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Winter Convention 2024

The George A. Weinstock Award

Honoring the 2024 CAA George Weinstock Award Recipient - Kirk MacDowell

Kirk MacDowell

About Kirk MacDowell

Business leader and 44-year security industry veteran, Kirk MacDowell is the founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors. Bringing insight from his time at industry innovator Alarm.com, top Fortune 100 manufacturers General Electric and United Technologies, a top 50 SDM integrator, and his own electronic security firm, Kirk now offers guidance on how to innovate, transform, and compete in today’s ever-changing electronic security landscape.

MacGuard offers several consulting services including business strategies, strategic growth initiatives, M&A, builder development services, acquisition analysis, SWOT evaluation, and customer satisfaction surveys.

Schedule of Events

Industry Workshops, Exhibitions & Food / Beverage

exhibits-reception
8:00 am - 5:00 P.M.

Vendor Set Up
ROOM - Main Ballroom

buiness-meeting
11:00 A.M.. – 2:00 P.M.

WBFAA - UATC Committee Meeting
ROOM - Fountain Room

(Open Meeting)

meeting-2
1:00 P.M. – 2 p.m

Regional Chapter President’s Meeting (closed door) ROOM: Far East Room (Mezzanine)

(Closed meeting)

meeting-2
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m

CAA Board Meeting
- Room: California Room (Mezzanine)

(OPEN DOOR)

buiness-meeting
5:45 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Vendor Meeting
ROOM - Main Ballroom

reception
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
ROOM: Main Ballroom

Sales-Excellence-Training
8:00am - 5:00pm

Vendor Exhibition
ROOM: Main Ballroom

meeting-2
8:30 - 11:30am

CAFAA General Meeting
ROOM: French Room

board-meeting
9:00 a.m. –10:15 a.m.

Harvey Eisenstadt Sales Symposium
Room: Venetian Room

Speakers: Tracy Larson/President of WeSuite & Dean Belisle, DMP
Moderated by Rich Whitlock, Farpointe Data

board-meeting
10:30 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Run Your Business with Value in Mind - Hunt Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Kelly Bond with Davis Mergers and Acquisitions

This session focuses on guiding business owners and managers to make decisions centered on value creation. Rather than prioritizing short-term gains, it emphasizes sustainable growth through value-oriented strategies that build business efficiencies, customer loyalty, and enhance long-term profitability.

Sales-Excellence-Training
10:30 A.M. –11:15 A.M.

New Laws (Labor and Employment) Affecting Security Companies - Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp - International Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Jeremy Mittman
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

video-analytics
10:30 A.M. –11:15 A.M.

Advanced Video Security Solutions: Making Informed Choices in the AI Era - ROOM: California Room

Speaker: Deanna Blair, SightLogix

Modern security demands have evolved beyond simple video surveillance into intelligent detection systems that can proactively identify and respond to threats. This session explores the cutting-edge technologies transforming video security and helps security professionals make informed decisions for their clients.
 
Participants will learn to:
  • Evaluate different video surveillance technologies and their applications
  • Understand the integration of AI and thermal imaging in modern security systems
  • Compare detection accuracy and false alarm rates across different solutions
  • Assess the total cost of ownership for various security configurations
  • Partner effectively with central monitoring stations
lunch
11:30 A.M. – 12:50 p.m.

The Future of Emergency Response: Faster, Smarter, Safer
Sponsored by BluePoint Alert Solutions
Sponsor Luncheon
ROOM: Terrace Room

Explore the world of emergency response with insights from a panel of industry experts. This session will examine the shifting nature of incidents, the latest in detection technologies, adherence to California SB 533, and the future of national 911 standards. Attendees will explore the challenges and opportunities driving rapid emergency response, along with strategies for managing compliance and embracing innovation.

Moderator – George DeMarco

Panel Members
First Responder - James Kruger C.P.C.(Chief of Police Ret)
Technology / TMA - Wes Usie Founder and President CHeKT
CAA Central Station AVS-01 - Open
Legislation - Trent Smith Partner, Edelstein, Gilbert, Robson and Smith

business-customers
1:00 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.

How To Engage Customers with Ai Technology
ROOM: California Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Chris Haun, Turing AI
salesman
1:00 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.

