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.”

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.”

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.”

VIEW DISCHERT’S ACCEPTANCE REMARKS

The latest news on TMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui

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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 Contribute Over $5k to Local Florida Charity

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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.

Halloween Comes to Marco Island!

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Be prepared for a spooktacular night on Monday, October 31st when Halloween comes to Marco Island with TMA’s most fun theme night event – Full Moon – Black Sea. Enjoy cocktails with fellow attendees followed by a vast Gulf Coast Food Festival Buffet, all in a festive Halloween setting on Palm’s Beach.

Once the sun has set, the full moon has risen and the sea has turned black as ink, the party will move indoors for drinks, desserts and coffee in a haunted setting where the ghosts of Marco Island’s past will party among you on this All Hallows’ Eve.  Enjoy a drink and let the spirits move you as you dance to the sounds of the high-energy, 8-piece, Brett Foreman Band, who have become a household name at venues throughout the state of Florida. This is sure to be a fun and memorable experience that will be the talk of the Tuesday morning breakfasts.

Don’t forget a costume!  Reveal your creative inner self. Will your costume be: fun, daring, spooky, historic, evil, or out-of-this-world?

Two $100 gift certificates will be awarded to the best costumed attendees as chosen by a secret panel of peer judges.

For complete details on TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, go to http://tma.us/events/2022-annual-meeting/.

SimpliSafe®, Inc. Chief Architect to Keynote TMA’s 2022 OPSTech

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TMA is pleased to announce Rob Raisch, Chief Architect, Monitoring Integration, SimpliSafe, Inc., will deliver the keynote address for the Technology track of TMA’s 2022 OPSTech on Thurs., September 15th at 9:00AM ET. He will discuss emerging trends in the market including general best practices and some of the work SimpliSafe has been doing in the area.

“The primary goal of TMA’s OPSTech meeting is to provide frontline monitoring center professionals with proven and actionable information, insights, and strategies, to take their monitoring centers to new levels of efficiency and effectiveness,” stated TMA President Morgan Hertel. “There is no question that SimpliSafe has demonstrated remarkable innovation and introduced a whole new model for home security protection. I am confident Mr. Raisch’s comments will both inspire and empower our attendees to rethink their approach to business and leverage new market opportunities.”

Go to http://tma.us/events/2022-ops-tech/ for detailed meeting information, including program agenda, hotel reservations, and registration. The early-bird registration discount has been extended to Aug. 15th for TMA members-only.

Renowned Futurist to Keynote TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce acclaimed global futurist, speaker, and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will deliver the keynote address at its 2022 Annual Meeting on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:00AM ET. The meeting will take place in-person at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, October 29-November 2, 2022.

“As business leaders, what could be more valuable than to have access to the insights of someone who can see into the future? How much more effective and productive could our organizations be? What could we achieve?” asked TMA President Morgan Hertel. “While Jack will share with his insights on leading innovation trends, he will more importantly convey the significant role that both our mind and our heart play in transforming our businesses in preparation for greater success. I am confident that Jack will inspire, energize, and enlighten our meeting attendees like no other.”

Uldrich is highly regarded as a keynote speaker. His authoritative speeches on future trends; emerging technologies; innovation, change emerging technologies, change management; and leadership are filled with knowledge, insight, and creativity. He provides provocative new perspectives on competitive advantage, change management, and transformational leadership. He calls to light the advantages of being creative and using the powers of individual imagination.

Go to http://tma.us/events/2022-annual-meeting/ for detailed meeting information, including program agenda, hotel accommodations, and registration.