How to Make the Most Out of Security Industry Events: 3 Tips for Access Control Professionals
- ProdataKey
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Physical security industry events can take various shapes and forms–some last a few hours, others last multiple days; some involve thousands of attendees, while others involve only a few dozen. While industry events can look different, they all exist to accomplish a few common goals: to educate attendees and help integrate them into a connected network of security professionals.
ProdataKey (PDK) is proud to take part in many industry events–like ISC East and West, TEKFest, IML Expo, and many more–alongside hosting the ProConnect Roadshow, PDK’s own series of unique partner appreciation events taking place nationwide.
If you want to attend a ProConnect Roadshow in 2025, check out our Upcoming Events page!
Here at PDK, we want all of our partners to be able to have the best experiences possible at important events like this–that’s why we’re sharing our top three pieces of advice to help you make the most out of any industry event.
Go Into Every Security
Event With a Plan
With physical security conferences and industry events typically spanning multiple days and involving a variety of activities, it’s important for attendees to approach an event with clearly defined intentions.
“I would always recommend going into an event like the IML Expo with an understanding of what the offerings are. And always make sure that you have a game plan, because if you’re just winging it, you could get easily overwhelmed,”
Donny Cox - Intermountain Lock and Security Systems Marketing Director, host of IML Expo
Prior to an event, it is useful to get yourself acquainted with who will be there and what will be happening. This will allow you to figure out exactly how you want to spend your time at the event. Whether you are hoping to talk to a specific manufacturer, attend a certain training, or just wander around an exhibition hall–making a plan will help you to achieve this.
Make Connections and
Expand Your Network
Industry events generate opportunities for attendees to get to know each other and interact face-to-face. And with large industry events typically attracting attendees from all over the country, dedicating time to networking and making connections is a key way to make the most out of an event.
“People that are coming to TEKFest are flying in from all over the United States, and all of this networking and the ability to connect with people, especially people from all over the country, is absolutely huge,” explains Ray Cline, President and Co-Founder of TEKnowledge Worldwide, host of TEKFest. By attending an industry event, you are not only becoming a part of a local network, but you are getting integrated into a much larger community of professionals.
When it comes to making connections at these events, Ray suggests that attendees bring unique materials to help make an impression. “If you're going to a trade show or event, you should bring more than a business card. Instead, find something cool to give out that allows you to stand out, like hats or stickers.”
By bringing materials to help you make a lasting impression, you may have an easier time developing strong professional connections.
Industry events prioritize creating a space for communities to strengthen and grow–so embracing these opportunities and finding ways to connect and be memorable will allow you to get the most out of these security events.
Participate in Physical Security Classes and Trainings
The final tip for getting the most out of a security industry event is to participate in as many learning opportunities as possible. “These events involve lots of hands-on learning,” Ray explains, “with the intention of upping the skills of each of the attendees.” These educational activities can take many different forms. You could listen to talks from industry experts, get hands-on wiring and installation training, attend marketing workshops, and more. You can even get official PDK certification at events like TEKFest and ProConnect!
“We can go ahead and make a full scenario there in the classroom from start to finish,” IML’s Donny explains, “so they can get that full experience with hands-on wiring, installing mag-locks, getting on networks, or anything else they need to do before going out in the field.”
Donny Cox - Intermountain Lock and Security Systems Marketing Director
By learning these skills in a controlled, supervised environment, you can approach your own projects and installs with greater confidence and knowledge. So if you want to improve your own security business and projects, taking part in educational opportunities at industry events is essential.
Expanding Your Knowledge and Network, One Physical Security Event at a Time
With countless physical security events taking place year-round, we encourage any and all of our ProdataKey partners to attend an event near you. These industry events provide unique opportunities to grow your business, community network, and personal skills. And if you follow the three tips we’ve given you here, you’re guaranteed to make the most out of any event you attend.
The ProConnect Roadshow is a special partner appreciation and network event designed to bring together local integrators, distributors, and top manufacturers. This event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your knowledge and build valuable connections with new and familiar security professionals.