Locksmiths Roll the Dice in Las Vegas
It’s that time of year when the locksmith community gathers for training, socializing and checking out the newest products on the market. ALOA 2026 kicks off June 21 at South Point Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas. Though the Security Expo isn’t held until the last two days the week is action-packed. Congratulations to ALOA! The organization is celebrating 70 years of supporting locksmiths.
The week includes an impressive and extensive educational lineup. Note that advanced registration is required, and many of these classes were expected to fill quickly. But it is certainly worth checking to see if space is available.
Download the full class list and schedule at https://www.aloa.org/aloa-convention.
Classes are divided into tracks: Automotive, General, Safe & Vault, Forensics, including two five-day programs, Fundamentals of Locksmithing and the new Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing. In addition to the daily and multi-day classes, free evening seminars will be scheduled throughout the week.
ALOA Event Schedule
Saturday June 20
Pre-registration, 2 to 5 p.m.
Sunday June 21
Registration, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First-time attendee orientation, 7:15 a.m.
Classes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday June 22
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Classes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening Ethics Seminar, 5 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday June 23
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Classes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening Ethics Seminar, 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Classes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PRP and ST/PRP Exam Sitting, 6 to 9 p.m.
Women in Locksmithing Reception, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Classes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State of the States meeting, 5:30 p.m.
IAIL Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
AIL Meeting, 6 p.m.
IAAL Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Kick-Off Party, 7 p.m.
Friday June 26
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Keynote, 8 a.m.
ALOA Member Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
Security Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday June 27
Registration, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CML Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
Security Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Keynote Address
In this year’s keynote address, Lee Odess, a leading authority in the world for electronic access control and smart locks, he will share his thoughts on electronic locking for locksmiths in his presentation titled "The Inevitable Trends Reshaping Our Industry and What to Do About It." As CEO of The Access Control Collective (TACC), he leads brands that redefine how the access and smart lock industry evolves. His influence spans multiple channels including LinkedIn, the Access Control Executive Brief, weekly Security Breakdown newsletter, industry Slack community, ACS Events, and TACC's marketing division, Ready Shoot Aim.
The following is Odess’ summary of his remarks.
“The security and safety industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Capital markets, consolidation, cloud and mobile adoption, the rise of platform-based ecosystems, labor shortages, and new customer expectations are fundamentally reshaping how manufacturers, distributors, integrators, locksmiths and consultants must operate to stay competitive. This session distills the top inevitable trends impacting door hardware, access control, and adjacent security markets and translates them into clear strategic actions leaders can take now. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of where the industry is headed, what these shifts mean for their businesses, and how to position themselves and their teams for the next decade of growth.
The traditional boundaries between mechanical locks, electronic access control, software platforms and credential technologies are dissolving. As outlined in the Access Control Executive Brief, the industry is experiencing accelerating consolidation, new platform battles, the rise of AI-enabled operations, new SMB growth opportunities, and a shift in how security solutions are evaluated and purchased. For ALOA members — locksmiths, mobile service providers, shop owners and security professionals — these shifts affect service offerings, business models, technical skills and long-term business viability. Understanding these forces is no longer optional. It is essential for staying relevant, competitive and profitable in an era defined by rapid technological and behavioral change.”
On the Trade Show Floor
It’s always exciting when the doors open to the Friday and Saturday trade show, giving locksmiths the chance to put their hands on the newest products. Locksmith Ledger will be in Booth 302. Please stop by and pick up some magazines. Close to 100 exhibitors are expected, including all the major manufacturers and distributors serving our industry. It’s a great opportunity to talk with your favorite vendors and make connections with representatives from new companies. Attendees can also check out the entries and vote in the ALOA New Product Showcase, with the winners announced at the show’s end.
The Venue
In an effort to keep costs down for its membership, ALOA has negotiated some reduced prices and fees with the South Point Hotel and Casino. This sprawling off-strip resort includes hotel rooms, the convention center, multiple restaurants, a newly opened movie theater, bowling and even an equestrian arena.