One Device, Three Cellular Carriers: Harnessing the Power of Multi Carrier Technology for Commercial Fire Applications
ROOM: Far East Room

Speakers: Daniel Rosales, Telguard/Ametek

business-customers
1:00 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.

Tales from the Trenches - ROOM: Hunt Room (Mezzanine)

Speakers: - Lilianne Chaumont, Chaumont Law Inc. and Larry St. John, Eclipse Insurance
 
Hear first-hand reports of developing trends in liability and risk management from CAA committee chairs Lilianne G. Chaumont, Esq. and Larry St John, CIC, CRM, as they provide updates from their legal and insurance practices on protecting the alarm industry.  Program highlights include, “Avoid Making Promises You Can’t Keep”, and “New CSLB Insurance Requirements for 2025".
video-analytics
2 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

Ai Enabled VMS Built for Users
California Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Robert Stoddard and Digital Watchdog

leadership
2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

Using Cellular and Apps to keep current, sell more, and close more business
ROOM: International Room (Mezzanine)

Speakers: Dean Belisle, DMP and Jeff Spatz, DMP

Wise Committee Meeting
2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

WISE Meeting
Room: Hunt Room

Moderator: Cathy Rempel

radio-frequency
2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

The Use of Frequencies in the 450-470 MHz Band
Room: Far East Room

Speaker: Lou Fiore

Louis Fiore is the Frequency Coordinator for The Monitoring Association (TMA).

 
Will discuss the use of 450 to 470 MHz frequencies for listed companies in the alarm industry and the tools in how to make it happen.  Frequency coordination is the technical exchange of planned spectrum or radio frequency use by authorized operators when designing or operating a radio network.
exhibits-reception
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Essential Leadership Qualities: Building a Company Where Employees Thrive
ROOM: California Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Audrey Pierson, Audrey Pierson Consulting

Discover the leadership principles that set top-performing alarm companies and integrators apart! In this presentation, we’ll explore the essential qualities that make your business a place where employees want to work and stay. Learn how to foster a culture of trust, growth, and inclusivity while reducing turnover and boosting team morale. Packed with actionable insights, this session will help you develop leadership strategies that attract top talent, drive employee loyalty, and create a thriving workplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership game and your company’s success!

customer-service
3:00 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.

Optimize remote video monitoring with AI
Hunt Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: James Reno, Alarm.com

Join Alarm.com’s Vice President of Commercial Sales, James Reno, for an in-depth look into the future of remote video monitoring. Learn how Alarm.com’s AI Deterrence services can enhance your business’s security measures and optimize its monitoring capabilities.

residential-security
3:00 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.

New Concepts in Residential Security
ROOM: International Room

Speaker:  Duane Warehime, NAPCO

The primary goal of the seminar is to enlighten dealers about the new residential market and opportunities for professional companies. We would show dealers skeptical of these market changes how they too can participate successfully. We would discuss the importance of RMR and show them how new accounts can be produced at very low creation costs building greater value and profits.

We would stress how residential security sales have changed, how end users have adapted to the new paradigm, how national advertising has influenced product adoption and how the market has grown significantly as a result.

We would note how the concept of a “security system" has expanded from “smart home” to a “connected home” with end users demanding access to video, environmental control, access and security all through the use of a single app on their phone.

We would discuss the different types of installs in use today: Do It Yourself, Do It With Me, Salesperson install and Professional install. We would mention lead/sales generation ideas like tele-sales, internet marketing, door knocking, & more!

workplace
3 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.

WBFAA presents new CALeFORMS project
ROOM: Far East Room

Speakers:  Chris & Connie Moorhead, Ron Lander and Dan VanHart, WBFAA
customer-service
4:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.

If you believe it is all about Ai, think again!
ROOM: International Room (Mezzanine)

Speakers:  Kirk MacDowell and Joy Curtiss, MacGuard
business-security
4:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.

The New Complete Video Alarm Solution
Hunt Room (Mezzanine)

Speaker: Tommie Van Fossen, Optex, CHeKT
virtual-exhibit-hall
4:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.

