44 KEYNOTES JULY/AUGUST 2023 WWW.ALOA.ORG ALOA 2023 Message From the Executive Director e are excited to be returning to the Hilton Orlando for the ALOA Convention & Security Expo! We were last at this venue several years ago, and it was a great convention. This year it’s sure to be as well. Join us August 6-12 for a great week of classes, events and the Security Expo. This is certainly the industry’s best week all year. Classes are filling up, and you have until July 14 to get the discounted early regis- tration rate. If you haven’t registered, now is the time! The full brochure with class descriptions is online. There’s something for everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros. Learn about electronic access control, hardware, master keying, forensic work, safes and more. There are even some business classes. Hotel and Location We have a great room rate at the Hilton Orlando: $149 per night (plus tax), and you receive complimentary fitness center access and Wi-Fi in your room, 50% off self- parking for those staying, a discount on dining in the hotel and two free I-Ride Trolley tickets daily. You can use those tickets to go to many attractions and popular areas, including Universal, Sea World, Cocoa Beach and more. Many attractions are within a short drive. This is a great opportunity to bring your family and stay a few extra days before or after the convention to make it a vacation. Events We have a ton of events where you can meet new people, network and just talk shop. Be sure to attend our biggest event, the Kick-Off Party, where you can mingle with your fellow professionals and all of the exhibitors while enjoying some food and drink. That’s on Thursday night — see you there. We also have several division meetings and special receptions. Our Women in Lock- smithing reception is Wednesday night. This is always a supportive group, and it’s wonderful to meet other women in the industry. Then catch up on the latest legisla- tion affecting the industry at the State of the States meeting Thursday. Continuing on Thursday night are meetings for the IAIL, AIL and IAAL divisions. If you’re a mem- ber of any of these, be sure to attend for elections, announcements, plans and input. Friday evening, we have the Ambassador and International Reception for our Enjoy the Hot Times and Cool Vibes in Orlando Be a part of the “hottest” event in the industry. ALOA Ambassadors and attendees from outside the U.S. And if you've achieved the esteemed CML credential, don’t miss our Saturday breakfast! The the final can’t-miss event is the ALOA SPAI Membership Meeting Friday morning before the Security Expo. This is your time to get updates, provide valuable feedback and share ideas. This is your as- sociation, so come participate. There’s so much more to the convention than the classes and events, though. This is your time to catch up and connect with new people. If you haven’t yet registered, there’s still time! View the brochure and register on ALOA.org in the Convention section. To check the status of a class (they can fill up as we near the convention dates), call ALOA headquarters at (800) 532-2562. We look forward to this week all year, and I know many of you do as well. I hope to see you all in Orlando! Mary A. May Executive Director [email protected] W
