The ESX Main Stage welcomed award winners, industry disrupters, and motivators for the audience of electronic security and life safety pros.
ESXers met with visionary leaders that helped them rethink the future of the industry. This lively panel, from various segments of the industry focused on what’s likely to happen and how it’s going to impact your business in the near term and long run, including technologies that you should pay attention to, like Chat GPT.
PANELISTS
Sponsored By: Becklar, Security Business Magazine, Security InfoWatch
SOUNDTRACKS: How the Best Teams Overcome Overthinking to Navigate Change, Increase Productivity, and Win Consistently, Featuring Jon Acuff
Overthinking isn’t a personality trait. It’s the sneakiest form of fear. It steals time, creativity, and energy. It’s the most expensive, least productive thing companies invest in without even knowing it. What if you could navigate change, increase productivity, and win consistently? If overthinking steals time, creativity, and energy, guess what your team is about to get back? Time, creativity, and energy.
ACUFF SHOWED ATTENDEES HOW TO:
“If you can worry, you can wonder. If you can doubt, you can dominate. If you can spin, you can soar.” – Jon Acuff
Sponsored By: Security Systems News, Security America Industry Specific Insurance
ESA’s Sara E. Jackson Award was presented to Kirk MacDowell, President at MacGuard Security Advisors Inc. at this Main Stage event. This award was sponsored by Telguard
“I get up every morning and pray that I can be better than the day before. So, I think if we could set our sights on helping others thrive in the industry, then we’ve done our job. When I look at receiving the Sara E. Jackson Award, if I can do half of what she did, I’m a happy guy. It means a lot to me to receive this award, as she was an amazing person. I’m very honored.”- Kirk MacDowell
“The Bucket List Life” Create More Experiences, Share More Stories, & Live More Fulfilled, Featuring Kenyon Salo
Kenyon Salo showed attendees how his three simple concepts of living “The Bucket List Life” can lead to fulfillment on your life-long journey. During this highly energetic and engaging presentation, security pros learned how to create phenomenal experiences, share powerful stories and help others along the way.
“Kenyon delivers high energy, powerful, and heart touching content to help you create incredible experiences, connect with others, and live life more fulfilled.”
Sponsored By: Sponsored by ADI and SDM Magazine
ESA’s Weinstock Award was presented to Jamie Vos at this Main Stage event. This award was sponsored by Resideo.
“I am so humbled to even be considered for and then to receive such a prestigious award, to be honest, it’s something I’ll treasure forever. Boy, I hope that I did every one of them proud. I don’t have any other word other than humbled. I so very much appreciate it.” says Jamie Vos, President of Security Solutions Northwest, Inc.
F.L.Y. First Lead Yourself, Featuring Elizabeth McCormick
Former US Army Black Hawk Pilor, Elizabeth McCormick, took the main stage and shared the professional development secrets for success with her stories of overcoming overwhelming obstacles, while…
As a decorated former US Army Black Hawk Helicopter pilot, Elizabeth flew command and control, air assault, rappelling, top-secret intelligence missions, and also transported high level government VIPs including the Secretary of Defense. From there ESA’s Youth Scholarship, sponsored by COPS Monitoring, and SIAC’s William N. Moody Excellence Award were presented.
“Kenyon delivers high energy, powerful, and heart touching content to help you create incredible experiences, connect with others, and live life more fulfilled.”
Sponsored by Hybrid Moon
The William N. Moody Award started in 2004 by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), and it is given annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices. It’s 2023 recipient, Kirk MacDowell, President at MacGuard Security Advisors Inc., received the award on stage with honor.
Through all of these sessions, the ESX Main Stage lineup challenged and provoked passionate security professionals to make an impact as the heroes they are by taking security to the next level.
The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is the largest tradeshow open exclusively to security professionals, providing a platform for industry experts to gather and exchange knowledge, insights, and experiences. In addition to the wealth of information available through education sessions and the expo floor, ESX offered various networking opportunities that contribute to professional growth and relationship building.
The kickoff networking event for ESX was the Opening Celebration, which set the tone for the entire event. This lively gathering offers security professionals an opportunity to come together in a relaxed and entertaining environment. The presence of a live karaoke band adds a unique element of fun, encouraging attendees to unleash their inner rock star or dance along while their fellow security pros hit the main stage. Attendees were also provided with local beer and spirits and a mix of local Louisville, Kentucky flavors. This event cultivates a sense of camaraderie among participants, fostering connections that extend beyond professional interests.
