texas. Learn more at www.ESXweb.com and follow us on Twitter@esxweb, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
June 13, 2022 ESX 2023
BY: ESX 2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DR. IVAN JOSEPH
Over the past months I’ve spoken a lot about my journey to lead Guyana to the final round of the World Cup Qualifiers. This was my big, hairy, audacious goal (Jim Collins, Good to Great). It had never been done before. I wanted it for our team, our staff, for our country more than anything. I wanted this. I was leaving no stone unturned. I funded my own recruitment service to identify talent. I created my own Christmas holiday camp. The staff was meticulous in their planning and details. We knew that we had a chance, and we honestly felt like we were going to do it. We went through the first three games undefeated. Our final match was in Tobago. We knew that if we took care of business and won, we would accomplish our goal. I could tell we were ready when I walked in the changeroom. We took the lead late in the first half, 1-0. When Trinidad and Tobago tied it up, we took the lead again: 2-1. We were a minute away from accomplishing our goal when, unfortunately, we shut off. A fluke, errant kick found its way in a bouncing ball scramble into the back of the goal. Trinidad tied the game, and that was all they needed to advance. We were a minute away from accomplishing what many thought was impossible. There is no joy in second place. We fell short of our goal. We did not qualify for the World Cup. We went home empty-handed. To say we were devastated would be an understatement. We were despairing, despondent, demolished and any other d-word you can imagine… put it on the list. You can include doubt in there, as well, because when you lose, as a coach, you doubt all your actions and wonder what you could have done differently. There are often times that high performers set lofty, ambitious goals and are unable to achieve them. It’s a careful balancing act to know how high to reach so that you push yourself while recognizing that in striving, you will not catch every goal you set your eyes upon. How you lead when you fall short of your goal is key to maintaining the ground you’ve gained in its pursuit. Leaders that seek true excellence and aspirational challenges will miss our goals from time to time. How we choose to react in the moments after are key to how you maintain the commitment of your team; how they can continue to believe; and, whether they will go on following you to the ends of the earth. It’s easy to get lost in the emotion of failure — to blame others for their errors. It’s common to feel embarrassment and shame when the spotlight is on you right when you didn’t deliver. It’s tempting to blame third parties: ‘I didn’t have the resources, the budget.’ Deflecting doesn’t allow you to actually REFLECT and ask yourself the important questions: “What should I have done better?” and “What could I do differently?”FOUR STEPS TO LEADING AFTER FAILURE — FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE DARK:
#1. Be quiet.
I don’t address the team immediately with any critical feedback. I’m too emotional, and they’re too emotional. The message will not be clear. It will not be interpreted in the right way. There is no value gained with harsh words. Be as supportive as you can here. Allow people the space others need to express the emotions that they need to share. Listen. Do not react. Make no decisions. Take no actions.#2. Stay still.
Sometimes when we put all of our resources into a goal and it doesn’t happen, we want to throw up our hands and walk away. We’re exhausted. We may feel that our efforts were futile or unappreciated. Recognize that now is not the time for actions. Wait. Allow yourself some critical time to think, to weigh, to measure… You may choose to pen a letter. Don’t send it. You may choose to vent — only do it with your closest, innermost circle to test your thinking. Don’t bottle it up inside you. It can become toxic.#3. Reflect.
It’s time to do an honest, deep dive reflection where you are actively soliciting feedback–the raw, sometimes hard to hear, feedback. Cast a wide net. Hear feedback from your trusted advisors, from the people inside your team and from those on the outside looking in. Look for the consistent messages and themes. If we do this step superficially, we won’t make measurable, significant gains. I always know that I’ve made the right decision if, after the action, I ask myself would I still do it the same way again. If the answer is no, there is a teachable moment there—the actions and choices I would change if I could. Search for the teachable moments and take action to put those alternative actions and choices into your practices moving forward. Now you’ve got something different to try–something you’ve hashed out after honest, deep and collaborative reflection.#4. Regroup.
Once you’ve calmed down, sorted it out, gathered your feedback, distilled your lessons learned and planned your steps to improve, you need to gather your team to share your findings. It’s not a one-way conversation. Make sure your team’s feedback is reflected clearly in this stage so they actually hear and see their own words. Bringing the group back together and sharing lessons learned engenders trust and loyalty. It’s then time to begin again. Remind your fellow high performers that nothing great comes easily. Stress that persistence is the key to excellence, and begin again.
