Electronic Security Association (ESA) takes sole ownership of ESX show

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced it has taken full ownership of the annual Electronic Security Expo (ESX), which it has co-owned with The Monitoring Association (TMA) since the event’s inception in 2008.

“As a previous co-owner of ESX, ESA has now acquired full ownership of the industry’s only national tradeshow developed by and for the pro-installed community,” new ESA President Jamie Vos said in a statement. “While it has certainly been a tough year for in-person events, the ESA sees the value that ESX delivers each year to the pro-installed electronic security and life safety industry. ESX is a place where you can feel the heartbeat of the industry, and there’s never been a more appropriate driver of this than ESA.”

Late last week, in an email obtained by Security Business magazine, TMA informed its members that it would no longer be affiliated with ESX.

“As TMA is no longer affiliated with the ESX event, we are returning to our previous format, launching a virtual three-day Mid-Year Meeting on April 20-22 to meet our member education needs,” the email says. “The great news is that we will have much more control over the content that we offer and sponsorship opportunities. Please spread the word to your network that we are looking for subject matter experts to share their expertise and experiences.”

Originally in 2008, the ESA (then the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association - NBFAA) – and TMA (then the Central Station Alarm Association - CSAA) formed a joint venture to own and produce ESX, which debuted in Nashville.

According to the statement, “ESA is committed to continuing to deliver an annual industry experience, where teams from across the nation can roll up their sleeves, learn more, share more and interact more.

Dealers, integrators and monitoring professionals will have access to quality educational programming, driven by peers who will share real-world advice. Industry vendors can still expect a targeted expo floor, where quality conversations that focus on merchandising, installation and profit margins can be had with decision makers and influencers.”

“There are a lot of passionate security professionals who rely on the content shared at ESX to develop their business strategies,” ESX Chairman George De Marco said. “We are excited to see ESA’s plans unfold as it takes the show to the next level.”

As the industry’s largest and longest non-profit association serving the pro-installed channel, ESA will continue to use profits from ESX to fund legislative efforts, educational programming and more.

ESX 2020, originally scheduled for June 9-12, 2020, in Nashville, was canceled due to COVID-19. There is still no word on how ESX 2021, scheduled for June 15-18 in Louisville, Ky., will be handled. For more information on ESX, visit esxweb.com.

Paul Rothman is Editor in Chief of Security Business magazine. Access the issue archives and subscribe at www.securitybusinessmag.com  and follow us on linkedin (www.linkedin.com/company/security-business-magazine) and Twitter, @SecBusinessMag.