eNews 07-17-08 - SDM -- New Directions for Security Systems & Integration

      Billed as "the only event targeted exclusively to the needs of security integration and monitoring companies," the inaugural Electronic Security Expo (ESX), which took place during the week of June 23, proved itself to be a success in its first year.
     ESX, which is co-owned and sponsored by the Central Station Alarm Association and National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, featured a heavy schedule of events at the Nashville Convention Center, but ultimately turned out to be a very balanced blend of educational sessions, award ceremonies, manufacturer displays and social gatherings.
     Additionally, CSAA and NBFAA held board and committee meetings in the days prior to the show's official opening on June 25.
     Slightly more than 1,900 people had registered for ESX, reported show manager John Galante, vice president and general manager of EH Events, including 1,350 visitors plus the exhibitor personnel. Approximately 125 exhibits were on display for two days during ESX.
     The educational part of ESX was exceptionally robust, featuring seven different topic tracks plus workshops. The topics covered were: business development and management; central station operations; fire alarm systems; installation and service management; IP-enabled security; sales and marketing; and systems integration.
     It's important to note that ESX, which is scheduled to occur next June 24 - 26 in Baltimore, is for the industry at-large, and the classes and workshops are designed for security company employees from all departments, including technical, central station and sales.
     Notable events included:
     SDM held its third annual SDM 100 Gala in Nashville during ESX. The Gala is an elegant dinner and networking event where we honored, this year, more than 40 SDM 100 company executives who attended.
     Mike Miller, vice president and co-owner of Moon Security Services Inc., Pasco, Wash., was sworn in as the 38th president of the NBFAA.
     The CSAA presented its 2008 Central Station Excellence Awards. CSAA and awards co-sponsor SDM honored Mary Ann Ivy of Monitronics as Central Station Operator of the Year, Anita Ostrowski of Vector Security as Central Station Manager of the Year, and Alarm Detection Systems Inc. (ADS) of Aurora, Ill., as Central Station of the Year. You may read more about ESX at www.esxweb.com.