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CANASA Update: CANASA committee to focus on recruitment

The onset of spring brought the first Security Canada show of 2024 to Laval, Que., on April 24.

Continuing the trend of the last three years, we had a sold-out venue with wonderful support from our vendor partners. Special shout-out to Steve Basnett, CANASA’s director of trade shows and events. This year we also set a new attendance record with well over a thousand security professionals from Quebec and Northeastern Ontario coming to see the latest and greatest in security products and services.

Our Quebec Regional Council also hosted a sold-out gala banquet after the show and put on a great tribute to our members in Quebec. Special recognition to my colleague Danielle Paquin who organized the banquet and as usual made sure everything was perfect.

Next Generation

We have just started a new committee as a sub part of our membership committee which will focus on the recruitment of new “Next Generation” professionals in our industry. This will include events and a communication strategy to increase engagement and further enhance the value of membership in CANASA.

Security Canada West cancellation

Sadly we have had to announce the cancellation of Security Canada West in Vancouver. This event was to take place June 19 and was also sold out. After continued momentum and record attendance we were unfortunately advised by the host hotel that a labour dispute would make it impossible to host us.

Every effort was made to find an alternative venue but this was not possible partly due to the time line and the options in Vancouver. We will be back next year and are looking forward to spending time with our friends and colleagues on the West Coast. The Vancouver CANASA golf tournament scheduled for June 20 will take place as originally planned.

Summer is golf time

Soon we will be starting our summer and fall series of golf tournaments. Visit www.canasa.org and check under “events” for the tournament in your region. They are selling out quickly so be sure to register if you haven’t already.

Patrick Straw is the executive director of CANASA (www.canasa.org).