That’s a Wrap on PSA TEC 2026!
PSA TEC 2026 was held in Denver, Colorado, April 21 - 24. This year’s event connected security professionals at every level through valuable networking opportunities, educational sessions and workshops, technology certifications and engaging panels that explored the future of the industry and offered professional development. PSA welcomed the 2026 class of TEC Fellows along with introducing the College Outreach Breakfast, both aiming to accelerate the careers of rising leaders in the security industry through peer networking and education on career development.
New this year, PSA hosted the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) Technician Excellence Awards, recognizing security technicians in the network who exude outstanding customer service, impact and innovation and technical excellence. Likewise, TEC 2026 featured the new Integrators Unplugged series, where PSA executives invited leaders from our integrator companies to join the main stage for candid conversations regarding business development, learning experiences and wins that all contributed to the ultimate success of their organization. The event hosted an astounding 600+ attendees representing 118 of PSA’s most progressive owner and member companies and 54 technology sponsors. Thank you to the sponsors, speakers and attendees who participated to make it a successful TEC 2026!
Mark your calendars! TEC 2027 is headed back to Denver in April at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.
HIGHLIGHTS
Relive your TEC 2026 experience, or see what you missed in our highlight reel below!
EDUCATION RECAP
The PSA TEC 2026 education program delivered four days of strategically curated learning experiences designed around the evolving needs of today’s security industry and the professionals driving it forward. From executive leaders and people managers to technicians, sales teams, marketers and emerging talent, attendees explored immersive workshops, leadership roundtables, breakout sessions and hands-on certifications focused on AI, operations, workforce development, business strategy and technical excellence.
PSA Senior Director of Learning & Marketing Brooke Erickson
“Attendees consistently told us they wanted more immersive learning experiences like our 180-minute workshops and leadership roundtables because they created space for deeper conversations and real-world problem solving,” said Brooke Erickson, PSA senior director of learning and marketing. “One of the most valuable parts of TEC is hearing directly from our owners and members about what they need next. This year, 93% of Shareholder Meeting attendees identified customer service training for technicians as a priority, alongside more flexible certification opportunities both in person and virtually. That feedback is directly shaping what comes next, including the launch of the PSA Technician Bootcamp. We listen, we curate and we continue building education experiences that move the industry forward.”
On the Main Stage
Keynote - Soundtracks: How the Best Teams Overcome Overthinking to Navigate Change, Increase Productivity and Win Consistently
On day two, Jon Acuff, an INC Top 100 Leadership Speaker and New York Times bestselling author, took the stage to present Soundtracks: How the Best Teams Overcome Overthinking to Navigate Change, Increase Productivity and Win Consistently. During his session, Jon challenged attendees to rethink the stories they tell themselves, replace overthinking with action and embrace momentum over hesitation. His key message was simple but powerful: don’t wait.
State of the Industry: Trends, Challenges & What’s Next for Security Integration
This year's State of the Industry brought together panelists Alper Cetingok, Don Erickson, John Petruzzi and Heather Torrey to discuss insights into the security industry. The group gave insight into the current and projected economic landscape for security integration, shifting business models, talent strategies and market consolidation trends, offering a strategic lens on how PSA members can stay ahead in the evolving industry.
PSA President & CEO Matt Barnette, Raymond James Senior Managing Director Alper Cetingok, SIA CEO Don Erickson, Unlimited Technology CEO John Petruzzi, Honeywell General Manager of Commercial Security Heather Torrey
Integrators Unplugged
New this year, PSA welcomed three elite integrators to the main stage for Integrators Unplugged, candid conversations exploring their journeys through the security industry. From overcoming challenges and navigating course corrections to celebrating organizational successes, the sessions offered attendees an honest look at the lessons, resilience and leadership behind long-term growth.
