Blog Posts

Electronic Security Expo

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November 26, 2025 ESX

Executive Management Professionals (EMP) Meeting

ESA Executive Management Professionals (EMP) is the leading community in the industry for individuals charged with the strategic and financial leadership of security integration organizations. The EMP group tackles issues such as company valuation, financing, business model development, mergers and acquisitions, human capital development, executive leadership and change management. 

Are you a security industry executive committed to your professional and personal development? ESA Members who are energized to share strategies, business models, challenges and solutions with industry peers are welcome to apply for this idea exchange and networking group. 

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices with peers who share your commitment to advancing the industry. 

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This Event is sponsored by:

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November 26, 2025 ESX

Exhibitor Orientation

Prepare for a successful ESX 2026 experience with our Exhibitor Orientation. This session provides the essential information you’ll need for a smooth and productive show. We’ll cover frequently asked questions, important housekeeping notes, and point you to the right contacts if you need onsite support. You’ll also learn how to scan attendee badges and access your leads throughout the event using the MyESX app. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a returning partner, this orientation ensures you’re fully prepared for a great ESX 2026 experience.




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November 26, 2025 ESX

New ESA Member and Attendee Meetup

Kick off your ESX 2026 experience by connecting with fellow first-time attendees and new ESA members at the exclusive New ESA Member and Attendee Meetup! This welcoming event is designed to help you build relationships, navigate the expo, and make the most of your time at ESX. Network with industry peers, meet ESA leaders, and discover valuable resources that will set you up for success throughout the week. Whether you are new to ESA, ESX, or both, this meet-up is the perfect way to feel at home in the electronic security and life safety community!




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November 26, 2025 ESX

ESA Annual Meeting

Join us for the ESA Annual Meeting, a cornerstone event at ESX 2026 that highlights the strength and progress of the electronic security and life safety industry. This gathering serves as a moment to celebrate ESA’s achievements, recognize outstanding contributions, and plan for the future. During the meeting, newly elected ESA Chairman and Board Members will be sworn in, bringing fresh leadership and vision to the Association. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, gain insights into ESA’s initiatives, and celebrate the accomplishments of our vibrant member community.

This meeting is sponsored by:

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November 26, 2025 ESX

ESA Associate Member Meeting

Join us for the ESA Associate Member Meeting, where ESA’s valued associate members come together to engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving needs of the industry. This meeting is an opportunity to stay informed about ESA initiatives, discover new opportunities to enhance your membership, and contribute your voice to shaping the future of the association.


INCLUDING A PANEL PRESENTATION LED BY BOARD MEMBER, JAKE VOLL

Inside the Dealer’s Mind: What Top ESA Members Want from Associate Partners

Join us for a candid “voice of the customer” conversation with three SDM 100 dealers who are also active ESA members. This panel will give associate members a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of the industry’s leading security companies about what they value most in ESA membership, how they view the role of associate members, and what makes a manufacturer, distributor, service provider, or industry partner truly stand out.

Panelists will share their perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s top dealers, what they look for from vendor and associate member relationships, and how ESA can continue to create meaningful connections between dealers and the companies that support them.

This session is designed to help associate members better understand the needs, priorities, and expectations of leading ESA dealer members while creating a stronger bridge between the dealer community and the associate member community.



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November 26, 2025 ESX

Expo Open!

ESX Expo Day 2 brings even more excitement and opportunity as the floor continues to buzz with innovation and collaboration! Dive deeper into the latest technologies, services, and solutions that are shaping the future of electronic security and life safety. Engage with top-tier exhibitors and discover cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your business. Whether you’re seeking to expand your network or stay ahead of industry trends, Day 2 of the expo offers an unparalleled chance to learn, connect, and grow. Keep the momentum going and make the most of this dynamic week!


This Event is sponsored by:

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November 20, 2025 ESX
OpenXchange Breakfast

AI is Changing Security – Right Now

How To Turn Yourself & Your Organization Into An Innovation Machine.

Get ready to see how artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming the electronic security and life safety industry —and why it’s time to take action. Companies you know are already executing AI tools for a competitive edge on hiring high-performing talent, marketing initiatives and supporting field operations.

This session will show you where AI stands today, where it’s going next, and how you can use it to stay ahead of your competition. Experience the amazing things AI can already do for your business — and the risks of ignoring it. You’ll walk away with a new way of thinking about what’s possible.

This energizing keynote turns AI from something futuristic into something real and ready for ESX attendees. It will inspire you to take bold steps that can have a major impact on how you do business today.

 



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About This Speaker

Jeff Schatten, Ph.D., helps security and industrial firms turn AI from conversation into execution. A tenured professor at Washington and Lee University and strategic advisor, he guides organizations through rapid AI disruption while maintaining operational discipline.

His recent and upcoming engagements include Guardian Alarm, Per Mar, and the NetOne Security Conference, helping leadership teams move from curiosity to measurable AI implementation.


Key Takeaways:

Where does AI stand today and where’s it going next?

How you can use AI to stay ahead of your competition.

Experience what AI can do for your business — and the risks of ignoring it.

Artificial Intelligence – AI is reshaping how business is done in the security industry. Get the insights your team needs at ESX’s OpenXchange Breakfast.


