Bermuda is a beautiful setting, but not just for vacationing. In October, the members of CSAA International, the voice for central station monitoring companies, will converge on the British overseas territory for five days of learning and planning that will drive the direction of the association and address the challenges to the security monitoring industry.

“Our annual meeting advisory committee and education committee have prepared a program that addresses current business and technical issues impacting monitoring companies,” said CSAA president Jay Hauhn. “New entrants into the security sector are now ‘technology’ companies.  How these new entrants may change the industry as we know it will be a prime focus of our conference.”     

General George W. Casey, Jr. (Ret.),one of the most accomplished soldiers in U.S. history and an authority on strategic leadership, will give the keynote address on Monday, October 20.  As the 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from April 2007 to 2011, General Casey led what is arguably the world’s largest and most complex organization — 1.1 million people strong, with a $200+ billion annual budget — during one of the most extraordinary periods in military and global political history. He is widely credited with restoring balance to the war-weary U.S. Army, modernizing and leading the transformation necessary to defend the United States in the 21st century, and ensuring the high quality of the force deployed in the war on terror.

“General Casey has a unique story to share with our members,” said Steve Doyle, CSAA executive vice president. “His background and experience have formed the basis for his viewpoints on leadership, vision, organizational culture and leading transformational change. I know our members will be impressed with his insights and how they can use them to improve their own businesses.”

From 2004 – 2007, General Casey commanded the Multi-National Force–Iraq, a coalition of more than 30 countries, where he guided the Iraq mission through some of its most difficult days. Since his retirement, in addition to sitting on numerous boards, he has lectured on leadership at the Columbia, Yale, Denver University and University of North Carolina business schools and addressed the leadership of numerous companies, including Coca-Cola, Caterpillar and General Electric. He has taught at the graduate level at the Korbel School, University of Denver, and published a book, Strategic Reflections, Operation Iraqi Freedom, July 2004 – 2007, about his experience in Iraq.

At the annual meeting, in addition to the keynote address and various leadership committee meetings, education sessions will focus on the themes “Monitoring and the Internet of Things,” “DIY and Self Monitoring,” and “The Continued Value of Monitoring.” There will also be evening social events that will provide networking opportunities for monitoring industry leaders.  “Most importantly,” continued Hauhn, “senior leadership from the national AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) first responder associations will be present, providing members with a unique ability to discuss industry issues with them one on one.” 

 The CSAA Annual Meeting will be held at the Fairmont Southampton Bermuda, October 17 – 22. Preliminary program and registration information is available at csaaintl.org. End date for the CSAA room block is September 16 at 11:59 pm ATZ (Atlantic Time Zone); the registration deadline is September 26. For information, visit http://csaaintl.org/2014-csaa-international-annual-meeting-bermuda.