According to an ISC West source, 2017 expo attendance was up a modest 3 percent from 2016 – a surprising statistic according to Jim McMullen, president & COO of COPS Monitoring. “Judging from the traffic in our booth, we thought attendance was up over 10 percent,” he explained. “The show was the busiest for us in recent memory and a major success.”

McMullen sites new revenue sources from video as one of the causes. “We added two new services to our OmniView video services this show: NETGEAR’s Authorized Partner Program and integration of I-View Now.” The NETGEAR program gives COPS dealers exclusive access to Arlo – the top selling smart security cameras, and I-View Now enhances alarm response with dispatcher-verified video verification and supports more than 40 security systems, DVRs, NVRs, and IP cameras. “The new video services not only give our dealers a chance to earn more business and additional RMR, they can also increase the value of existing accounts by upgrading their services.”

COPS also announced a partnership with Silicon Valley ad pros The Stephenz Group. Initially introduced by Lydia’s other brand UCC, MyStudio[Pros] is the industry’s first program dedicated to providing dealers of all sizes affordable personalized services and marketing tools they need to grow their businesses.

“Even though COPS and UCC continue to operate independently, both brands are dedicated to providing industry-leading programs, which means we may share best practices when it helps our dealers succeed,” explained McMullen. “Competition is growing in the security industry and it is more important than ever for dealers to have the tools and support they need to compete effectively. MSP gives our dealers expert marketing support with proven results from the same agency that has also worked with leading companies such as Google, Epson, HP, and Samsung.”

COPS’ show success was punctuated with record attendance at its 5th annual appreciation event. Widely regarded as the best party for alarm dealers at ISC West, more than 1,000 COPS and UCC dealers spent their Wednesday evening dancing to live music, dining on Gilley’s barbecue, and socializing with industry associates. Some even earned bragging rights from riding the mechanical bull or by taking home some of the $4,000 in cash and prizes. All had the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive live performance from American Country Music (ACM) Award nominees LOCASH.

“Alarm dealers work hard all year long. We consider it a privilege to show them a really good time when they visit Las Vegas for ISC West,” continued McMullen. “Our party really is ‘their party’ and we’re happy that the event continues to be so well received. This year, Chris and Preston from LOCASH put on an amazing show and really gave our dealers a night to remember,” he concluded.