PSA Security Network (PSA), the world’s largest security cooperative, hosted its annual convention at the JW Marriott in Cancun. This opportunity directly connects PSA members with other owners and executives of PSA member companies, as well as with key contacts from vendor partners. A record number of members, and representatives from supplier companies, took advantage of the opportunity to collaborate and network with the best in the business during the October 16-21, 2008 event.

“The Convention was organized in a way that I had plenty of time to spend with other owners sharing tips to get through these economically uncertain times,” says George Cote, president of Star Asset Security. “PSA also provided much-needed time to enjoy Cancun and foster friendships with other company representatives. Overall, it was a successful Convention with just the right balance of business and fun.”

Each year PSA delivers top-notch speakers who provide high-impact, relevant training for Convention attendees. This year was no exception with Patrick Thean, president of Gazelles Systems, sharing Rockefeller habits and best practices. Members also benefited from the State of the Industry address by Bill Bozeman where he spoke on trends and changes that directly impact security integrators.

Sponsors of the 2008 Convention consisted of a mix of long-standing supporters Altronix, AMAG, Bosch, CSC, Dedicated Micros, deView, GE Security, HID, IR Security Technologies, Pelco, and TransTech Systems, as well as newer sponsors Comnet, Paige, and Pegasus Products. Sponsors have the opportunity to interact with smaller groups of members during the daily tour activities and evening events.

“Our supplier partners are integral to the success of our events and our company as a whole,” says Bill Bozeman, president and chief executive officer of PSA Security Network. “We provide great returns on their investment in PSA and have structured our annual convention to give them quality time with the decision makers of our member companies. Typically, sponsors of PSA programs enjoy more than double the annual sales increase of non-sponsors.”

PSA honored member companies during the President’s Award Dinner. Genesis Integration walked away with three awards this year including the coveted Top Overall Increase award. They also received Top Purchaser – Western region and Top Increase – Western region. Red Hawk was honored with the Top Overall Purchaser award. Regional Top Purchaser awards were presented to Pass Security – Central region, Videotec – Midwest region, Advanced Control Concepts – Southern region, and Red Hawk – Northeast region.

Top Increase awards by region went to Associated Engineered Systems – Central region, Camtronics – Midwest region, Condortech Services – Southern region, and Reliable Communication Systems – Northeast region. Excellence Awards were also given to members serving on the National Accounts and Leadership committees. The Paul Marcus award recognizing outstanding service to PSA was awarded to Tracey Hups, director of marketing and customer relations for PSA.

“As we evaluated candidates, it became obvious to the board that Tracey, PSA’s longest-tenured employee, met all the criteria of a Paul Marcus award winner,” says Mike Kobelin, vice-chairman of the board. “Tracey has worn multiple hats at PSA, including secretary of the board, and director of marketing and customer relations, leading the marketing and customer service departments through reorganizations and transformations. PSA and its membership has benefited directly from the changes and new implementations she has led”

The PSA^® 2009 Convention will be held October 23 - 27, 2009 at the Frenchman's Reef (Marriott) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.