SentryCon, SentryNet’s annual dealer conference held in Biloxi, Miss., was held April 23-26 with more than 225 security industry professionals in attendance. The main focuses for this year’s conference included how to deal with current challenges facing the security industry and how to increase business and RMR.

“This year, our theme was the Challenge of Change,” said Julie Beach, vice president of SentryNet. “During our several days together we focused on education and networking to help our dealers gain the tools and knowledge needed to continue to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving security environment.” SentryCon is known for its education sessions, and this year was no exception, the company reported. Speakers included:

• Mark Brown as the keynote; this Emmy-nominated speaker taught proven tools to multiply time in today’s fast-paced world.
• Bob Harris of Attrition Busters, who discussed ways to change the opinion of the end user.
• Ron Davis, Davis Mergers and Acquisitions, discussed what keeps alarm dealers up at night.
• Robert Schell, CSSI, who shared news regarding the Tax and Jobs Act and how dealers could leverage this new legislation in commercial sales.

In addition, product classes were held by AlarmNet, Napco, Hikvision, idRestore 360 and Telguard.

The SentryCon tradeshow also gave dealers a chance to be face-to face with the industry’s best products and services providers. Hikvision, SentryCon’s platinum sponsor, shared the newest in camera systems. Silver sponsors ADI, Honeywell and Napco displayed trending end-user products and services. Bronze sponsors Alarm Insurance,

Alarm.com, DSC and Telguard also displayed the latest products and services they offer.

During the event, dealers, vendors and employees raised more than $5,000 in donations to the National Firefighter Cancer Support Network (NFCSN). These funds assist firefighters who are battling cancer contracted by their career. The NFCSN also provides valuable training and tools to firefighters to keep them safe from the contaminants that cause cancers.

Excursions included fishing, golfing, skeet and trap shooting, a shrimping tour, and a Biloxi Shuckers (Minor League Baseball) game that hosted 80 employees, dealers and vendors. SentryNet’s general manager, Alain Jamet, threw the first pitch at the Shuckers game.

Overall, SentryNet called Sentry-Con 2018 a booming success. SentryNet said in a press release it treats its dealers like family and is proud to hear SentryCon referred to as a “family reunion” by many.