2026 ESA Virtual Town Hall: What Integrators Need to Know for 2027

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) will host its 2026 Virtual Town Hall on Friday, December 11, at 1 p.m. Central Time. Hosted by ESA Chairman Jeremy Bates and ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau, the annual online event will give electronic security and life safety integrators timely research, business insights and association updates to help them prepare for 2027. 

An accomplished group of industry leaders will join Bates and Guilbeau to share important updates and perspectives throughout the program. Featured speakers include: 

• Jeremy Bates, ESA Chairman and Senior Vice President of Business Development at Pye-Barker Fire & Safety 

• Merlin Guilbeau, IOM, ESA Executive Director and CEO 

• Jillian Bateman-McIntosh, ESA Chief Operating Officer 

• Scott Elkins, ESA Integrator Director and Executive Chairman of Zeus Fire and Security 

• Taylor Criddle, ESA Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs 

Turning Industry Research into Business Insight

A central focus of the Town Hall will be ESA’s inaugural Industry Performance Index (IPI), the first report from the ESA Industry Research Center. Developed in partnership with Beacon Economics, the quarterly research initiative provides integrators and dealers with industry-specific economic intelligence they can use to evaluate market conditions, recognize emerging trends and make more informed business decisions. 

During the Town Hall, attendees will receive a closer look at what the inaugural report reveals about the electronic security services industry’s long-term performance, current business environment and outlook for growth. 

Elkins will move beyond the data to explain what the findings may mean for integrator business owners and leadership teams. Drawing on his experience as an integrator, he will explore how companies can apply the research when evaluating growth expectations, staffing, capacity, construction exposure and opportunities within their existing customer bases. 

The discussion is designed to help owners consider an important question as they plan for the coming year: Where are they counting on the market to deliver growth, and where do they have a specific strategy to create it? 

“As integrators plan for 2027, having reliable industry data is more important than ever,” Guilbeau says. “ESA’s Industry Performance Index gives business leaders a clearer view of where the industry has been, where it stands today and what may be ahead. This Town Hall will help translate that research into meaningful questions integrators can use as they make decisions about their people, customers and growth strategies.”

Preparing the Industry for What Comes Next

The program will also highlight ESA’s priorities and investments for the year ahead. Bates and Guilbeau will provide updates on association initiatives designed to support integrators, strengthen the industry, and expand the value available through ESA membership. 

Bateman-McIntosh will discuss how ESA is investing in relevant education and certification pathways to help member companies address workforce needs and prepare professionals for evolving technologies. The update will highlight how ESA is working to help integrators develop skilled employees and build the talent needed to support future growth. 

Join Taylor Criddle for an update on ESA’s advocacy efforts and the legislative and regulatory issues shaping the electronic security and life safety industry. Learn why staying informed, engaging early, and understanding emerging policy developments are essential to protecting your business and shaping the industry’s future. 

ESX 2027 Savings for Town Hall Attendees

Town Hall attendees will also receive access to an exclusive ESX 2027 promotional code. During December, the code will provide an additional 10% off eligible ESX Education Passes, including the Essentials Pass and Leadership-All Access Pass. 

The promotional code will be revealed during the Town Hall, giving attendees an added opportunity to prepare for ESX 2027 while saving on the event’s peer-led education experience. 

Register Now to learn what ESA’s latest industry research could mean for your business, hear the priorities shaping 2027 and receive access to this exclusive ESX attendee offer.