Technology Shifts, Capital Trends, and What They Mean for Your Business

2026 will reward integrators and dealers who understand where the market is heading—and expose those who don’t. AI adoption, recurring revenue pressure, labor costs, and accelerating consolidation are already changing how security and life safety businesses compete, grow, and are valued.

In this session, industry expert Michael Barnes will break down the latest U.S. market data—revenue trends, operating benchmarks, and capital flows—and explain exactly what it means for making decisions about technology investment, pricing, staffing, and long-term strategy.

If you’re responsible for protecting margins, choosing where to invest, or positioning your company for future value, this is not a session to skip. You’ll leave with clear signals on where opportunity is forming, where risk is increasing, and how smart dealers and integrators are preparing for the next year.

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About This Speaker

Michael Barnes is the President of Barnes Associates, Inc. a consulting and advisory firm that specializes in providing financing, acquisition, divestiture and strategic planning services. Since founding the firm in 1986, Michael has been involved in more than 280 security alarm acquisitions and financings, with an aggregate transaction value exceeding $29 billion. Michael currently serves on the board of directors of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). He also lectures at numerous events within the security alarm industry on matters relating to acquisitions, the availability of capital, and the operating dynamics and performance of alarm companies. Michael was the 13th person to be inducted into the Security Alarm Industry Hall of Fame, an honor he received in 2004.

Closing Luncheon

The ESX Closing Luncheon will be held on the ESX Main Stage. Come here for inspiration, motivation and networking with like-minded electronic security and life safety peers. This plated luncheon will include programming that will inspire members of your organization to accomplish their goals and lead others to climb to higher levels of success. Executive, Deluxe and Expo Plus pass holders have access to this luncheon. Register here.

Celebrate excellence at the ESA Weinstock Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the Morris F. Weinstock Award winner and their impact on our industry. Set within the unique atmosphere of the Rayleigh Underground, this event combines meaningful recognition with an elevated Denim & Diamonds theme.

The night will feature a live band, spirits, and hors d’oeuvres, creating a dynamic and festive environment for guests to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the moment together. From high-energy entertainment to heartfelt recognition, this event brings the ESX community together for one of the most anticipated evenings of the week.

Denim is encouraged. Diamonds are expected. Dress to impress and embrace the theme as we celebrate achievement, community, and the spirit of ESX in an evening you won’t want to miss.

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The Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award is the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) highest honor, established in 1970 to recognize extraordinary leadership, dedication, and volunteer service to the industry and the association.

The award is graciously sponsored by Resideo, ESA’s exclusive Diamond Executive Strategic Partner. 2025 Winner to be selected & announced

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Weinstock Celebration

Networking is vital to business success — and ESX Networking is fundamental to the event experience. Rub elbows with some of the brightest minds in the industry as you develop trust, industry friendships and groups of peers you can collaborate with throughout the year. The ESX Weinstock Celebration recognizes the recipient of ESA‘s most prestigious award, the Morris F Weinstock Person of the Year — an award dedicated to recognizing the lifetime achievement and service to the industry of a dedicated individual. Let’s have some fun with this year’s winner!

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Be there as the ESX 2026 Expo Floor officially opens, kicking off an unparalleled showcase of innovation and opportunity! Join fellow security and life safety professionals as the ribbon is cut, unveiling the industry’s latest technologies, services, and solutions. Explore state-of-the-art exhibits, engage directly with leading suppliers, and discover game-changing tools to take your business to the next level. This is more than just an expo—it’s a launchpad for ideas, networking, and growth. Don’t miss this exciting moment that sets the tone for a dynamic week ahead!

This Event is sponsored by:

Become a Sponsor for ESX Today!

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In today’s ever-changing business climate, your attendees’ roles have evolved far past their job descriptions. They face a volatile external environment – they encounter pressure to stay relevant to customers – they experience challenging workforce issues – and they are being asked to do a lot more with a lot less. All of this is asking them to be innovators. The big question is, are they doing it the hard way or the easy way.

Based on her book, The Curiosity Muscle, this keynote helps members of organizations who don’t have innovation in their job description to embrace and identity as an innovator. Diana will share the key skills and habits that make innovation easier and a lot more fun. And she’ll empower attendees to harness the power of curiosity to unlock new possibilities and drive business growth. Attendees will leave this keynote identifying as innovators and seeking opportunities to use their new skills.

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About This Speaker

Diana Kander is an innovation nerd – she spent the first decade of her career as an entrepreneur, launching 10 companies in 10 years, while selling millions of dollars of products and services.

She spent the next decade coaching innovators inside large organizations; at one point she served as the innovation coach for the executive team of a $100 million dollar project.

