The Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA), convened in Nashville, Tennessee from April 21–23 for a series of breakout sessions and custom discussion tracks aimed at increasing efficiencies, enhancing peer-to-peer collaboration, and encouraging best-practice sharing.
Within the redesigned format, members were empowered to build their own schedules and choose from a diverse roster of 16 different expert-lead sessions. Facilitators from member companies, manufacturers, HTSA Authorized Service Providers, and third-party resources guided each discussion, which featured an overview of applicable market research, statistics, and trends, as well as testimonials and idea exchange among participants. Tracks were built around the most relevant topics for member companies, ranging from business initiatives such as hiring and retaining successful personnel; labor utilization; reaching the trades; leveraging a design/build contractor business model to tech-specific education including networks; control solutions; performance theater and audio; and developments in security.
“HTSA has always prided itself on arming our members with the tools, knowledge and resources they need to not only succeed, but to truly grow and flourish,” said Bob Hana, HTSA managing director. “This year we decided to shake things up, give the members the opportunity to pick their own tracks and attend the sessions they felt would make an impact on their business. The response has been even better than we expected.”
To kick off General Session, Hana addressed a room of more than 220 guests comprised of members, HTSA vendor partners, and channel media, where he set the tone not only for the event but for the year. “HTSA is leading the way with action, not just talk,” he said. “Now is the time to think big and think together.” With that, Hana next announced the alliance HTSA has formed with Nationwide Marketing Group.
The conference also included its trademark State of the Union as well as a keynote address from Jeffery Sears, CEO of PIRCH, who used his vast experience creating memorable customer experiences to inspire attendees to deliver the same.
One staple of the conference that had expanded in size and scope this year was the HTSA VendorFest. Comprised of more than 45 brands, representing the latest and greatest consumer electronics products and applications, VendorFest took over the Hilton Downtown’s 7,500-square-foot ballroom. Alongside product demos and brunch was the trademark HTSA “VendorFest Prize” board, featuring 30 different prizes, all donated by vendors. The HTSA-sponsored Grand Prize, awarded to Joseph Akhtarzad of Video & Audio Center, included $1,000 in cash handed out on the spot and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2016 HTSA Spring Conference, to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Additionally, HTSA Authorized Service Provider, 435 Digital, donated an Apple Watch that was won by John Selby of Stereo One.
This year’s conference also introduced a cooperative Member Mentor Program and welcomed new members, Hoyt Stereo of Jacksonville and ResCom Integration of Grand Rapids, as HTSA continues to grow its membership of class-leading technology integrators and specialty retailers.
To learn more about The Home Technology Specialists of America, please visit www.htsa.com.