The 2026 Youth Scholarship Award Will be Presented

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Since its launch in 1996, ESA’s Youth Scholarship Program has awarded over $1,009,200 to deserving students nationwide. Join us in honoring this year’s scholarship winner.


The Youth Scholarship Award is graciously sponsored by COPS Monitoring.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 2: 9:20 – 9:35AM

Special Announcement: ESA Industry Research Center

Presented by Michael Barnes, Treasurer of ESA & President of Barnes Associates Inc

ESA is unveiling a new initiative, the ESA Industry Research Center, aimed at helping integrators and dealers better understand the market forces shaping business today and tomorrow. Backed by Beacon Economics and ESA Chief Economist Christopher Thornberg, PhD, this effort will provide meaningful insight to support smarter planning and stronger growth.

Built to support the security industry, this effort will focus on the key factors that influence performance, resilience, and future success. With the partnership with Beacon, the ESA Industry Research Center will build an Industry Performance Index (IPI) based on: 

  • Business Activity & Market Growth to highlight current conditions and future demand.
  • Workforce Capacity & Pressure to examine labor availability and operational strain.
  • Revenue & Business Model Health to help assess business strength and sustainability.
  • Technology & AI Adoption to explore how emerging tools are changing the industry.

This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to give integrators, dealers, and industry leaders a clearer view of where the market stands today and where it’s headed next.


ESX OpenXChange Breakfast

The ESX OpenXChange Breakfast, held on the ESX Main Stage, brings together electronic security and life safety professionals for breakfast, networking, and an interactive discussion on the AI trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the industry. Access to this exclusive session is included with Executive, Deluxe, and Expo Plus passes. Register five or more people and receive 10% off, or register 10 or more people and receive 20% off. Secure your spot today and take advantage of these exclusive savings. Subscribe to the ESX News list to be notified of other important announcments.

This event is sponsored by:

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November 20, 2025 ESX
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Welcome to ESX 2026 in Irving, TX!

Let’s kick this event off right — with all the Texas vibes! There’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Texas than with live music, local craft beer, and karaoke as we celebrate the launch of ESX 2026! Say hello to old industry friends — and make new ones!


ESX Opening Celebration 2026

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Join us for Karaoke as the Party Kings’ live band plays top hits from the decades!

ESX Opening Celebration 2026

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From casual conversations to potential business connections, every moment at ESX, including the ESX Opening Celebration, is an opportunity to expand your network — and catch up with industry colleagues. Whether you’re swapping stories, sharing insights, or exchanging business cards, this is networking at its most effortless. 

Let’s kick off ESX 2026 in true Texas style, with live music, local craft beer, karaoke, and plenty of energy to set the tone for the week. It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with industry friends, meet new faces, and ease into the event with a lively celebration. 

Enjoy a mix of pop, rock, country, disco, and everything in between as the Party Kings keep the music going throughout the night. Jump in for karaoke between sets, and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you soak up the fun, upbeat atmosphere.

Sponsored by

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December 19, 2024 ESX

Expo Lunch

Take a break, refuel, and connect with fellow integrators, industry leaders, and exhibitors in a relaxed, high-value networking environment. Build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore the latest solutions shaping the security industry—all over lunch.

Expo Open


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December 13, 2024 ESX
OPERATIONS

From Tension to Teamwork: Managing Conflict Between Operations and Sales

The relationship between sales and operations can be challenging, with sales focused on closing deals and operations centered on efficiency and resource management.

This session will explore strategies to manage the sales-to-operations handoff, addressing common conflicts such as misaligned goals and communication breakdowns. Participants will gain practical techniques for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and aligning team objectives. Effectively managing these conflicts will enhance teamwork, streamline processes, and drive better results.

The ESA team is excited to see you at this session in 2025.


In this session, you’ll learn:


How to identify sources of conflict between sales and operations, including misaligned goals and differing priorities.


Strategies to improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and foster collaboration between teams.


Techniques and tools for aligning sales and operations goals to enhance the overall customer experience.


An ESX Executive Pass or Deluxe Pass is required to gain access to this and all best-practice sharing sessions.

REGISTER FOR AN EXECUTIVE OR DELUXE PASS TO ACCESS THIS COURSE.

See all CEU credits available for attending ESX 2025 education sessions. MORE

THIS COURSE IS ELIGIBLE FOR CEU CREDITS

ESX EDUCATION TRACK

Operations

ESX Operations Track: Successful operation teams deliver high-quality service to customers. A well-oiled machine can mean high customer retention and strong workflow efficiencies.

Discover best practices during the ESX Operations Track that will improve your company’s operational excellence and customer experience. Explore ways to build efficiencies in installation, service methodologies, and human resources. Examine how others are solving today’s most common operations struggles like recruiting and retaining employees, supply chain lags, truck rolls, job safety, training, and more.


Presenters:

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Joel Barfield

Sr. Account Manager
SAGE Integration
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Melissa Brinkman

CEO
Custom Alarm
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Cameron Munro

VP of Sales
Door
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Audrey Pierson (Moderator)

Sales & Leadership Consultant
Audrey Pierson Consulting


Sponsored by:

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