More than 250 systems integration professionals gathered in Phoenix, AZ, last week to discuss strategies to create a profitable business despite a number of transformations affecting their business. NSCA’s 15th Annual Business & Leadership Conference (BLC), commonly referred to as “the best ever,” witnessed record-breaking numbers for the fourth year in a row, in addition to welcoming more than 55 first time-attendees from the integrator community.

“The 2013 BLC deliverable exceeded its billing,” says John Greene, Advanced AV VP of sales & marketing. “The event was business altering. It included a wonderful agenda with informative, challenging and pertinent speakers who delivered business solutions on industry issues ranging from economic to marketing, strategic and motivational.

“This year was even better than 2012, which was remarkable, and the primary reason I attended this year’s event. I will not miss next year and if you are involved in the communication industry you need to consider this conference if you want to stay relevant. The peer networking alone was worth any expense.”

Several integration companies have been bringing their entire management staff, using this conference to kick-off their strategic planning meetings.

“It was refreshing to have successful speakers finally say ‘it’s time to pull up your bootstraps,’” says Andy Musci, Altel Systems, Inc. president/CEO and a member of the BLC planning committee. “To receive that message and then be inspired to make it happen – I’m looking forward to building off of this momentum.”

“I am overwhelmed by the response from our attendees, sponsors, and speakers this year,” says Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. “Our speakers were thrilled to have such an engaged audience. Their messages resonated with the pain points of our members, the concepts and theories that will improve profits, meet customer expectations and so much more. We truly heard how this was the best event yet and hearing from a couple of our Excellence in Business panelists that they incorporated strategies learned from this conference and improved profits by 50% - it is exciting to realize the impact this conference has on our integrators success.”

“Attending BLC was exactly what I needed to focus my efforts in growing my company, says Gregory Meyet, BAE Technology Inc.; vice president of business development and first-time attendee. “I had decided to attend so that I could meet with other successful integrators, share ideas and develop strong relationships. Growth is my immediate focus for BAE Technology and the BLC provided some strong information to help me achieve that goal!”

The 2014 Business & Leadership Conference will offer twice as many Randy Vaughan Founders Awards, 20 in total, that gives winners complimentary admission. The 2014 Business & Leadership Conference will be held February 27 - March 1, in Dallas, Texas, at the Four Seasons Las Colinas. Registration is now open.