Sponsored By: Affiliated Monitoring
At the pub crawl, ESXers visited the local Louisville nightlife while engaging in meaningful conversations with friends within the industry. By visiting multiple local establishments, attendees have the chance to interact with new people, fostering new connections and expanding their network. The relaxed and social atmosphere of the pub crawl encourages open dialogue, enabling individuals to exchange ideas, best practices, and industry insights in a relaxed setting. The pub crawl is an excellent avenue for establishing long-lasting relationships that extend beyond the confines of the tradeshow.
Sponsored By: immix and JLM Wholesale
ESX’s Weinstock Celebration was the event that honored and recognized ESA’s Weinstock Person of the Year, Jamie Vos, for his outstanding achievements and service within the industry. In addition to celebrating this award, it was also ESA’s Diamond Jubilee which commemorated the association’s 75th anniversary. This milestone signifies the ESA’s long-standing commitment to the industry and offers attendees and ESA Members a chance to connect and reflect on how the association and its many volunteers contributed over the years. The event was 1920’s themed, and attendees were encouraged to dress in their finest prohibition-era attire while enjoying some giggle juice and exploring the Frazier History Museum in Louisville.
Sponsored By: Resideo
ESX’s Innovation Awards distinguish innovation and excellence in the industry — and identify the next-gen products and services that will offer significant opportunities for growth for integrator companies.
These products and services were selected by an independent panel of judges based on a specific set of criteria, including ingenuity, applicability, response to market need, and more.
The 2023 ESX Innovation Awards Judging Panel, led by Mark Reimer of ADT, also included Michele Monheim, Customer Service Manager of Amherst Alarm, Inc., Rodger Reiswig, Fellow & VP Industry Relations/Global Fire Detection Products of Johnson Controls, Richard Tampier, Vice President of Strategic Growth at ADT Commercial and Philip Love from Security Central. ESX is grateful to these judges for lending their time and expertise to this important program that recognizes forward-thinking ideas within the security industry.
“This year’s ESX Innovation Award winners are a shining example of the transformative power of creativity and innovation. Their ideas and solutions are pushing the industry forward, making for a more productive and profitable future for alarm dealers, integrators, and monitoring companies. Congratulations to all the 2023 ESX innovation winners!” says George DeMarco, ESX Chairman
ESX congratulates the forward-thinking companies behind these breakthrough technologies for 2023 (winners listed in alphabetical order by category).
Controllers – Stand-alone or Networked or Appliance Based Systems
Company: Alarm.com
Product: Cell Connector for Access Control
Readers/Keypads
Company: STid
Product: Architect Series
Customer Experience
Company: MacGuard Security Advisors
Product: Likelihood to Stay Score
Business Operations
Company: National Monitoring Center
Product: Nexus
Financial Services
Company: BOLD Group
Product: Managely, Financial and Business Management Software
Detection Sensors – Annunciators / Strobes / Audible Devices
Company: Essence Security
Product: Myshield 1.5
Notification Appliances – Motion / Contacts / Environmental
Company: Winland Electronics
Product: EAPro-Gateway and Associated Wireless Sensors
Alarm Monitoring for End User
Company: Becklar
Product: The Becklar Customer Engagement Platform
Dealer App
Company: Avantguard
Product: AG Mobile Technician App
Software
Company: BOSCH
Product: Conettix B6800-SR Software Central Station Receiver
Home Automation / Home Control Systems
Company: Napco Security Technologies
Product: Prima
Audio / Video Receivers / Electronic Door Locks / Garage Door Controls
Company: Snap One
Product: Episode Radiance
Video Analytics
Company: Eagle Eye Networks
Product: Smart Video Search
Video Management Software
Company: Dice Corporation
Product: Matrix Interactive Video Monitoring Platform
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The TechVision Challenge is a Shark Tank Style Competition held at ESX where judges recognize outstanding products and services that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward. The TechVision Challenge is an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers to come up with innovative end user offerings and tools that help dealers, integrators and monitoring professionals become more efficient and profitable.
The selection of the winner is based on specific judging criteria that includes:
It is up to each contestant to prepare their own presentations for the competition and the TechVision Challenge judging criteria will be used to determine what product or service will be named Best of Show for ESX 2023.
