ENTER THE 2026 SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION

SAMMY AWARDS!

For 31 years, SSI’s annual SAMMY Awards program has served as the benchmark for security industry excellence in sales and marketing among dealers and integrators. Over the years, we’ve expanded our focus also to celebrate outstanding business operations, project design, project management and installation.

Here’s a personal message from Dan Ferrisi, Group Director of Content + Editorial, Industrial + Tech, Emerald:

It’s been said that recognition is the most powerful of motivators. People crave praise and the feeling of being appreciated. Studies have stunned business owners and managers by showing that workers value positive feedback above and beyond anything else, including money.

For that reason and many others, back in the mid-1990s, Security Sales & Integration launched the Sales & Marketing (SAMMY) Awards. The program — which recognizes and honors electronic security dealers/integrators that demonstrate exceptional expertise in their sales & marketing materials, business practices, and installations — has gained momentum each and every year.

The tradition continues when the 31st edition of the SAMMY Awards gala once again unfolds in Las Vegas during ISC West week. This year’s ISC West is set to stage from March 25-27 at the Venetian Expo.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; you’ve got plenty of time to make Vegas arrangements. Right now, the top priority is getting together the appropriate materials and submitting SAMMY entry forms. Everything you need can be found on this web portal.

Winning a SAMMY is not only outstanding for company morale but also a fantastic sales and marketing tool in its own right. Of course, just being named as a finalist is nearly as sweet. A majestic SAMMY trophy prominently exhibited in an office serves as a powerful testimonial to potential customers of that company’s commitment to quality. And the prime exposure in CI+SSI, which can be shown to prospects.

Here are eight quick tips for SAMMYs success:

1. Are you qualified? — The SAMMYs are open to installing security companies, not manufacturers, distributors, wholesale central stations, etc. (but such suppliers can be sponsors).

2. Don’t let deadline kill your chances — Procrastination is the enemy; get started on your entries today.

3. Canvas all the categories — There’s a lot to pick from; you can enter all, but we accept only one entry per category.

4. Appeal to the judges — Review the applicable criteria as you put together your entry to ensure it addresses those factors.

5. Mind the rules — Check the fine print to ensure you send in what the category calls for.

6. Be user-friendly — Make sure it is easy for judges to access and evaluate your submission; and each mailed entry requires its own packaging.

7. Go for ‘The Big One’ — If submitting more than a couple of categories, why not also enter Overall Integrated Marketing Program?

8. Good form — Fill out entry forms completely, pay special attention to the reasons your entry should win that particular award. If submitted through the mail, neatness counts so seriously consider typing your entry; securely attach separate entry forms for each category. Make sure media files are easily reviewed.

See you in Vegas. Good luck!

- Dan Ferrisi

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