November President's Message

Dear GIA Members and Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! I want to take a moment to say how proud I am of this association and the value we are building together.

The past few weeks have been a perfect example of what makes GIA game changing for members, and I’m still hearing great feedback from across the state on our Fall Summit that he held earlier this month!

Our Fall Summit was nothing short of outstanding. With nearly 90 industry professionals in attendance, the energy in the room was strong from start to finish. We nearly quadrupled our attendance over the 2024 Fall Summit! This event proved that GIA is more than a calendar of meetings, it's a place where integrators come together to sharpen their skills, strengthen their businesses, and stay ahead of the curve in our rapidly evolving industry.

The education was truly top tier. We were fortunate to learn from nationally recognized speakers who brought fresh perspectives, real-world strategies, and insights that members can take back and apply immediately. I’ve already heard from several of you about changes you’re making in your operations because of what you learned at the Summit. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for, value you can use the next day, not just inspiration for someday!

I also want to give a sincere Thank You to our fantastic sponsors. Their support helps make events like this possible, but beyond that, they showed up in a big way to showcase the latest technology, tools, and solutions that are shaping the future of integration. The room was buzzing all day, and the conversations happening there were just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

The Summit wasn’t all business. One of the best parts was the chance to connect as people, not just professionals. The two dinners were a great opportunity to slow down, share stories, and strengthen relationships. We also had a chance to work in some fun and casual networking at Topgolf while hitting some balls and juicing up the competition. Whether you were there for every session, every meal, or every swing, you helped make it a memorable experience.

Looking ahead, I’m really excited for an incredible 2026. Our full schedule for the year is locked in, and it’s shaping up to be one of GIA’s strongest years yet with more education, more networking, more opportunities to grow together!

I can’t wait to see everyone at our next event, the Q1 Expo & Membership Meeting on March 18th at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw, GA. Mark your calendars now! This will be a great way to kick off the year with strong education, hands-on sponsor engagement, and the kind of connection you can only get through GIA.

To everyone who attended the Fall Summit, thank you for showing up, engaging, and investing in yourselves and in this association! To those who couldn’t make it this year, you were missed, and I hope you’ll join us in March. The momentum we’re building is real, and it’s fueled by members who stay involved.

Thank you for your continued support, and I’ll see you soon!

Sincerely,

Brandon Shepard
GIA President