By Melissa M. Courville, Client Services & Head of Marketing, DICE Corporation

Finding out that Pittsburgh is the next stop for the industry-changing ESX conference was a thrill!  Having lived in Pittsburgh for a few years, with family ties to the area, it’s easy to fall in love with the city that mixes both history and the NOW, harmoniously. From the architecture of the widely-renowned PPG building, Heinz Ketchup factory and Andy Warhol museum, to the bustling shops at Station Square and beauty of Point Park, Pittsburgh was deservedly voted one of the safest and cleanest cities in the United States, and has been for years.

ESX has already become a highlight in my plans, where security life meets industry-specific networking.  The ESX event continues to be a focal point for security integration and monitoring companies with showcases for the ESA Weinstock/Jackson Awards, CSAA anniversary and the SDM Gala, as well as the niche-focused tradeshow, seminars and conferences.  As the head of marketing for DICE Corporation, I’m very glad that we’ve continued to invest in and make it our commitment to attend each event.  The rewards are priceless.

We are seeking nominees to participate in the new ESA Chapter Challenge Game Show that will take place during ESX on Thursday, June 17. ESA Chartered Chapter leaders are encouraged to nominate members of their chapter to participate in this Family Feud-style game show, designed to create a fun and interactive activity that will provide quite the buzz on the show floor as well.

Click here to submit your nominees. Each winning team contestant will receive a check for $200 for their chartered chapter! Contact Jessica DaCosta with questions regarding the program at 508-618-4226, jdacosta@ae-ventures.com.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 7, 2010.

More Opportunities to Gain Industry Credibility at Expo

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), an international trade association that specializes in planning and installing electronic systems for the home, will host a mini-track of technical courses at the 2010 Electronic Security Expo (ESX). This promising CEDIA mini-track is sure to bring higher levels of value and thought leadership to ESX attendees.

“We’re excited to be adding CEDIA’s renowned technical training on custom electronics in a new mini-track at this year’s ESX,” said George De Marco, ESX Expo Chair. “CEDIA accreditation of a number of ESX courses means added value for ESX attendees, enabling them to earn credit toward maintaining their CEDIA certifications by attending select ESX seminars.”

CEDIA, whose specializations include home networking, home automation and communication systems, media rooms, single or multi-room entertainment systems, and integrated whole-house subsystems that provide lighting control, security and HVAC systems, will offer the following courses, which promise to prime the attendee on residential systems:

• Fundamentals of Residential Lighting and Lighting Control
• Fundamentals of Multi-Room Audio Systems
• Fundamentals of Home Theater Design

“CEDIA University’s industry-leading education will help industry newcomers gain the valuable knowledge and skills needed to establish credibility in the residential electronic systems industry,” said Utz Baldwin, CEDIA CEO.

CEDIA Seminars, along with all other ESX Seminars, can be purchased a-la-carte and start at $59 for members. All ESX Seminars, as well as special networking events, are included in the Deluxe Registration Package.

For more information on the conference program, call 877-628-9558 or visit www.esxweb.com.

ESX 2010 addresses the industry’s most vital topics with valuable content from the industry’s best presenters. Fifty seminars are organized into the following tracks:

Business Development and Management Track

This track covers a host of powerful and dynamic sessions which will provide every employee in your company with the ideas and tools to make better decisions when it comes to managing and developing your business. Some seminars in this track include: “Good-to-Great Employees” and “Financial Accounting for Security Companies.”

Central Station Operations Track, sponsored by Sur-Gard

This track covers key topics from technology to procedures and techniques to management and development of central station operators. Some seminars in this track include: “Central Station Supervision and the Law” and “PERS as a Profitable Solution.”

Installation Management Track

This track is filled with pragmatic tips and processes for increasing the productivity and quality of the installation function, whether it’s installing alarms, access control or video systems. Some seminars in this track include: “Installation Estimating for Profit” and “The Substance, Impact and Future of NFPA 731.”

RMR Track

This track will help you get on top of methods to maximize and capitalize on RMR—whether it’s tied to traditional alarm monitoring, next generation monitoring of video, managed access control or even service and maintenance contracts. Some seminars in this track include: “Pricing and Selling Service RMR” and “Turning the iPhone and Remote Updates into RMR.”

Sales and Marketing Track, sponsored by Videofied

This track provides the expert strategies, tactics and practices you need to succeed. Some seminars in this track include: “High Impact Sales Management” and “Building Your Referral Network: Peer-to-Peer, Real-World Tips.”

Technology Track, sponsored by ADI

This track tackles the most compelling, opportunity-rich and challenging tech topics in the electronic security industry. Some seminars in this track include: “Migrating to IP Technology” and “Using Technology for Residential Lifestyle Enhancements.”

CEDIA Mini-Track

This track includes CEDIA courses that provide great primers on residential systems that are a natural extension of a home security integrator’s business. The CEDIA courses offered are: “Fundamentals of Residential Lighting and Lighting Control,” “Fundamentals of Multi-Room Audio Systems” and “Fundamentals of Home Theater Design.”

