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 goes up but never comes down?

You probably already know the answer to that riddle. Age.

There are currently more than 8 million Canadians over the age of 65. Remarkably,12,281 of them are over 100 years old. Although we don’t always like to talk about it, the reality is that with getting over the hill, people often require additional support to maintain their independence.

That’s not much of a surprise, you may be thinking. I already know that some older folks struggle with day-to-day routines like putting on socks, climbing out of the shower, answering a text, or managing their cash.

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).

Created with copilot and canva

Quick quiz. What’s the number one reason people install security systems?

A) To make sure your daughter’s latest Sephora order isn’t pilfered from your front stoop.

B) To ensure that the Picasso above the fireplace remains there.

C) So that your kids and grandkids are protected.

If you chose C…Congrats. You win the prize of being able to say you aced the Balaklava Security Quiz.

Picture a Day-in-the-Life with Smart Home Automation

When was the last time you left home only to return and find a light on or your garage door left open? While these may be little moments of forgetfulness, over time, they could add up to higher electricity costs or even more significant security concerns.

With a whole-home integration of innovative smart technologies, a day in your life in Waterloo, ON, could look very different. With the ease of integrated devices, you’ll be able to relieve some of the stress at home and save time for focusing on more important things - like what’s for dinner or what movie to watch in your home theater.

Still can’t picture it? Then, continue reading to walk through a day-in-the-life with whole-home integration.