Once again nearly 20,000 professionals zealous about audio, video, smart home technologies, and electronics in general, converged September 6-8, at the San Diego Convention Center for CEDIA Expo 2018 .

Recently, TMA President Ivan Spector wrote the following message to TMA members and friends regarding the results of that meeting.

IoT, DIY/MIY, cyber security, active shooters — SDM 100 dealers talk about the issues that will have the biggest impact, either positive or negative, on their businesses this year.

SDM recently featured Allstate Security Industries (ASI) of Amarillo, Texas, in its cover story, "Is It Time for Drones & Robots?" as a company that was already employing drones in its security offerings. Allstate Security recently built a state-of-the-art monitoring center as well, so SDM decided to talk to Melinda Braden, ASI’s central station manager to ask a few questions about using drones as part of ASI’s security offering.

With the holidays fast approaching, facilities from college campuses to office buildings will see a lull in activity as occupants are away in the final weeks of December. For facility managers, building owners, and integrators offering security as a service, this reduction in tenant foot traffic can serve as a quiet and calm time to reflect and improve on building security.

This year the editors compiled the top stories of the year as featured in SDM’s various e-newsletters. Below are the top 10 stories as featured on our website and delivered to you through SDM e-news and Today’s Systems Integrator e-news.