The annual SDM 100 Gala has become a tradition at the ESX show. This year, for the 12th annual event, held June 15 at the Nashville Music Center ballroom in conjunction with ESX, the theme was the 1970s, and several attendees really got into the spirit of the theme — think pink suits, platform shoes and afros, and that was the men!

“Once again, the SDM 100 Gala was a smash hit! Karyn Hodgson, Chris Ward and the rest of the crew at SDM demonstrated their prowess at understanding what topics and information would be most useful to security professionals, while simultaneously hosting a ‘groovy’ ‘70s party complete with the zebra platform shoes,” said Jack DeMao, CEO of Electric Guard Dog, SDM’s 2016 Dealer of the Year.

But ultimately, the gala’s purpose is a more serious one: to celebrate the achievements of the top 100 security dealers featured on the SDM 100 Report, published annually. All SDM 100 dealers were invited and this year approximately 45 were able to attend. In addition to security dealer companies, the gala also featured sponsors, some of whom have been associated with the event from the beginning. Celia Besore of The Monitoring Association (formerly CSAA) commented that she keeps the programs for every SDM 100 Gala she has attended, a testament to what this event has come to mean to the industry.

The evening began with a cocktail reception during which dealers, sponsors and attendees could meet and greet, network and catch up with old friends. A sit-down dinner followed, during which SDM publisher Chris Ward formally recognized both sponsors and the SDM 100 companies.

The entertainment this year featured a lively gameshow based on the 1970s “Family Feud.” Several tables were called up to participate in the game, which featured general trivia questions as well as more industry-specific — and often more challenging — questions such as, “Name a company that has been on the SDM 100 since the beginning.” 

“It was a fun and engaging evening as the celebration included networking along with some industry Family Feud and fun hilarious games,” John Loud of LOUD Security said of the event.  “It was a great evening to gather with many of the top companies in our industry.”