PSA CEO & President Matt Barnette, Tech Systems CEO & President Wayne Smith, Tech Systems Owner Darryl Keeler
PSA President & CEO Matt Barnette, Northland Controls CEO Pierre Trapanese
PSA CXO Candice Aragon, Preferred Technologies President Shaun Castillo
Women in Security Forum (WISF) Lunch: Trailblazers & Change-Makers
During the Women in Security Forum (WISF) Lunch, PSA’s CXO and WISF Chair Candice Aragon welcomed four industry trailblazers to share their experiences navigating careers in security. The session created a space to celebrate the women driving the industry forward while reinforcing WISF’s mission to empower women at every stage of their careers.
PSA CXO Candice Aragon, scDataCom President Alaina Meyer, IST Sales Engineer Manager Liz Bacus
WeSuite President Tracy Larson, Allied Universal Senior Director National Field Service Tia Eskandari
Shareholder Meeting: Make Your Vote Count
PSA’s executive team took the main stage to highlight the organization’s evolution, the value of membership and the wide range of services available to members. Attendees gained insight into how to maximize PSA resources, from technology partnerships to financial strategies designed to support business growth.
PSA CXO Candice Aragon, PSA President & CEO Matt Barnette, PSA CFO Allen Riggs
PSA Committees in Action: Progress, Perspective and Peer Exchange
PSA Learning Program Manager James Gallagher closed out the main stage with PSA Committees in Action: Progress, Perspective and Peer Exchange. During the interactive session, James guided committee members through a thoughtful discussion on the current state of PSA Committees, highlighting recent progress, identifying opportunities for growth and exploring areas where gaps still exist. Attendees exchanged ideas and solutions aimed at strengthening committee engagement, improving effectiveness and shaping the future direction of the program.
PSA Learning Program Manager James Gallagher
PSA Learning Program Manager James Gallagher
Breakout Sessions & Workshops
Throughout the week, PSA TEC featured over 50 educational breakout sessions and workshops spanning topics like people leadership, marketing strategy, the evolution of AI, business development and more. Thank you to all the speakers who contributed their insights for this year’s education track!
Certifications
Certification opportunities offered at TEC 2026 included: Advanced Project Management (APM), AMAG Symmetry Essentials Certification, C-Cure 9000 Installer Maintainer, Field Project Management (FPM), Gallagher Access Technician, LenelS2 OnGuard Fundamentals, Radionix (formerly Bosch Intrusion) G Series Certfication and SIA Security Project Management (SPM) Training
NETWORKING RECAP
TEC 2026 featured several premier networking opportunities to connect PSA integrators with top technology partners, from the First Timers Session to Rock Around the Clock with PSA.
First Timers Session: Go with the TEC Flow
First-time TEC attendees kicked off the week by hearing from seasoned industry professionals who shared insights on how to make the most of the exciting week. The session also provided dedicated time for new attendees to begin building connections and expanding their professional networks.
Sponsor Appreciation Reception
TEC sponsors were invited to an intimate, exclusive reception dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the valued partnerships that continue to support and strengthen PSA.
Committee Cocktail Reception
PSA committee members gathered for an invite-only cocktail party, celebrating the camaraderie, collaboration and shared purpose fostered through PSA Committees.
Welcome Reception
On Tuesday, April 21, PSA TEC kicked off in full force with an evening reception full of peer reunions, new connections and great food.
College Outreach Breakfast
At the start of day two, PSA welcomed 30 technical school students for the College Outreach Breakfast, providing a space for students to learn more about professions in security and build connections with industry leaders. Colleges in attendance included Pickens Technical College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College and Community College of Denver.
Rock Around the Clock with PSA
To cap day two, PSA hosted Rock Around the Clock, a 1950s-themed sock hop complete with a sponsor battle featuring RC car racing. PSA integrators teamed up with sponsors and went head-to-head against fellow attendees in a high-energy competition for the championship trophy. The night ended in a Summit Sponsor showdown where Hanwha Vision claimed the win over Altronix.
Best Dressed at Rock Around the Clock with PSA
PSA Pub & Play
For the final networking event, PSA Pub & Play gathered TEC attendees for a relaxing night of corn hole, foosball, ping pong and live band karaoke.
