Schedule

Is your business prepared for market change? In this special session, we will focus on both immediate and long-term marketing tactics to keep your pipeline full both today and into the future. We will cover topics such as lead generation, bolstering customer loyalty, and standing out in your local market to help your business brace for any potential market change that comes our way. Each attendee will leave with a customized report of how they currently stack up online in their local marketplace.

With inflation skyrocketing, supply chain disruptions continuing, and the ever-constant labor shortage, now is the time for leaders to inspire their teams through an impending bumpy economy. Industry veteran Robert Few of The Connection Xchange will review specific steps that integration companies can take right now to thrive in the areas of operations, best practices, vendor relationships, customer service and more.

Only 27% of integrators offer cyber solutions for their clients, yet the number of cyberattacks increases exponentially. Now is the time to be on offense against cyberattacks versus taking a defensive posture (or sitting on the sidelines). Integrators who become cybersecurity specialists offer greater protection for their clients, reduce the number of attacks, eliminate the financial incentive for hackers, and create recurring monthly revenue for their business.

The custom installation market is maturing, characterized by increased activity in mergers and acquisitions, along with new dynamic business models. In this session, a panel of integrators will review the due diligence they just went through to buy and sell their company. Also, an integrator will share his unique formula of leasing equipment that could turn the traditional business model on its end. Introduction from Blair Piersall, VP of Sales, Savant

End-user expectations for technology are rising with each passing month. People are no longer content to passively receive generic messaging that does not take into account their preferences, their needs and their passions, and that fails to consider any of their demographic information. That’s why the most forward-thinking technology specialists are embracing the power of personalization, seeking to leverage data, as well as advancements in AI and machine learning, to custom-tailor experiences for individuals and groups. Brian Edwards, founder and chairman of the board, Edwards Technologies, Inc. (ETI), will make the case that, post-pandemic, integrators must move away from audio and video content being “background noise” and leap to the next level: impactful technology that delivers measurable ROI. He’ll share firsthand experiences of ETI’s own work, discussing how the company’s software has enabled it to curate datapoints from anywhere and everywhere.

Business disruptions caused by the pandemic emphasized the importance more than ever for security integrators to have a base of recurring revenue that at a minimum keeps the lights on, bills paid, and staff employed. Beyond that, technology, product options and end-user acceptance of off-premise and Cloud-based solutions is opening up a world of subscription-based service opportunities. This session digs into all those aspects as well as how to structure and execute your marketing.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

One-on-one meetings are 15 minutes in duration and take place at the sponsor’s exhibit based on a schedule established in advance for sponsors and guests. There are 5-minute intervals between meetings. Sponsors are provided with detailed profile information for all guests they are meeting with, so all engagements are personalized. During the time slots guests are not scheduled for meetings, they can browse the exhibits freely.

It's no longer a question of "if" you should get into lighting fixtures, but "when." This panel includes integrators that will share their lessons learned from having already successfully navigated into lighting fixtures. Also, one of the industry's premier lighting designers will review the need for lighting design and how it can elevate your revenues, close more deals, forge strong bonds with designers, architects and builders, and increase client satisfaction.

For years, finding a workable, sustainable recurring monthly revenue (RMR) model for the commercial AV industry has been akin to locating the Holy Grail. Uncovering that path to RMR and a services-focused approach to business is more important now than ever, in light of multiple market factors: Hardware margins continue to shrink, inflationary pressures pinch buyers and sellers alike, and labor costs (and, thus, overhead) are increasing. Our panel will offer actionable ideas to empower AV business owners to pivot toward services and boost their RMR far beyond single digits. Panelists Paul Metzheiser, managing partner with TAMCO; Jason Gago, manager of project engineering with Verrex; Shawn Hansson, CEO and founder of Logic Integration; and Steffan Ramage, vice president of sales and marketing with Pro-Tech Management, share firsthand perspective on approaches that work and those that don’t. You’ll leave with a better understanding of OpEx vs. CapEx and why integration profitability these days lies in thinking beyond high-dollar capital projects.

While many of the basic principles of marketing from the past still hold true, the mediums and tracking technologies, tools and analytics available to service providers of all sizes have advanced significantly. The digital age, along with changes in how customers and prospects interact with messaging, has turned it into a real science that emphasizes terms like funnels, nurturing leads and conversion rates. Not to worry, this interactive session will bring integrators up to speed on the latest techniques and best practices to cost-effectively market across today’s top platforms and social media.

