For everyone in the public safety sector, please join us to gain insights into AVS-01 certification and its impact. Understand the UL Solutions certification process, learn best practices from industry experts, and assess your monitoring center’s readiness for UL AVS-01 Certification. This event is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed for effective preparation.
Here is the registration link: Registration
On March 18, 2025, members of the security industry will hear an impactful and personal assessment of the tragic and devasting wildfires upon the surrounding communities and offer the opportunity for interested industry stakeholders to discuss a potential role in the recovery efforts.
This program, co-presented by the Security Industry Association, the Electronic Security Association, PSA and The Monitoring Association, is developed for information purposes and to raise awareness of current recovery efforts that may involve security strategies; it is not intended to be a platform for any endorsement of specific security products or services.
Objectives:
Register at https://www.securityindustry.org/webinar/l-a-wildfires-securitys-role-in-the-recovery-and-rebuild/.
The agenda for the 2025 TMA Virtual Mid-Year Meeting (April 29–May 1, 2024) is under development and session proposals are sought on the industry’s most pressing topics. This 3-day event will focus on leadership and industry trends; technology and innovation; and operations and best practices, with sessions such as:
• Inspiring Leadership in a Changing World
• NextGen Leadership Training
• The Impact of Private Equity on the Monitoring Industry
• Practical Examples of AI in the Monitoring Center
• Emerging Technologies: Drones, Robotics, and Body Cameras
• Cybersecurity Best Practices for Monitoring Centers
• Monitoring Center Quality Assurance and Video Integration Processes
• Improving Efficiencies in Alarm and Video Processing
• Employee Engagement and Retention
If you have expertise or innovative ideas to contribute, we encourage you to submit a proposal. Together, let’s provide actionable insights and practical solutions for monitoring professionals.
For submission details and additional information, go to https://tma.us/education/speakers-smes/call-for-speakers/
Each year, TMA hosts a fundraiser to benefit a local charitable organization in conjunction with the TMA Annual Meeting. This year’s beneficiary is The WASH Foundation, an organization what aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations through increased access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). To accomplish its mission, The WASH Foundation works with partners to strengthen policies, governance, systems, infrastructure, financing, and health-seeking behaviors while empowering women and underserved communities. To date, we have helped serve over 15 million people in need globally.
To learn more about the work of The WASH Foundation, visit https://thewashfoundation.org/
To donate, scan this QR code, or visit the website. Important! If you donate on the website or use the QR code, select the amount that you would like to donate and complete your information. In the “Leave a Comment” section, add: TMA
All who donate are entered into a raffle for prizes! A drawing will be done on Wed., October 7th in the afternoon. You do not need to be present to win.
Q&A With Keynote Kevin Surace
QUESTION #1: In your keynote, “Harnessing AI: Unlocking New Possibilities for You and Your Business,” you’ll discuss how AI is reshaping industries. Without giving too much away, what are some of the most exciting practical applications of AI that businesses should be aware of right now?
From marketing to sales to customer support…AI changes everything. Create a year’s worth of interesting blog posts in a day. Train sales people with AI as the trainer. LLM backed chatbots can handle 90% or queries without human intervention. And much more.
QUESTION #2: You emphasize that it’s important for industry leaders to embrace AI as a tool for innovation and growth. What mindset shifts or strategies do you believe are crucial for leaders to successfully integrate AI into their organizations?
Trust is important and doesn’t come quickly. Productivity gain improvement is the gold standard to measure AI results.
QUESTION #3: As AI continues to evolve, how can organizations prepare their teams for these changes?
Educate and train. Try many technologies. Most won’t help you but the ones that do can be game changers.
Don’t miss a special, comprehensive session that is designed to unveil TMA’s new Level 3 Video Operator Training Program. Speakers Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems, and Bryan Broadhead, Radius Security, have tailored a presentation for professionals seeking to excel in the evolving landscape of video monitoring.
Through an engaging curriculum that spans from the basics of video monitoring systems to the intricate nuances of operational best practices, participants will be immersed in a learning experience that covers industry overview, camera systems, contemporary issues, and much more. This training not only addresses the technical skills required for effective video monitoring but also delves into the critical aspects of decision-making, communication, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on video monitoring centers. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to update your skills, this session will equip you with the knowledge and competencies needed to navigate the complexities of modern video surveillance with confidence and expertise.
