ESX 2010: The Show is Just Getting Started

June 16, 2010

It’s not your typical ISC West  or other trade show but as a first-time attendee at this year’s ESX 2010, I have to say that for a small show it definitely packs a punch thus far. Although the exhibit show floor opens today, many attendees flew in early to catch the number of educational sessions, including sessions presented by SD&I Editor Deborah O’Mara and Publisher Carol Enman. Stay tuned for video coverage on our site from both sessions: Migrating to IP Technology, which featured integrator panelists Tim Feury, president of Altec Systems, David Hood, president of First Alarm and Steve Washburn, sales and marketing manager for Pro-Tec Design, discussing the move from analog to IP-based systems; and Financing and Acquisitions in a Changed Market, in which Kelly Bond, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Alarm Capital Alliance and Jennifer Holloway, security industry consultant, discussed all things financial taking a look at the due diligence process for acquisitions and lending aspect for the security industry. With a full room for both sessions, integrators and other audience members didn’t need to attend the luncheon that day before “breaking the ice,” pun intended, with their questions or comments during both sessions, making the sessions more interactive and informative, not to toot our own horns. But let’s face it. We come to these conferences year round not only to get out and interact face-to-face with the people we talk to virtually every day but to learn about new and emerging technology and how we have to adapt to it with the changing times, because times are changing. And as Pittsburg’s Chief of Police Nathan Harper cited in his presentation during the Industry Icebreaker Luncheon, “to be more effective we have to do more with less,” a mantra that many of us in security have adapted to over the past year due to the harsh economic times.

“The electronic security business is one of our best assets and that’s why I applaud you all that are here today,” said Harper. “You are a valuable asset to law enforcement and we have to figure out a way to keep our partnership strong. If you’re not partnering with your local police, go out and contact your local officials. We need to learn how to collaborate better in the private sector because we can’t do it alone.”

And as times change and the industry progresses, it doesn’t just come down to technology but also the valuable relationships that those of you who have been in the industry for 20, 30 or 40+ years created along the way and creating ties with the younger generation.

“It’s time for the young people in this industry to step in and take some of these positions over,” Harper continued.

There has to be some sort of transition that opens up the communication portals between the older and younger security generation because it is those younger security professionals that will continue in this industry.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Day 2.

Natalia Kosk
Assistant Editor, SD&I