Tales from the Tradeshow Floor

Late summer and fall are prime tradeshow seasons in the security industry. With so much going on, plus budget constraints, attendees need to have a plan to maximize opportunities for training and for checking out the newest products.

Upcoming shows include ALOA, GSX, the Texas Locksmiths Association, IML’s Phoenix and Las Vegas Expos and the Yankee Security Convention.

Closing down or short-staffing the shop and traveling to an annual event isn’t an option for every locksmith. Keep an eye out for classes closer to home, often offered for just a few hours at your local distributor headquarters. Many manufacturers (and Locksmith Ledger) offer online webinars that can also earn valuable CEUs.

Some attendee advice: First, plan ahead and sign up well in advance for those can’t miss classes. Second, save some time to walk the show floor and check out new products that might be a new profit center for your business. Be smart and selective about the literature being handed out (and the swag). At the bigger shows, scan your badge at the interesting booths and watch your inbox when you get home.

ALOA: Aug. 3-9

Next up is ALOA, probably the largest of the locksmith-oriented security trade shows and my personal favorite to attend. While the two-day Expo is a draw, most attendees agree that the best part of this event is all the training. Classes meet Aug. 3-7, while the Expo is held Aug. 8-9 at the Orlando Hilton. (In recent years, the show has alternated between Orlando and the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, the site for 2026.) Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The extensive educational lineup is divided into tracks: general, automotive, forensics and safe and vault. Certificates of training and CEUs (required in states with locksmith licensing) are included.

Networking and socializing are also important parts of ALOA. Events include a welcome cocktail party, various lunches and meetings, some open to all locksmiths. A first-time attendee welcome session and a women in locksmithing session are also on the calendar.

ALOA also holds its annual New Product Showcase, displayed on the show floor. Attendees can check out the entries and cast their ballots, with winners announced at the close of the show. Last year’s winner was the IdeniKey key blank identification app from CLK Supplies.

Locksmith Ledger will be in booth 701. Please stop by and say hello and pick up some magazines or sign up for a subscription (free for our newsletters and digital edition). Though touching all the new products is certainly cool, my favorite part of this show is talking with the locksmiths about their business challenges and successes.

At press time, most classes are likely full. For information, visit www.aloa.org/convention/

2025 IML Expos: Sept. 10-12, Nov. 5-7

IML Expos are known for both their educational opportunities – two full days of classes – and their one-day trade shows, with lots of show specials and a noteworthy lunch. Each IML Expo includes more than 30 hands-on courses and 100 manufacturers onsite.

Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Dallas Expos were held earlier in 2025. Next on tap is the 2025 Arizona Expo, Sept. 10-12 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Phoenix. Then the Expo year ends with the IML Nevada Expo, Nov. 5-7 at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Locations vary year to year and as IML Security expands. IML has grown to include 10 locations: Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth and Kansas City.

Pre-registration is required. Visit www.imlss.com/Events for info on upcoming Expos and other training events.

Texas Locksmiths Association: Sept. 17-20

I’ve never attended the Texas Locksmiths Association, but I think it should be high on the list for any locksmith within reasonable driving range or with a travel budget. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 17-20 outside Austin, Texas, at the Pflugerville Courtyard by Marriott.

In addition to the show, the Texas Locksmiths Association focuses on education, and Texas locksmith licensing renewals require 16 hours of CEU credit. Last year’s show may well be remembered for the spirited NASTF Forum, held shortly before new scan tool registration policies took effect.

Training and popular lock-picking contests are part of this event, along with the trade show. For more information, visit https://texaslocksmithsassociation.org/convention

Yankee Security Convention: Oct. 21-25

Locksmiths from the Northeast will gather Oct. 21-25 in Springfield, Massachusetts, for the Yankee Security Convention, a fall highlight in our industry.  This is the 45^th year for the show, which several years ago moved from Sturbridge to the larger MassMutual Center. This year’s show theme is “Securing the Modern World.”

The Yankee Security Convention is a five-day assembly of locksmiths and security professionals that features three days of education, with more than 25 classes, covering a wide variety of subjects related to the security industry. The instructors are the most well-known and respected names in the industry.

This year, the show dates have shifted slightly and will run from Tuesday through Saturday, with dedicated trade show hours taking place on both Friday and Saturday.

Educational classes run Tuesday Oct. 21 through Thursday Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several complementary evening classes will be offered as well. On Friday, Oct. 24, regular classes meet from 8 a.m. to noon. Free educational sessions will meet Friday afternoon and Saturday. ALOA testing will be held Saturday morning. Class registration will be available soon at www.yahkeesecurity.org.

Dedicated trade show hours are Friday, Oct, 24h from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 100 exhibitors are expected. After classes on Thursday, all attendees are invited to attend the Yankee Security Convention Welcome Reception from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, ASSA ABLOY will sponsor a complementary reception from 6 to 9 p.m.  New for 2025 is a lock picking contest.

Trade show registration is free if you register before October 1, 2025, after which it is $20 per person. Visit www.yankeesecurity.org to register for classes and the trade show. Note that classes sell out early so act now to secure your spot. 

GSX: Sept. 29-Oct. 1

The next major security event is the GSX Global Security Expo, scheduled Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in New Orleans. This would be considered the second largest security event of the year, surpassed only by ISC West, held every spring in Las Vegas.

Electronic access control is most certainly front and center at this show, but there is little to no automotive and very little on the mechanical side of things. Much like ISW West, expect giant booths from high-end video surveillance providers, cybersecurity, executive protection and other high-tech companies utilizing the latest artificial intelligence products. You might even see a robotic guard dog roaming the aisles.

For more information, visit www.gsx.org.

IDN Chicago Trade Show: Nov. 7

Another worthy stop is the IDN-Chicago Security Convention, distributor IDN’s largest event of the year, scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook and sporting a cowboy /western theme.

With many locations across the country, IDN also holds many smaller shows and training sessions at various branch locations. Check their schedule at https://www.idn-inc.com/events.html.