Session Objective: Provide participants with a detailed overview of TMA’s latest online training program which offers practical knowledge of video monitoring, focusing on the development of skills essential for operational excellence, situational awareness, and the ethical handling of sensitive information. You will learn how Level 3 will leverage the nuances of video monitoring, teach best practices in camera operation, and the significance of cybersecurity and AI in the context of video surveillance.
Top Three Take-Aways:
Register to attend the 2024 TMA Mid-Year meeting at https://my.tma.us/ap/Events/Register/ZrnOREop. Early-bird rates end March 31st.
The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) President Morgan Hertel honored one of TMA’s volunteer members with the Mel Mahler Award, formerly known as the President’s Award on Mon., Nov. 6th during its General Business Meeting at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI. The Mel Mahler Award is presented at the discretion of the TMA president in recognition of outstanding contributions within his/her tenure. The 2023 Mel Mahler Award recipient is Mark McCall, global director of Operations, Immix Protect.
In presenting the 2023 Mel Mahler Award to McCall, President Hertel shared his personal and professional experience working closely with the awardee over the past 20 years. “I have great respect for Mark – both as a dedicated leader and colleague. Most recently, Mark chaired the development committee for the ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 standard. Without his guidance and expert stewardship, I am not certain that the standard would have been completed within the targeted timeline. He is a consummate professional. I am pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions to TMA.”
The Monitoring Association (TMA) had the distinct opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of Larry Dischert, LRD Consulting, on Mon., Nov. 6th during its General Business Meeting at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI. TMA President Morgan Hertel presented the respected and esteemed volunteer with TMA’s highest honor, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award.
The Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, established in 1991 to honor its namesake, a dedicated leader and past president, recognizes exceptional long-term leadership and support. In presenting the award to Dischert, TMA President Morgan Hertel shared, “In our industry, there is a whole subset of individuals who work tirelessly, doing the lion share of the work with little or no public recognition. This year’s Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award winner is one example of those that have been working in the background for many years. Over the course of five decades, his contributions to standards development within the security and monitoring industries have been immeasurable.”
From a blank piece of paper and assistance from a few industry peers, Dischert initiated the creation and development of UL1981 Central-Station Automation Systems and has since contributed to many UL standards. From an emphasis on the continuous maturation of UL1981 and UL827, he became a key contributor to UL STP 205 and its sub parts for all equipment and installation standards that impact the safe reliable operation of a monitoring center.
Most recently, Dischert’s involvement includes, but is not limited to, extensive work with TMA CS-V-01 Alarm Confirmation, Verification and Notification Procedures, and ANSI/TMA AVS-01 2023 Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS) Standard with the mission to increase the value of the Central Station service by greatly reducing or eliminating false dispatches.
“I can’t thank the TMA and industry leaders enough, for this recognition,” stated Dischert. “I’ve put 50 years of my life into this arena and have gotten much in return. And this rounds it out very nicely. Again, thanks.”
We have received several inquiries in recent days as to the state of our 2023 Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to take place on the island of Maui, Nov. 4-8th. With all communications down in the area, we have not been able to connect with our contacts at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, our host hotel. We have reached out to the Ritz Carlton main offices and requested any information that is available but have yet to receive a reply. Therefore, we have not made any decisions at this point.
As you can imagine, we remain in a holding pattern as of today. Once we receive word from the Ritz Carlton, the Board of Directors and staff will evaluate our options and decide how to best proceed based on the information provided to us.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you informed as to the status of the host hotel, its property, and the surrounding areas as we learn more in the coming days and weeks.
Until then, please keep the people of Maui in your prayers.
As in years past, TMA will select a local charity for Annual Meeting attendees to support. The names of those who donate are entered into a raffle for a prize. We are currently researching local Maui charities for this year.
Considering the urgent and overwhelming need for aid in Maui today, we have identified several organizations that you may consider donating to prior to the meeting below.
TMA members donated over $5,000 to local Marco Island charity – My Daily Bread – on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd. Funds were raised in conjunction with TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, which took place at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, October 30-November 2.
The donation combines individual donations, as we well as donations of prize funds from the Halloween Costume Contest and the raffle.
Our Daily Bread Executive Director Amanda Nelson accepted the donation from TMA president Morgan Hertel and CEO Celia T. Besore during the meeting general session.
The charity provides weekend groceries for students and families in the Marco Island community. The need for food has increased significantly within recent weeks as a result of Hurricane Ian.