June 6, 2022 ESX 2023
I am super excited to go to my first ESX as Chairman of ESA. It’s where memories are made, lifelong friendships are formed, information is exchanged, mentorships are born, and businesses learn to thrive!
It is my pleasure to explore each with a personal story.
Memories: First, I will wade into the dangerous category of memories. While there are a lot of personal memories, the ones that publicly shame are sometimes the most fun! I remember when I had left my iPad at a meal table and the next Main Stage George DeMarco decided to fine me publicly for its return. SIAC benefited and I got my iPad back. Moral of this story: don’t leave anything behind!
Lifelong friendships: There are so many it is difficult to select one. Past ESA President and Weinstock Recipient Angela White reached out to me at one ESX and we had a great conversation about life, ESA, and business. She invited me to meet so many wonderful and influential people. As life has happened to both of us, she has always been there to spend countless hours on the phone with me.
Information Exchanged: There are those moments of clarity that become AHA moments in each of our lives. Sometimes, just being together presents opportunities to exchange information in meaningful ways.
Mentorships: There are people in one’s life that just simply make you better. I remember watching Steve Firestone on stage and thinking to myself how impressed I was with him. How he handled himself, the ease and care in which he formed his answers and the overall wisdom behind them. At the time, I never thought I would get to know him— much less have him as a mentor. Just that happened. Not only did I get to know him, but anytime I called he made me his top priority —at least it felt that way. He has made one of the most positive impacts in my life and I’m honored to call him a friend.
In short make friendships, meet mentors, engage with them to make memories and above all don’t be afraid to share ideas and listen —engage and enjoy!
- Come thank Jamie Vos for his service to the industry and welcome new board members being sworn in at the ESA Annual Meeting, being held at ESX Tuesday, June 14 at 4:30 in room 103A/B.
May 24, 2022 ESX 2023
The past few years have taught us that the electronic security industry is essential and resilient. It has also led many to understand that operational efficiencies and staying close to the customer are paramount for long-term viability. It is time for dealers and integrators to be proactive and set their course. In order to do that with some success, they must first have some industry insights to plot the course ahead.
What might surprise security professionals?
The Good – Security professionals are still considered one of the most trusted partners in delivering safety and security products and services. Because of disruptors entering the industry, they caused traditional players to change their operational playbooks and adopt new product offerings. Although traditional players sometimes rail against these disruptors, their fresh perspectives have supercharged revenues, especially recurring revenue streams. The Bad – Truck rolls are getting more expensive. Dealers and integrators will need to augment field service with technology that minimizes truck rolls. The fight for the smart home is the next battleground for traditional dealers to address, especially as the largest technology companies on the planet are ramping up their smart home go-to-market strategies. In addition, recurring revenue is at risk for those dealers and integrators that don’t have a proactive customer engagement plan in place.Negative Industry Impacts Compared to Previous Years
Supply Chain and Labor Shortages – With supply chain and labor shortages, dealers and integrators may experience lower growth. Profit Squeeze – As a result of supply chain and labor shortages, dealers and integrators may experience a profit squeeze unless price increases for products and services are implemented. Response to Alarms – As cities and municipalities implement or consider budget cuts for police services, the potential fallout may result in a more limited capacity for police to respond to alarm activity.Positive Industry Impacts Compared to Previous Years
Proven Resiliency – Many dealers, integrators, and monitoring centers experienced strong growth in 2021, proving that security services are important to end users, whether for homes, businesses, or governmental agencies. The most successful companies are the ones that adopted new technologies, services, and methods to market, and have the ability to add incremental and sustainable recurring revenue. Customer Experience – Consumers and businesses have a higher degree of interaction and engagement over the technology and services offered by the industry. This simplifies the process of managing what’s important to them on their terms. This reinforces that dealers and integrators are the go-to trusted resource that consumers and businesses expect for security, safety, convenience, or productivity needs. Security professionals who are interested in taking a deeper dive into the industry’s trends should register and attend ESX 2022 in Fort Worth, TX, June 14-17. Over the course of 3.5 days attendees will experience industry-leading education programs, best practices, and more. It is where the industry gathers, and you don’t want to miss it.
April 22, 2022 ESX 2023
Award-winning coach and Ph.D. sports psychologist, Dr. Ivan Joseph is bringing his expert understanding of Success, Self-Confidence and Grit to the ESX Main Stage on Wednesday, June 15. He has developed, applied and refined dozens of techniques that lead to high performance and excellence.
