Join TMA’s NextGen Spring 2026 Empowering Leadership Series Webinar

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TMA’s NextGen Committee invites you to join our Spring 2026 session in the Empowering Leadership Series on Thursday, May 28, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM ET.

Open to all TMA members, this engaging session will feature Christine Brideau, Edmonton Station Manager at Armstrongs, a Becklar Company, as she explores key leadership concepts from Simon Sinek’s bestselling book, Leaders Eat Last.

Drawing from her professional experience in the monitoring, safety, and security industry, Christine will share practical insights on:

  • Building trust within teams
  • Creating a strong workplace culture
  • Supporting and empowering employees
  • Leading with purpose in high-responsibility environments

The session will begin with a brief presentation followed by Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to share perspectives, ask questions, and connect with fellow industry professionals.

Whether you are an emerging leader or an experienced professional, this conversation will provide valuable leadership takeaways that can be applied across all areas of the industry.

Register at https://themonitoringassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/lzF2eKmsjC5Cw

Note: It is not necessary to read Leaders Eat Last before the session in order to participate or benefit from the discussion.

We hope you will join us for this insightful and interactive conversation.

Latest News on NextNav Petition to the FCC Focus of SIA Webinar, May 11th

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The lower 900 MHz band (902-928 MHz) is used by millions of Part 15 low-power, radio frequency security and life safety devices such as consumer electronics and appliances, wireless alarm systems, smart home equipment, electronic access control devices and others essential for protecting homes, small businesses and critical infrastructure. A monopolistic proposal from a single company before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks to reallocate portions of this band of spectrum for an exclusive license and remove an FCC rule that has protected Part 15 devices from harmful interference and preserved this ecosystem for decades. The Security Industry Association (SIA) and numerous other public safety organizations are opposing this proposal and are fighting it on Capitol Hill.

Join this webinar presented by SIA to learn about the proposal, get an update on where our advocacy efforts stand and discuss the impacts on the security industry devices that communicate in the spectrum.

Panelists will share:

  • An overview of the petition and where it stands today
  • A look at our technical analysis of how this will impact devices in the band
  • A snapshot of SIA’s advocacy on the issue
  • What you can do to help protect this band for security products and services

Speakers:

Jake Parker, senior director of government relations, SIA

Lauren Bresette, senior manager of government relations, SIA

Date: May 11, 2026, 1:00 PM/ET

REGISTER 

 

UL Solutions Host Webinar on AVS-01 Certification, March 26

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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

 

 

L.A. Wildfires: Security’s Role in the Recovery and Rebuild

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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:

  • Present an overview of how the impacted communities have begun to organize and develop rebuilding strategies
  • Understand current and near-term security and life safety needs
  • Discuss how security may be part of the infrastructure and rebuilding strategy
  • Receive information about relevant first responder engagement and planning

Intended Outcome:

  • To educate the industry about the current recovery plan and to begin a process for companies to contemplate potential involvement in such efforts

Featured Speakers:

  • Michael Zatulov, president, Elite Interactive Solutions, and co-organizer of the Palisades Rebuild group with 2,000+ members including residents, businesses, contractors, officials and agencies
  • Tom Stone, Los Angeles Police Department sergeant II, Metro Division, 26-year veteran; former U.S. Army sergeant major
  • Mitch Tavera, Palisades Rebuild member; ex-police chief (39 years with El Segundo, California, Police Department)

Moderated by:

  • Geoff Kohl, senior director of marketing, Security Industry Association

Register at https://www.securityindustry.org/webinar/l-a-wildfires-securitys-role-in-the-recovery-and-rebuild/.

Speakers Sought for 2025 TMAs Virtual Mid-Year Meeting

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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/

The WASH Foundation Identified as TMA Annual Meeting Beneficiary

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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.

Enter TMA's 2026 Awards with a deadline of April 3, 2026.

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

Enter TMA's 2026 Awards with a deadline of April 3, 2026.

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.

TMA Annual Meeting Keynote to Address Impact of AI on Businesses

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Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.

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.

 

Get a sneak peek at TMA’s new Level 3 Video Operator Training Program at the Mid-Year Meeting

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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:

  1.  Foundational to Advanced Knowledge of Video Monitoring: See how Level 3 will help operators gain a holistic understanding of video monitoring systems, including types of monitoring, camera systems, the monitoring process, and best practices for surveillance operations, ensuring a solid foundation for excellence in video surveillance roles.
  2.  Critical Operational Skills: See how the Level 3 course will focus on key operational competencies, such as situational awareness, observational skills, threat assessment, effective communication, and decision-making, vital for enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors in the monitoring process.
  3.   Ethical, Legal, and Technological Considerations: Understand the importance of confidentiality, privacy considerations, cybersecurity threats, and the role of AI in enhancing video monitoring operations, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the legal and ethical responsibilities of a video monitoring operator.

Register to attend the 2024 TMA Mid-Year meeting at https://my.tma.us/ap/Events/Register/ZrnOREop. Early-bird rates end March 31st.

TMA Presents 2023 Mel Mahler Award to Mark McCall, Immix Protect

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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.â€

View Acceptance Message

Longtime Security Industry Contributor Dischert Honored with Top TMA Award, Nov. 7th

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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.â€

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.â€

VIEW DISCHERT’S ACCEPTANCE REMARKS