This year, only 8 participants from the Innovation Awards judging process were invited to compete in the TechVision Challenge and an interactive judging panel of minim 3 judges watch the presentations. The judges then have up to 12 minutes for each presentation to judge each product.
This year, we had incredible products in the competition for “Best of Show”, but the ultimate winner was Winland for their EAPro-Gateway and Associated Wireless Sensors with runner-up Eagle Eye Networks for their Eagle Eye Smart Video Search.
The Electronic Security Expo announces session speakers for ESX 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. The ESX advisory board has spent months carefully selecting speakers from across the industry for ESX sessions, drawing from a variety of fields and expertise to bring attendees the best educational opportunities. The sessions will provide in-depth education across a variety of electronic security and fire life safety-related topics including industry innovations and evolution, RMR growth, technology advancements, professional training opportunities, and more.
Below is our line-up of MVP speakers. Spanning across leadership, marketing, sales, and technical roles, they all have something unique to bring to the table.
“ESX Speakers are chosen based on their experience successfully implementing an innovative process to help their companies provide better service and experiences to their customers. These professionals will share their ‘lessons learned’ with the ESX audience to help them replicate this success within their own companies.” says, Michelle Yungblut, Chief Knowledge Officer for ESA
The ESX Expo is a place where quality conversations can be had and offers more than quick product demos. Security pros can expect installation tips, merchandising, pricing, and networking activities. Since it is open to electronic security pros only, you won’t see end users here. Only Deluxe and Executive passes get access to the education and speakers listed above. Register your team today!
The ESX Management Education Track is sponsored by Napco Security, the Monitoring Track is sponsored by RSPNDR Inc., the Operations Track is sponsored by The Connection Xchange (TCX), and the Sales Track is sponsored by Prima by Napco.
Grab your 1920s glad rads and meet us for a night of socializing, giggle juice, live music and celebration! We will celebrate ESA’s 75th year and our Weinstock Person of the Year at a Louisville Juice Joint! What do you say flappers and jazz age gentlemen – let’s see your finest 1920’s attire!
Location: Frazier History Museum, 829 W Main St, Louisville, KY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:30PM
The Electronic Security Expo announces its 2023 OpenXchange Breakfast speakers, taking the Main Stage for open dialogue on future industry trends you should pay attention to. Electronic security and life safety professionals can expect to hear about the latest technologies, services, and go-to-market strategies changing the industry’s competitive landscape.
Join us at the Open Xchange Breakfast to answer questions such as:
In a discussion led by George De Marco, ESX Chairman and Manager Partner of DECO Ventures, our industry’s visionary leaders will help you re-think the future of the industry and the direction of your company. With experience from across various fields in the security and life safety industry, including consulting, Fire and security services, and software development, our Open Xchange Breakfast speakers will help you develop more efficient strategies to succeed in the industry’s competitive landscape and take advantage of new tools and technologies to help your business grow.
“As the security industry evolves, security professionals must adapt to the new competitive landscape and embrace the latest technologies. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, the internet of things, or new go-to-market strategies, they have the potential to transform how we approach real-world security applications and protect people, places, and things. Those who fail to stay ahead of the curve risk falling behind, while those who embrace change can reap the rewards of a more successful approach.” Says George De Marco, ESX Chairman
Our Open Xchange Breakfast speakers include:
Elizabeth ParksPresident & CMO, Parks Associates
Elizabeth is president of Parks Associates, a woman- and family-owned market research and consulting firm. She oversees research topics and coverage areas for the company and directs the integrated strategic communications plan for Parks Associates, including self-advertising, public relations, and marketing. Elizabeth is committed to providing clients with the best consumer and industry research and analysis on the SMB and consumer technology markets to inform strategic market decisions.
Bart ProctorCEO and Managing Partner, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
Bart Proctor is the CEO and managing partner of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, the largest privately held fire, life safety and security services provider in the U.S. With Proctor at the helm, Pye-Barker has grown to span more than 150 locations across 34 states and is considered one of the fastest growing companies in the country.
Pye-Barker’s security division now makes up almost half of the company’s total revenue and is its fastest growing segment. It includes some of the largest and most respected names in protection including Mountain Alarm, Briscoe Protective, B Safe Security, Complete Security Systems, ComTronix, Mitec, ISG, Matson Alarm, Shiver Security Systems, AC Daughtry Security Systems, The Hartline Company and many others.