IQ Pro
ROOM: California Room

Speaker: Michelle Chesnut, Sr. Strategic Account Manager, DSC/Qolsys/Johnson Controls 
 
Panelists: Nicole Swartwout, iWired & Alex Montenero, Consultant
exhibits-reception
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Vendor & Sponsor Reception -
ROOM: Main Ballroom

Gather for hosted cocktail reception and taste of San Francisco while you view the leading products and services from our exhibitors.

board-meetign-open
8:15 A.M. - 10:15 A.M

CAA General Session
ROOM: Main Ballroom

buiness-meeting
10:15 A.M. - 10:30 A.M

Coffee & Exhibits
ROOM: Main Ballroom

awards
10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Keynote Speaker
ROOM: Main Ballroom

Speaker: Alex Pachikov, CEO
Sunflower Labs

In this keynote, Alex will share his experiences in developing cutting-edge robotics systems, focusing on the technologies that have genuinely made a difference—and those that, despite the hype, remain little more than gimmicks. Join us as Alex delves into the realities of AI in robotics and uncovers what it truly takes to build systems that matter.

ladies-luncheon
11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

CAA Spouses Luncheon
ROOM: Hunt Room (Mezzanine)

lunch
12:00 P.M. - 1:15 P.M.

LUNCHEON & EXHIBITS
ROOM: Main Ballroom

exhibits-reception
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Executive Symposium: Insights on the Current Landscape and Emerging Trends in Electronic Security, Fire/Life Safety, and Custom Electronics
ROOM: Main Ballroom

Moderated by: George De Marco, DECO Ventures

Participants: Elizabeth Parks, Parks & Associates, Daniel Reichman, Ph.D. CEO, Ai-RGUS, Wes Usie, CHeKT

The Executive Symposium provides a platform for senior executives from top industry and technology companies to share their insights on the current landscape and emerging trends in electronic security, fire/life safety, and custom electronics. Panelists, who are leaders in their respective fields, will offer a strategic overview of the opportunities and challenges facing systems integrators, traditional alarm dealers, and monitoring companies, giving attendees a comprehensive understanding of what lies ahead for the industry.

 
 
 
resideo
3:15 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Staying Competitive in the Alarm Industry through Strategic Outsourcing - Results you can expect!
ROOM: French Room

Speaker: Jerry Finnegan, FSSI
video-analytics
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Video Monitoring Today, Central Station Panel Discussion, Remote Guarding Leader Tells How Tech & Tactics Can Take Your Video Monitoring to the Top

Moderated by Kirk MacDowell with: Scott Blakeman, Elite Interactive Solutions, and Richard Niven, Former law enforcement officer and video monitoring authority
 
CONNECTED
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Emphasizing the importance of the partnership and communication between Fire and installing companies
ROOM: Hunt Room

Speaker: Ken Kwong, Sacramento Fire Department
dollar-signs
4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Elevate Your Company's Value by Enhancing Sales and Profitability
ROOM: Fountain Room

Ian Arquero, Resideo
 
Discover effective strategies to increase product and service sales to your customers. Join us for insights on how your sales team, technicians, and service professionals can sell additional products and services.
emergency
4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Partnering with 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Centers to Improve emergency-response outcomes through TMA's Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) Service
ROOM: French Room

Speaker: Bill Toth, ASAP Implementation and Support Director, Mission Critical Partners

 
Abstract: Every year, as many as 50 million calls generated by commercial and residential alarm systems reach emergency communications centers (ECC), which slows emergency response and places tremendous stress on tele-communicators. This is a very big problem for the 9-1-1 community. Join this session to learn about a highly effective solution which already exists for overcoming it — the ASAP Service, which is based on the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol jointly developed by APCO and The Monitoring Association (TMA).  TMA is planning the next-generation solution that will allow for real-time sharing of rich data, such as camera video streams, live location, photos, and interior blueprints, to dramatically improve situational awareness for emergency responders.
board-meeting
4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Title: How service agreements improve the profitability, customer satisfaction and loyalty.
ROOM: Hunt Room

Speaker: Matthew Tomao, Service Level Advisers

Weinstock 2024 Kirk MacDowell
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

CAA Tribute Dinner Honoring Kirk MacDowell
2024 Weinstock Recipient
(Black Tie Optional) Room: VENETIAN ROOM

Buffett-breakfast
8:50 a.m. – 10 a.m

Breakfast & Industry Incorrect
ROOM: Crown Room (Tower)

An informal discussion reviewing the news from the convention and perspective from all aspects of the industry by a diverse panel.

Speakers: Lessing Gold, Esq., Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp