Business Services & Education

The 2016 SDM 100 Gala Recap

Frank Sinatra sang it; SDM 100 dealers lived it, and celebrated at the 11th annual SDM 100 Gala.

By Laura Stepanek, Contributing writer

Resolution security uncontained — *Resolution Products was a first-time sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala.*

Honeywell Security has sponsored the SDM 100 Gala for 11 consecutive years, since the first Gala was held in Savannah, Ga., in 2006.

*Perennial Software (also known as SedonaOffice) is an eight-year sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala.*

*Folks from CPI Security, ranked No. 12 on the SDM 100, enjoyed the dinner and camaraderie of the Gala.*

*Digital Acoustics was a first-time sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala.*

*ADI Global has sponsored the SDM 100 Gala for 11 consecutive years, since the first Gala was held in Savannah, Ga., in 2006.*

*Representatives from nearly 50 dealer companies attended the 2016 SDM 100 Gala. Assembling for this group photo of the dealers and their associates is one of the highlights of the night.*

*Monitronics Int’l, ranked No. 4 on the SDM 100, is also a seven-year sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala.*

*Folks from Vector Security and DICE enjoyed the SDM 100 Gala festivities.*

*Synnex Corp. has been a proud sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala for the past three years.*

*Axis Communications has been a proud SDM 100 Gala sponsor for nine consecutive years.*

*Tri-Ed has been a proud sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala for eight years.*

*This is the eighth year that DICE Corp. has proudly sponsored the SDM 100 Gala.*

*MKS has been a proud sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala for 10 years.*

*This is the second year in which Hikvision has been a sponsor of the SDM 100 Gala.*

*SDM Editor Laura Stepanek and Alarm Detection Systems’ Bob Bonifas (in center) pose with Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe look-alikes at the SDM 100 Gala.*

*The 2016 SDM 100 Gala featured a casino theme and offered games like Black Jack, Roulette, Poker, Craps and Texas Hold ‘Em, with raffle prizes at the end of the night.*

*The SDM 100 Gala would not be possible without the support of its partner, the Electronic Security Association (ESA).*

CSAA was SDM’s very first partner in the SDM 100 Gala, from the first year it was held in Savannah, Ga., in 2006, in conjunction with CSAA’s North American Monitoring Technology Symposium and Exhibition (NAMTSE).

*The casino theme and Rat Pack era music were popular among SDM 100 Gala attendees.*

*Alarm.com has proudly sponsored the SDM 100 Gala for three years.*

For 11 consecutive years, SDM has hosted the annual SDM 100 Gala to honor the leaders of SDM 100 ranked companies and celebrate their successes. This year the Gala was held in the Fort Worth Convention Center ballroom, on June 8, in conjunction with the ESX show. All of the SDM 100 dealer companies were invited, and nearly 50 were in attendance. By all accounts the Gala was a rousing event that left attendees with a sense of pride for their accomplishments.

Dealers have said that attending the Gala is a delightful experience as they get to network with other industry leaders, be recognized for their success, and enjoy fun entertainment. This year’s Gala did not disappoint, as the casino theme from past years was revived. Following a lively cocktail reception and an elegant dinner, guests were invited to play casino-themed games like Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, and Texas Hold ‘Em.

“The SDM100 Report exists as a result of the vision, dedication and perseverance of business leaders like the ones represented here in the room tonight,” said SDM’s Publisher Chris Ward. “We have a fun and exciting night planned for you. While you try your luck at the games, we will have Rat Pack themed music for your enjoyment from the likes of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and of course, ole Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. You may even spot a couple of celebrities from the Rat Pack era during the evening,” Ward said, referring to Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra look-alikes who posed for photographs with the guests.

The 2016 SDM 100 Gala was sponsored by 15 companies, including the Central Station Alarm Association and the Electronic Security Association — and the event would not be possible without their support. (See sponsor list at left.)

Many of the guests stayed after dessert to enjoy the music, games, and intermingling with friends. At the conclusion of the Gala, raffle prizes were drawn for those guests who played the casino games and entered their “winnings.” Prizes included an Apple Watch, an iPad Mini and a Fitbit.

“Another great Gala!” said Dave Whittington, CPP, SET, assistant manager at Blue Ridge Security Systems Inc., ranked No. 60 on the SDM 100. “You all do good work, and are so good for our industry! Thanks for another job well done! We had a great evening!”

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Laura Stepanek is a SDM contributing writer. Laura was the Editor of SDM from 2001-2020 and first joined the publication in 1984. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Barat College of DePaul University.