Tyler TribeChief Technology and Product Officer, Becklar
Tyler is a seasoned technology executive with almost three decades of experience in creating software solutions. He is passionate about helping organizations develop world-class customer and employee experiences, building strong teams, and collaborating on vision and strategy for global corporations and small and medium-sized businesses. Before joining Becklar, he spent twenty years at IBM leading global technology and product teams.
These industry experts will provide unique insights on emerging trends that will help you navigate the changing competitive landscape, provide ideas on how best to grow your company, and pinpoint opportunities and challenges that will affect your company and the industry. During this session, you will also be encouraged to ask questions on business and industry matters that are important to you.
This lively panel focuses on what is likely to happen and how it will impact your business in the near-term and long-term. It will cover technologies from various segments of the industry and beyond, such as ChatGPT.
To attend the OpenXchange Breakfast, register for an ESX 2023 Deluxe Pass.
ESX 2023’s Xchange Breakfast is sponsored by Becklar. Becklar creates industry-leading connected safety solutions for enterprises and individuals, delivering a world-class comprehensive suite of lifesaving and life-enhancing technologies. Becklar leverages its platform of innovative technology and award-winning services to create customizable and comprehensive solutions to meet the connected safety needs of their enterprise and individual customers across diverse industries, including emergency response solutions, workforce safety, personal health & safety, and event response monitoring.
The OpenXChange’s media sponsorship is provided by SecurityInfoWatch and Security Business Magazine.
The industry’s leading technical training outlet — training nearly 6,000 technicians and electronic security and life safety professionals each year, will offer complimentary training at the 2023 Electronic Security Expo, June 5-8 in Louisville, KY.
ESA’s National Training School will bring its “Life Safety Systems – Inspection and Testing” course to ESX on Tuesday, June 6. Veteran instructor Larry Mann will bring 40+ years of experience to the interactive course.
“ESA’s Nartional Training School is excited to be part of ESX again this year, in bringing technical training to the ESX audience. Testing & inspection of fire alarm systems is a perfect topic to bring to ESX as not only is this a code required procedure for fire alarm systems, but it is also a lucrative offering for companies to offer their customers.” Michelle Yungblut, Chief Knowledge Officer at the Electronic Security Assocation
All systems fail at some point, including properly installed fire alarm systems. Therefore, it’s vital to maintain a regular cycle of inspection and testing to ensure that all parts are working correctly during their operational life. Ensure your systems are working efficiently by training your technicians in the most-up-to-date methods.
With an extensive background in fire alarm design and layout and fire alarm project management, Larry will teach attendees the correct steps to inspect and test different kinds of fire alarm systems and their relevant components in compliance with codes and standards.
This ESX workshop will cover:
Anyone in the fire alarm business knows these services are a requirement to keep up safety measures and good customer relations. However, not everyone knows that it can also be a great business channel for electronic security providers. Offering top-notch services and consistent relevant communication can help
All registered attendees are welcome to attend this session, including Executive, Deluxe, Expo Plus and Expo Only pass holders. Register and plan your hotel stay today as deadlines are approaching.
After 43 active years in the Alarm and Security Industry, including 25 years with Central Station Inc, he has retired, now providing ESA National Training School technical training for access control, CCTV and fire alarm professionals and security dealers. Larry serves the industry through membership on NFPA’s 72 Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Standard Technical Panel 2572 Mass Notification and Emergency Communications, and NICET’s Ambassador program.
Bring your team to ESX 2023 to access top RMR training led by the industry’s leading professionals. Learn to scale your RMR by leveraging your existing customer base and applying proven commercial sales strategies, uncovering the latest products and services to help you increase RMR.
RMR is in many ways a structural component of the security and life safety industry. It is critical to understand how to build solid platforms to drive long-term relationships, quality referrals, solid growth, and opportunities to overlay additional complimentary RMR services.
“Driving higher RMR delivers higher value and provides more solutions to you in your business. In the ever-competitive market, it is more important than ever to understand the basket of new products, technologies, and tips to help in this drive. Together with your active participation, we can have a great discussion about how to bring these topics together for your success.” says Jennifer Doctor, Senior Director of Product Management at Johnson Controls, and ESX RMR Session Speaker.