Young Security Professionals Mini-Track

This track tackles new and innovative approaches to security integration and monitoring and the challenges of leadership for a new generation of security professionals. The seminars included in this mini-track are: “From Soup to Nuts: An Employment Law Primer for Young Security Professionals” and “Next Gen Business Systems.”

All ESX Seminars and Workshops are available as a-la-carte purchases, starting at just $59 for members. Deluxe packages are also available to allow you access to all seminars, workshops and a number of special events.

Click here for a complete listing of seminars and their affiliated track.

Big Bashing and Club Crawling Mean Major Networking Opportunities at Expo

Pittsburgh will buzz this summer as Electronic Security Expo (ESX) attendees mix, mingle and move the industry forward. On June 16, the Expo – praised for its valuable networking opportunities – will host two special events: the ESX Big Bash and ESX Crawl.

“If you’re in the security industry, the ESX Big Bash and ESX Crawl are premier events for networking with other security professionals,” says John Knox, president of Knox Integrated Systems. “At these events we’ll have a good time, forget about business for a while and build relationships. I’m looking forward to all the new and familiar faces I’ll be seeing in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh this summer.”

Attendees will kick off the night at 6 p.m. with the ESX Big Bash, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

ESX Big Bash

Named the “best electronic security industry party of the year,” the ESX Big Bash will include beverages, hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Atlantic All Star Band. Vocalists of this 5-time Emmy Award-Nominated band have toured and recorded with popular artists, including Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Steven Tyler and Elton John. The event, sponsored by Broadview Security and Security America RRG, will conclude in time for dinner and some crawling through the animated city of Pittsburgh.

ESX Crawl

The ESX Crawl, sponsored by ADI, begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes some of Pittsburgh’s most notable hotspots. Crawlers will sample three destinations as the night wears on: McFadden’s, the North Shore Saloon and Mullen’s.

At the first destination, ESX crawlers will enjoy 30 high-definition flat-screen televisions, riverfront seating and a large hopping dance floor at McFadden’s. At the next stop, ESX crawlers will enjoy a wrap-around fully equipped bar and a realistic, dine-on football field at the North Shore Saloon. And the night is not over yet. The night’s crawl will end at Mullen’s, where live music and karaoke will be offered in an ESX private area.

Registration for the ESX Big Bash and other selected events are required. See www.esxweb.com/register for registration details.

The event will also feature a number of additional networking events, special tours, conferences and exhibits. For exhibiting information, please contact Shannon Murphy at 508-618-4224, smurphy@ae-ventures.com. Call 877-628-9558 or email info@ae-ventures.com for general inquiries.

Enjoy Guiltless Golfing with AIREF

The 7^th Annual Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) golf tournament will be held March 23, 2010 at the Revere Golf Club in Las Vegas, one day prior to ISC West. The tournament promises players a casual golf outing with other industry professionals while supporting AIREF initiatives in the process.

AIREF, an all-volunteer nonprofit foundation, was created in 1977 by ESA to serve as the research arm of the industry and funding for the foundation is derived almost solely from the golf tournament. In 2003, AIREF and ESA founded the tournament as a way to help raise money for industry research.

Research studies funded by AIREF include a survey of Salt Lake City residents that showed 65 percent of registered voters disapprove of the city’s verified response ordinance and a more recent study by Rutgers University that proved scientifically that residential burglar alarms deter crime.

To register for the tournament, visit www.airef.org. For more information about the tournament and sponsorship opportunities, call (203) 762-2444 or email Pat Remes at premes@airef.org.

To learn more about AIREF’s initiatives and studies, visit www.airef.org.

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting ESA events in 2010.

AIREF Golf Classic

March 23

Las Vegas, NV

You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world-class golfing with your industry colleagues and golf without guilt because you’ll be supporting a great cause! Register Now!

ESA Day on Capitol Hill

April 27 – 28

Washington, D.C.

The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers ESA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry and their businesses.

ESA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night. Registration information will be available soon.

Participants attend this event at no charge thanks to support from our sponsors which this year include GE Security, Honeywell, Altronix, Diebold, and Security America RRG.

Looking forward: 2010 ESA Summer Conference

June 14 – 18

Pittsburgh, PA

The ESA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of ESA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 ESA Summer Conference. Learn more about Pittsburgh, click here.

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made

June 14 – 18

The Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations. Arrangements have been made with the following hotels:

• Renaissance – $129 per night
• Westin – $179 per night
• Omni – $179 per night

Lutron Electronics designs and manufactures lighting controls and automated window treatments for both residential and commercial applications. Lutron products are easily integrated with other home systems and provide an enhanced security experience in homes and offices alike. Acknowledged throughout the lighting industry for its expansive product offerings, continued technological achievements, and stringent quality standards, Lutron has been recognized as the preferred brand by lighting designers and specifiers worldwide. Products start at $10 (suggested list price). For more information, visit www.lutron.com.