“I am thrilled to hear Dr. Joseph speak on building self-confidence and success. He is a master communicator that will help us better understand how to overcome our challenges and improve individual and team performance.” says George DeMarco, ESX ChairmanIn this energizing and motivational talk, you’ll learn the secrets Dr. Joseph used to help individuals and teams reach goals they never thought possible. Humor, visualization, and immersive activities will keep everyone engaged and create a memorable experience. You’ll walk away from this session with the ability to:
- Develop and sustain self-confidence, especially in times of adversity.
- Promote self-confidence in your team and others.
- Use the power of positive self-talk and set higher expectations.
March 8, 2022 ESX 2023
The 2022 Electronic Security Expo (ESX), presented by Electronic Security Association (ESA), has released the full educational lineup for its educational conference which will take place at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas from June 14-17.
In addition to the main stage presentations and networking opportunities, the 3.5 day event includes 35-plus educational sessions across nine tracks, designed specifically for security professionals. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Security Connected,” sessions will touch on new markets and best practices that will help businesses grow and remain competitive.
Attendees who are looking to address a specific business challenge or opportunity can look at the collection of focused sessions, including:
Customer Focused
An important component in your customer engagement strategy is delivering a hyper-personalized experience that tailors products, services, and experiences according to their needs and wants. Learn how this strategy provides an emotional connection between a customer and your brand to buy more and refer more and deepen their loyalty. Sessions in Engaging Customers Track:- Top 5 Ways to Authentically Keep Your Customers Loyal
- Expert Ways to Consistently Deliver Great Customer Service
- Leveraging Data: Analytics that Drive Customer Experience, Sales and RMR
Employee Focused
Leading a team means inspiring others to achieve certain desired outcomes. Deciding how you manage for success is critical in today’s workforce. Learn from seasoned leaders their leadership strengths and why focusing on engagement rather than merely output will boost your company’s success. Sessions in Managing for Success Track:- Navigating a Tight Labor Market – Find. Retain. Augment.
- Sales Management – Coaching Talent for Success
- 7 Practical Ways to Become a Better Boss
The Business of Security
Identify proven practices that take your company to the next level, financially, legally, and operationally. Learn to manage your risks, improve top line revenues and bottom-line profits, and increase RMR. Sessions in The Business of Security Track:- Labor Utilization Methods – Best Practices to Manage Rising Costs
- Handling Contract Modification Risks
- Reducing Truck Rolls Through Technology and Repeatable Best Practices
- The Internet of Litigation: Security. IoT. Cyber Attacks.
- The Connected Experience – Security. Convenience. Privacy.
Financial Growth
Expanding a business offers the potential for many growth opportunities. Employees, customers, and owners all benefit from sound business growth strategies with increased wages, expanded products and services, and greater profits. Learn to manage growth with insights on how to implement key performance indicators that drive sustainable financial results. Sessions in Financial Growth Track:- Measure Your Financial Results with the Right Metrics – Financial Boot Camp (Two Part Series)
- Drones and Robots – The Future of Security?
- Improve Customer Retention by Understanding Attrition
New Markets
Expanding into new markets can be an effective way to grow your business. Having a disciplined approach will help you identify complimentary markets and innovative product and service offerings. Learn how to assess each growth opportunity more accurately and develop a viable go-to-market strategy. Sessions in New Markets Track:- SMBs – Expanding Opportunities with New Services
- Top 5 Factors Before Entering the Multifamily Market
- Supercharge Residential Sales with Innovative Products and Services
Increased Sales
Investing in your sales team has a meaningful and positive impact on your sales results. Learn how to coach the sales team for better results and identify the products and services that grow your revenues and RMR. Sessions in Increased Sales Track:- Powerful Hacks to Grow Your Recurring Revenue
- Best Practices for Promoting Your Company Via Social Media
- Fire Alarms – New Codes, Services and Technology that drive RMR
The Business of Monitoring
Delivering quality security and life safety monitoring services to end-users, including cloud-based lifestyle enhancements, is mission critical 24/7. Discover best-of-breed operator training, state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, and vital monitoring processes and procedures for next-gen central stations. Learn from seasoned professionals who share best practices to maximize your 24/7 monitoring operation effectively and profitably. Sessions in The Business of Monitoring Track:- Monitoring Center Benchmarking: Track. Measure. Manage.
