By all accounts, the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) 2004 Conference and Exhibition was a big success. Locksmiths from across the country – and even overseas – turned out in force for the annual exhibition and conference, held July 18-25 in Baltimore.
The conference included a full week of educational opportunities. For 48 years, locksmith education has been the continuing theme of every ALOA convention, and this year was no exception. A total of 70 classes were offered, taught by leaders in the locksmithing community. Full-day classes were offered in general locksmithing, electronic access control, automotive locksmithing, safe and vault work and the business end of locksmithing.
Then approximately 200 exhibitors showed off their newest products on the floor of the Baltimore Convention Center Friday through Sunday. With three full days, locksmiths have plenty of opportunities to see and learn about all the latest security products, talk directly to the manufacturer's representatives and see many demonstrations of new products, enhancements to existing products and new technologies.
ALOA is an international professional organization of highly qualified security professionals engaged in consulting, sales, installation and maintenance of locks, keys, safes, premises security, access controls, alarms, and other security related endeavors. An ALOA membership assures consumers that a locksmith upholds the highest business and ethical standards of practice. A.L.O.A Proficiency Certified Locksmiths have exhibited a high degree of professional knowledge and skill in specific fields within the trade.
The association offers cutting-edge training year-round through the ALOA Continuing Education (ACE) program. Available to locksmiths worldwide, both members and non-members of the association, the PRP evaluates the educational and technical competence of dedicated individuals in 36 categories, such as hardware installation, high security and safe and safe/vault locks, master keying, alarms and access control devices.
Mark your calendar now for the 2005 ALOA Convention and Security Expo, July 18-24 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The 2006 show will be July 9-15 at the Las Vegas Hilton & Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information on ALOA, write to Associated Locksmiths of America, 3003 Live Oak St., Dallas TX 75204, call 214-827-1701 or visit the website www.aloa.org.
