Attendees of the PSA 2005 Conference and Systems Integration Expo explored the future of security integration at an enterprise network system display conveniently located in the PSA Security Network booth. At the Integrated Security Showcase in the Security/Life Safety Pavilion systems integrators experienced hands-on IP convergence and interoperability including IP access control, IP video, remote access, streaming video and biometric technology.
The PSA booth was just one of more than 80 exhibits showcasing the latest in security products and technology in the Security/Life Safety Pavilion which featured the security industry's top manufacturers, including IR Security & Safety, Bosch, GE, AMAG Technology and Pelco. Held March 9-12, 2005 at the Wyndham Hotel and Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the PSA 2005 Conference combined the large trade show exhibit with training and networking opportunities for an educational and valuable event.
The Systems Integration Expo, sponsored in conjunction with NSCA, the leading trade association representing the commercial electronic systems industry, brought in 11,000 systems integration experts and featured the products of over 600 exhibitors. The Expo effectively complements each organization's goal of providing a premier setting for leading-edge technology, with PSA focusing on high-end security and life safety systems while NSCA focuses on integrated commercial systems.
PSA managed the security/life safety education tracks at the expo, which featured seminars and classes for company owners, sales staff, and technicians. Courses included IP Addressable Security Devices, Estimating Sales Proposals, Financial Training for Executives, Construction Law & Risk Management and Hiring Best People. The conference provided established manufacturers like Dedicated Micros, HID, and Panasonic the opportunity to give free presentations on their newest product and new vendors a training forum to introduce cutting-edge technology like thermal imaging and intelligent video surveillance.
"The PSA conference is important because it allows us to provide in-depth training and networking for our members and vendors," said PSA president and CEO, Bill Bozeman, CPP. "I know that attendees left here armed with knowledge on how to utilize new technologies and work more resourcefully in their businesses."
Conference sponsors gained additional networking time with PSA members during the Thursday Night Hospitality Event. This year's theme was Baseball's Spring Training and PSA staff all dressed the part. Members joined in the fun by playing the "Hit a Homerun" game. The game encouraged members to meet with each sponsor; every visit gave them a chance to win several prizes including a 42" plasma HDTV, portable DVD players, an iPod, and gift cards.
The Vendor Appreciation Awards Banquet, always a highlight, proved no exception this year. All in fun, speaker Tom DeLuca surprised everyone by hypnotizing PSA members and vendors. The audience stood up from their chairs to see the fun as DeLuca directed his brave volunteers to dance on stage, give pep talks, forget how to say their names, and shout out "That's what security is all about, baby" whenever he said "PSA."
After the entertainment, PSA presented awards to its vendors. Winning vendors were selected based on achieving high scores on a survey completed by PSA members and PSA staff. Scoring was based on seven performance categories: technical support, price advantage, responsiveness, shipping, return authorizations, local rep support, and product quality and reliability.
CSC, Dedicated Micros, Network Video Technologies (NVT) and Pelco won the top prize, the Superstar Award. CBC (America) Corporation, DITEK, Integral Technologies, International Fiber Systems (IFS), Securitron, Tamron were honored with the Star Award. Aiphone, Comprehensive ID Products Inc. (CIPI), Sanyo, TransTech Systems, and Ultra Electronics earned Rising Star Awards.
"We had another great PSA conference and show," said Gary Venable, PSA Chairman of the Board and CEO of All Systems Designed Solutions, Inc. in Kansas City. "The time investment is a great value for our members with excellent educational sessions, member to member networking, and vendor time, both in the booths and at the after hours functions."
Dates and location for next year's conference will be announced soon.