Here is some information about this year’s RMR sessions:
Revenues are not all created equal. While having strong margins from installation revenues are vital to the overall health of a security company, RMR proves a more sustainable business practice and superchargers its enterprise value.
Imagine making continual sales every single month without having to search for new customers every single time. This is the power of recurring revenues, and this is the RMR education that you and your team have been looking for. To create more RMR on every sale, however, requires a thoughtful approach that measures and holds your staff accountable for selling RMR on every sale.
This RMR education session is specifically designed to help you establish best practices to promote RMR for sales and technical staff, as well as how to develop an overall culture of RMR and determine the right goals to set and measure. The ESA team is excited to see you at this session.
The single best way to drive more sales and RMR is to leverage your current customer relationships. It seems easy to execute, but if you don’t have a strong sales process that cultivates and engages your existing customer base, it may not generate the desired result. This session has been specifically designed to help electronic security professionals gain the knowledge and strategies necessary to leverage this lucrative opportunity. The session will cover the importance of developing a purpose-driven communications strategy for keeping your customer engagement high, as well as ideas for existing customer compensation programs and sales promotion for people you’ve already done business with. You, your team, and your organization’s stakeholders can benefit from adding or increasing your recurring revenue streams, so don’t miss out.
Induced by the pandemic and inflation, the cost of running a business is rising as security professionals struggle with supply chain issues and labor shortages. Today, margins are crucial for companies to monitor, as economists debate whether inflation is transitory or more persistent. Hence, it is imperative to assess whether your RMR fees and labor rates are keeping up with the rising costs of doing business.
In this session, you will learn that price increases are part of a successful business operation and what data you need to assess the true costs of running that business. You will also learn to recognize the right time for raising rates without incurring customer backlash and how to communicate price increases within your organization and customer base.
“Rate increases can create a great deal of anxiety for dealers. However, with the proper planning, implementation, and a prepared response to potential customer questions, you can alleviate the stress and streamline the process. These are some of the topics I hope to explore more in my education session at ESX.” says Paul Verruto, Sales Manager at Wayne Alarm, and ESX RMR Session Speaker
Led by a commercial sales veteran who understands the commercial electronic security industry and its specific needs and opportunities, this session will help you establish your brand to encourage prospects and customers to try new products and services. You will learn a collaborative sales approach that initiates a conversation with each end user to uncover their needs and desires. By developing a program that promotes upselling and cross selling, higher RMR will follow.
It’s imperative for businesses to understand and keep up with the current commercial sales climate in order to continue growing. If you’re interested in improving your sales team and gaining more commercial clients, this session is for you.
Significant recurring revenue streams are generated from monitoring, inspections, and maintenance service contracts. With newer codes, updated technology, and cellular signal transmission, RMR gains even more traction as these new opportunities are adopted.
This session will cover the importance of designing and selling comprehensive post-installation programs; what people, processes, and procedures are necessary to service and maintain fire alarm installations; best practices in service delivery in the field and from the office; and the potential partnerships you should consider along the way to increase your RMR opportunity.
“I am excited to share my insights of how to build a world class managed service program that will increase your RMR substantially. We will be discussing how to build a managed service playbook that includes, a menu of services, contracts, compensation and culture.” says John Nemerofsky, COO at SAGE Integration, and ESX RMR Session Speaker
Register for an Executive Pass or Deluxe pass to gain access to all RMR courses at ESX this June.
The ESX Pub Crawl is a great casual way to interact with other professionals in the electronic security and life safety industry. This is where work meets play and industry friendships are formed. The Pub Crawl is open to all pass holders.
The ESX Community is a group of passionate professionals who share, learn and brainstorm each year to elevate their game — both personally and professionally. To create and support this community, ESX focuses on quality engagements and creative ways to encourage interactions and break the ice. It’s time to rethink what an industry event should offer. Stop settling for shallow interactions that leave you lost in a crowd — and join a community of passionate security professionals ready to make a difference.
“Going to the ESX Pub Crawl is a fun and memorable experience, as you get to explore different pubs and bars, try out new drinks, and listen to great music. It’s a terrific way to build relationships, network, and enjoy the company of like-minded people.” says George De Marco, ESX Chairman
Visit the local Louisville nightlife with industry friends. The ESX Pub Crawl is an exciting opportunity to share experiences, catch up with friends and make new ones in a casual atmosphere. See you there!