One-on-one meetings are 15 minutes in duration and take place at the sponsor’s exhibit based on a schedule established in advance for sponsors and guests. There are 5-minute intervals between meetings. Sponsors are provided with detailed profile information for all guests they are meeting with, so all engagements are personalized. During the time slots guests are not scheduled for meetings, they can browse the exhibits freely.

Be prepared with laptop and tablet in hand as VITAL's Matt Bernath, one of the industry's leading consultants, takes attendees through a step-by-step process that will result in attendees developing a real, working financial plan for their company heading into 2023.

We’ve heard it so many times that it has become cliché: COVID-19 has forever changed how we live, work, learn and play. Amid all the tragedy of the pandemic, however, it has also catalyzed some good things — namely, it has proven once and for all that people can be equally (if not more) productive working remotely, and it has raised our collective consciousness about the importance of meeting equity. The latter, in short, refers to making sure that every meeting participant, no matter where they are, feels like they’re a full and equal part of the meeting. No second-class citizens…no forgotten people who can’t get a word in edgewise. Gary Sorrentino, CIO at Zoom, will offer a brief presentation in which he outlines best practices for meeting equity and the importance of achieving it. Then, he’ll oversee roundtable-style breakout discussions among attendees, where they can workshop ideas and compare notes. By the end of the session, every attendee should have a firmer idea of how to utilize technology to achieve inclusive meeting environments.

With the majority of states having legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use, a whole new vertical market with enormous opportunity has opened up for security systems integrators. This industry is projected to grow to retail sales of more than $52 billion by 2026. Growing facilities and dispensaries (cash-heavy environments) alike need video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and fire systems solutions - in fact, in many instances, they are required. Find out how to tap into this sector and cultivate loyal customers and long-term success.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

Boardrooms are 35 minute presentations conducted by sponsors that take place in convention center meeting rooms. Guests are divided into groups of 10–15 peers and are escorted to their sessions by a group leader. During these presentations, sponsors present on a variety of topics, including new products and the sales and profit opportunities they open up, new support or pricing programs that create a bottom-line impact for guests and product/technology road maps. Case studies on how design/build and/or tech integrators/contractors have successfully deployed sponsor products and services are common as well. Some companies take a focus group approach for part or all of the boardroom time slot, asking guests for feedback on products and programs under development.

One-on-one meetings are 15 minutes in duration and take place at the sponsor’s exhibit based on a schedule established in advance for sponsors and guests. There are 5-minute intervals between meetings. Sponsors are provided with detailed profile information for all guests they are meeting with, so all engagements are personalized. During the time slots guests are not scheduled for meetings, they can browse the exhibits freely.

Don't miss Part 2 with VITAL's Matt Bernath, one of the industry's leading consultants, as he takes attendees through a step-by-step process that will result in attendees developing a real, working financial plan for their company heading into 2023.

Although digital signage has been a hot topic in commercial AV circles for a couple decades now, its prominence has only risen in recent months. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many venues — from houses of worship to entertainment spaces — relied on digital signs to share health-and-hygiene messaging to keep visitors safe. And, amid the tragic active-shooter scenarios we’ve seen unfold in recent times, technology decision-makers are acutely aware of digital signage’s potential to make corporate and education campuses safer by transmitting information instantaneously in the event of an emergency. All of that’s not even to mention more “conventional” uses of digital signage for marketing, advertising and experiential immersion. These opportunities are especially ripe now that retailers and entertainment brands seek to use technology to lure people from the comfort of home. A panel of recognized digital signage experts, among whom will be Joe Michaels, vice president of new product development with Tebo, and Jason Ault, co-founder/COO with Coffman Media, will explore how your firm can seize the moment, utilizing digital signage to both benefit your client and reap meaningful revenue.

A clear-eyed, real-world dive into the hottest technologies that will ignite your excitement, imagination and lead your company into 2023 and the years ahead. Among the areas to be addressed are: • AI for predictive security & operational efficiencies • Everything connected IoT, IIoT & 5G • Cloud-based solutions and opportunities • The nexus of security & building management systems • Voice command & smart automation • Touchless access control & integrated solutions • Expanding into network & cybersecurity services • Video supplanting sensors & thermal imaging • Gunshot detection & preventative solutions • Biometrics & license plate recognition • Advances in wireless & radar applications • Surveillance drones & security robotics Indulge your inner tech geek by concluding your SSI Summit experience with visions of what these amazing breakthroughs could mean for your company.