The amazing group that fundraised $150,000. Photo thanks to Azione event photographers.

How Azione membership keeps Balaklava ahead of the curve

Balaklava loves giving you the best of the best. We always focus on learning as much as we can about the tech that best fits your needs. Here’s what we do on a consistent basis because this doesn’t happen by chance:

• Ongoing training. We’re not too cool for school. Some of Balaklava’s employees’ most recent instruction include Savant’s energy management solutions, Q-SYS (a cloud-managed software-driven platform), and RTI. Don’t fret if these names mean nothing to you. We design, build, set up, operate, and maintain your system—so you don’t need to worry about any of those monikers or what the heck they’re doing behind the scenes.
• SHOWin’ up. Attending events, shows, and meetings. In February’s blog, you learned about our findings at the ISE (Integrated Systems Europe). We learn the latest trends, meet with industry experts, and question the efficiency of what-you-call-gizmos.
• Membership in associations such as CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association), the Mega Group (for 25 years!), and most recently, Azione Unlimited. Traditionally, these have operated as buying groups or Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), in which companies band together to purchase in bulk.

But wait. Please don’t get stuck on the part about discounted products.

Because these groups are much, much more.

We’re super proud of how we constantly seek out knowledge to better ourselves and your experience and so we’re a little like a toddler with a mud pie who desperately wants to share.

Let’s play a very quick game of Associations. 

I’ll mention a term, and you shout out what first comes to mind. If you’re in public, feel free to whisper or say it purely in your head. Here we go.

Scenes.

Did you think of movies?  Or perhaps Broadway, with its ability to turn a plain stage into a story habitat? You could’ve also mentioned home automation or Balaklava.

What has 1,709 exhibitors packed into 82,000m² spanning 8 buildings – and helps us bring you the best of the best?

Hint: This AV & Systems Integration Show is the biggest in the world and takes place annually in Barcelona, Spain. It is the place to learn, network, and uncover trends.

Give up? Fair enough.

It’s the ISE (Integrated Systems Europe).

What do you think of when you hear the frequently flung term AI? Some of you may shudder and whisper about robots taking over the world, while others have ChatGPT on standby. 

It’s a hot topic. Whatever camp you reside in, one thing is for sure: lots of positive has already come out of the AI abyss. 

For example,

• StorySign translates text into ASL to allow children who are Deaf to learn to read.
• Google Maps analyzes traffic patterns and accidents to help us get to work on time. 
• A group at Mount Sinai uses algorithms to predict disease and cancer development with a 94% accuracy rate.

It’s not all bad. Another example of AI used for good is Josh AI.

A home automation company can transform your home into the ultimate space of luxury

Most modern homes have smart technology installed in them in one way or another. But luxury homeowners prefer comprehensive solutions that can make their homes fully automated for the ultimate comfort. 

Whether you want any specific technologies in your home or an entire smart home system, a professional installation is the way to go. There are more than a few benefits of having your automated features installed by a pro because of their expertise and experience. 

Read on to discover how hiring a smart home contractor can transform your Collingwood, Ontario, residence into a more comfortable and convenient space for you.