True creative work exists in the gap between what you have and what you think you need. The ESX Keynote Luncheon will provide the tools your team needs to become more innovative.

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The Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award, which honors the memory of the 1950-51 ESA President, recognizes an ESA volunteer who has exhibited exceptional leadership skills on an ESA committee, task force or board.

The award is graciously sponsored by Telguard, ESA’s exclusive Platinum Executive Strategic Partner.

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ESX Opening Keynote Luncheon

The 2026 ESX Keynote Luncheon is held on the ESX Main Stage. Come here for inspiration, motivation, and networking with like-minded electronic security and life safety peers. Just steps away from the expo floor, this interactive session will reveal tactics for motivating a more productive team. Access to this luncheon 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 savings.

Become a Sponsor for ESX Today!

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The ESA Standards & Fire/Life Safety Committee leads the industry’s effort to shape, advance, and champion the standards that protect people, property, and the professionals who design and install life-safety systems. It plays a national leadership role, engaging with code bodies, driving best practices, and ensuring our industry has a strong, informed voice in every major standards conversation.

The ESA Standards & Fire/Life Safety Committee Meeting at ESX 2026 will provide updates on the latest industry codes including NFPA, UL, and ICC changes that impact the industry.

The ESA Government Relations Committee Meeting at ESX 2026 is where alarm industry stakeholders discuss the latest legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry. This meeting provides a venue to review ESA’s current government affairs efforts, strategize on key advocacy initiatives, and explore how members can get involved in shaping policies that protect and advance the industry.

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True creative work happens in the space between today’s resources and tomorrow’s potential. The ESX General Session equips leaders with the tools, perspectives, and strategies they need to inspire teams and fuel innovation.

The Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award is the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) highest honor, established in 1970 to recognize extraordinary leadership, dedication, and volunteer service to the industry and the association.

The award is graciously sponsored by Resideo, ESA’s exclusive Diamond Executive Strategic Partner.

About Daryl “Moose” Johnston

Three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, playing 149 consecutive games.

Entering his 23rd FOX NFL season as a seasoned analyst, having worked alongside Kevin Kugler, Kenny Albert, and Joe Davis.

Recorded 294 receptions for 2,227 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 232 rushing attempts for 753 yards; achieved a career-high 50 receptions in the 1993 season.

Former General Manager of the San Antonio Commanders (AAF) and longtime contributor to NFL broadcasts, including BCS bowl games and NFL Network segments.

All-American at Syracuse University, second-round draft pick for the Cowboys, and graduate with a degree in economics.

Dedicated supporter of Special Olympics, Children’s Cancer Fund, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and nominee for the prestigious Whizzer White Humanitarian Award.

ESX General Session

The ESX General Session is held on the ESX Main Stage. Join ESA and other industry pros here for inspiration, motivation, and networking with like-minded electronic security and life safety peers. Access to this session is included with Executive, Deluxe, and Expo Plus passes. To encourage team participation, ESX is offering exclusive group discounts—register five or more people and receive 10% off, or register 10 or more people and receive 20% off. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Register today.

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Shine bright and settle in for a little sparkle-meets-western fun at the Expo Denim & Diamonds Reception — the perfect pregame to the evening’s Weinstock Celebration. Join us on the expo floor as we mix casual charm with a touch of glam, bringing together music, style, themed bites, and plenty of room to mingle before the night kicks into full swing.

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CORNER 1:

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CORNER 2:

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CORNER 3:

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CORNER 4:

With its mix of style, sparkle, and western flair, the Expo Denim & Diamonds Reception sets the tone for an unforgettable evening — and gives attendees a fun, relaxed way to connect before heading to the Weinstock Celebration.

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Savor the local Texas nightlife with industry friends this coming June! The ESX Pub Crawl is an exciting opportunity to share experiences, catch up with friends, and make new ones in a casual atmosphere.

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STOP 1:
7:00 – 8:00PM

(located in the lower level of the Westin)

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STOP 2:
8:00PM – 9:00PM

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STOP 3:
9:00PM – ???

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. Register here.

The ESX Electronic Security Expo is a meaningful event open exclusively to the pro-installer and integrator and is designed to allow passionate professionals the ability to learn more, share more and interact more. Stop settling for quick, unmeaningful badge scans and celebrate what the power of a focused event can do for your growth. ESX delivers an experience with a higher level of collaboration and thoughtful conversations among peers.

See you there!

Become a Sponsor for ESX Today!

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Step right up for the ESX 2026 Expo Block Party — a Texas State Fair–themed celebration right on the expo floor. Join us on Tuesday as we bring big flavors, bright lights, and fairground fun to wrap up the day with energy and excitement. Mingle with fellow attendees, enjoy themed bites and activities, and explore each corner of the party as you experience a taste of Texas.

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