Video recap of PSA Pub & Play, featuring karaoke, foosball, cornhole and connections
AWARDS RECAP
FAST Technician Excellence Awards, Powered by PSA
PSA hosted the inaugural Technician Excellence Awards in partnership with Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), which recognized 12 security technicians who have gone above and beyond through customer excellence, innovation and impact and technical excellence.
Customer Service Excellence
Nelson Ramos - scDataCom
Ron Gysbers - LVC Companies
Nicholas Storvis - Visible Intellect
Angel Hernandez - Electronic Innovations
Innovation & Impact
Jason Mirwald - SAGE Integration
Phil Strazzeri - Tech Systems
Dominic Drayton - Alscan
Miranda Remenar - Tech Systems
Technical Excellence
Gregory Marciniak, Jr. - ISS
Ryan Nelson - Preferred Technologies, LLC
Stephen Gaylor - IST
Blake Tice-Taylor - Baker Group
PSA and Security Systems News Integrator of the Year and Bill Bozeman Awards
The Integrator of the Year and Bill Bozeman Awards, brought to you by PSA and Security Systems News, recognize the leading security systems integrators from smaller, local integrators all the way up to the big nationals.
Technology Partner Achievement Awards
The PSA Technology Partner Achievement Awards recognize outstanding manufacturers, distributors and service providers based on customer service, shipping support, lead generation returns, product performance and cybersecurity precautions. PSA awarded Software House with the Nova Award for achieving the highest partner sales, Velasea with the Rising Star Award for their exceptional partnership and ALC Consulting with the Business Solutions Provider of the Year Award for their dedication to finding solutions for the membership.
PSA also honored Hanwha Vision, LenelS2 by Honeywell, Windy City Wire and ASSA ABLOY with the Core Value Awards, recognizing each partner’s outstanding commitment to serving the industry with passion, integrity, boldness and service.
MVP Awards
For the first time, the Security Sales & Integration (SSI) MVP Awards were presented at PSA TEC, recognizing outstanding product design, novel feature sets and technical innovation. Learn more about the 2026 MVP Award winners in SSI’s press release here.
NOT PICTURED
Incident Response
Acoem
ATD Gunshot Detection System
Fire / Life Safety
Shooter Detection Systems
Perimeter Outdoor Gunshot Detection System
Deadbolts / Physical Locks
ProdataKey (PDK)
Red Wireless Locksets
Miscellaneous Security Products
Genetec
Cloudlink 2210
Committee Awards
PSA Compass Rose Award
Mike Naan - Metropolitan Electric
Greg Tegeder - Prime Secured
Gabrielle Sampson - SecSol Inc.
PSA Committee Rising Tide Award
Perry Lierman - Fuller Engineering
Amit Malla - Prime Secured
John Arnold - ATS Integrated Solutions, Inc.
PSA Committee Chair Excellence Award
Ruben Marin - The Cook & Boardman Group
PSA Committee Full Sail Award
Joe Gervasio - A+ Technology & Security
Mark Welnicki - Fusion Systems
Delilah Palacios - Preferred Technologies, LLC
PSA Committee Ambassador Award
Brandon De Libro - SecSol Inc.
PSA Guiding Star of Service Award
Elliot Gabriel - Preferred Technologies, LLC
Todd Van Haren - SecurAlarm Systems
Chris Bracken - LONG Building Technologies
John Nemerofsky - SAGE Integration
Laura Ede - Pavion
Kade Kaaz - Preferred Technologies, LLC
Nathan Israel - Preferred Technologies, LLC
Robert Lee - SAGE Integration
Dawna Payne - Texadia Systems
Liz Bacus - Integrated Security Technologies, Inc.
TEC Fellowship Winners
PSA was thrilled to award five first-time attendees with the TEC Fellowship, designed to propel the careers of emerging leaders in the security industry by sending them on an all-expenses-paid trip to PSA TEC.
Thank You, Sponsors
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for your continued support and dedication to driving our network and industry forward. PSA TEC would not be possible without you, and we are so grateful for your partnership!