- New Monitoring Trends and Practices That Reduce False Alarm Dispatches
- Monitoring Innovation in Action
The Future is Now
Examine the future of our industry through emerging trends, new products, technologies, and services that will excite your customers. Discover what and who are reshaping our industry, explore exit or succession strategies, and create a vision of what’s next for you and your company. Sessions in The Future is Now Track:- Industry Introspective – Challenges, Trends and Opportunities
- Rise of the Machine – When and How to Leverage Artificial Intelligence
Executive Leadership
Today’s company leaders are facing unprecedented challenges. Workforce shortages, supply chain delays, technology platforms rapidly being upgraded, and consumer demands ever changing. ESX has teamed up with Executive Education at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business to develop 4 hours of executive leadership education that will provide breakthrough insights and advanced skills on change leadership and people management – two of the toughest areas for integrator companies. The instructors who will deliver the learning experiences are proven experts and thought leaders. They’re top practitioners with years of experience solving tough business problems for leading corporations nationwide. And they’re passionate educators—dynamic, committed mentors whose enthusiasm is contagious. Workshops in the Executive Leadership Track: “We’re excited to bring our community together this June for best practice and idea sharing, anchored by a stellar education session lineup,” said George De Marco, chairman, ESX.“Now more than ever, it is imperative for security professionals to take advantage of opportunities that drive growth and profitability, improve the customer experience, and prepare them for the future.” he continues.“ESX is focused on providing the best possible program for our community and we’re confident that they’ll walk away energized and inspired ready to take on today’s changing competitive landscape.” The complete listing of educational programming, including NEW leadership sessions, can be found here. ESX Passes range from free options to $699 for the new ESX Executive Pass. Prices will increase April 1. Visit ESXweb.com/register for more.
February 23, 2022 ESX 2023
With changing social, economic and business environments, security professionals need to adapt to new market strategies and offerings. Identifying the right next gen products and services can have a positive impact on the customer pipeline, improve the customer experience and keep customers loyal.
New Markets: SMB’s – Expanding Opportunities with New Services
As the world experiences a digital transformation and a renewed reliance on broadband services, small to medium businesses (SMBs) are poised to invest in their physical security and network system. According to Parks Associates, 21% of SMBs report a need for products and monitoring services that deliver safety and security for their employees and business. Currently, one-half of SMBs have a security system, with 45% of those systems being professionally monitored. During the session, “New Markets: Expanding Opportunities with New Services” members from Parks Associates will share insights and address the following:- How remote work arrangements have exposed new security vulnerabilities and increased the need for cyber security solutions
- How security providers can benefit from offering value-added services that include on site security and monitoring services, advanced threat detection, wi-fi and network configuration, and other services
Industry Introspective – Challenges, Trends and Opportunities
The pandemic has changed the world, and its effects will be lasting in the near future. Regardless of the industry, change happened, touching each one in different ways. The security industry wasn’t immune to the effects of Covid. However, many dealers and integrators flourished during the pandemic, as they adapted to change and were aggressive in their approach to tackling the new normal. Profound and practical applications are being applied to innovative technology and services, especially as artificial intelligence and machine learning gain more acceptance. The delivery of security services is being affected by remote working models, cost of higher wages, reinvention of supply-chains, new applications of technology, and critical protection of information security. During the session, “Industry Introspective – Challenges, Trends and Opportunities” Micheal Barnes of Barnes Associates, Inc. will cover:- What pandemic-induced consumer and business behaviors are not going away
- The industry trends and challenges that will affect your business and how to prepare for tomorrow – strategically, operationally, and financially.
- The business attributes and metrics buyers will be focused on
- How to capitalize on next-gen products and services and monetize them
- What you must do to stay relevant and on top of your game
“These sessions will provide a glimpse at how security professionals are navigating today’s business environment and protecting their customers against evolving threats,” says ESX Chairman George DeMarco.“It is vital for ESX to provide a platform for security professionals to come together to exchange ideas and best practices. It’s how our industry gets stronger — by learning from one another. That’s why ESX 2022 is #SecurityConnected.” he continues. The complete listing of educational programming, including NEW leadership sessions, can be found here. ESX Passes range from free options to $699 for the new ESX Executive Pass. Prices will increase April 1. Visit ESXweb.com/register for more.
February 22, 2022 George DeMarco
At some point this year, the status of the pandemic should change to endemic stage, unless a new variant creates a major health concern. If we enter the endemic stage, Covid-19 will then become a part of our daily lives, like the seasonal flu, requiring us to get used to it. As dealers and integrators adjust to the new normal, I believe that the remainder of this year will bring less of a worry about Covid-19 and give way to other concerns, such as changing consumer expectations, access to products, labor shortages, and product and wage inflation. All organizations will modify their travel, health, and safety protocols, based on their risk tolerance of the pandemic’s status.
