Course Number:

NS121

Course Level:

Basic

Do you know if your customers are Early Adopter or Early Majority buyers? This is a BIG DEAL now as our industry has crossed a chasm into a new buyer and customer category - do you know how to serve this new audience? In the early days of the ProAV market, we all sold technology. Brighter this, louder that, smaller this, higher-performance that. Well, guess what? That's the OLD way to market, sell, design and install systems and technology. People don't want to buy technology—they want solutions. Sure, that's easy to say and you're probably even saying that yourself, but are you really doing it? Do you really know how to sell to this new client or are you always coming back to price (and reducing it)? This course will teach you how to apply the principals of Geoffrey Moore's Chasm Theory to every aspect of your business - from running it to selling gear to installing and servicing it. Simple as that. You will leave this course with real-world tools and ideas on how to grow, profitably and cater your business model to all buyer types. Each attendee will receive a free copy of Geoffrey Moore's Crossing the Chasm.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS101

Course Level:

Basic

With more and more low-voltage system devices being networked, it is essential that a technician be well versed in how to properly configure a device to communicate on a network.

The objective of this course is to provide the technician with a basic understanding of TCP/IP networking and the skills required to properly configure devices on a TCP/IP network.

After this course, a technician should be able to:

• Configure a network device with an IP address, knowing the difference between public and private addressing
• Determine the proper sub-net mask and apply it to a devices configuration
• Understand the use of a gateway
• Utilize and understand the principles behind proper use of Domain Name Services
• Apply Network Address Translation (NAT) rules and understand the limitations
• Understand the need for and the use of a Firewall
• Understand the use of ports with an IP address
• Use network testing features like ping and traceroute to troubleshoot network problems

There is no pre-requisite knowledge needed for this course; as an introduction of basic concepts, real world scenarios will be used to facilitate the participants' understanding of networking using TCP/IP.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NW202

Course Level:

Intermediate

Now that it is common-place for Systems Integrators to have sophisticated estimating software from simple spread sheets to custom programs…

In today's complex, fast paced, and more competitive Systems Integration Field, it is more important than ever to have the sharpest skill sets in your Estimating to avoid lost profits, regulatory constraints, coordination problems, excluded items, and attention to details, to effectively communicate a projects estimate for a clear and concise narrative and proposal to a sales person, project manager, and most importantly the client, especially General Contractors and Construction Managers.

This course will take beginners and seasoned veterans thru all phases of today's necessities of estimating including a complete real hands on competitive estimate exercise to drive home the importance of Better Ways to Estimate Your Projects.

Attendees will need to have a laptop computer for participation in the hands on portion of the course.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW142

Course Level:

Intermediate

In this program, Mr. Baughman will instruct on the Methodology of Control System Design. Participants will learn how to become an Architect of control systems employing a proven multi-step process that includes emphasis on defining and establishing control system criteria, GUI development, system topology, and the primary human interface.

Participants will develop and design a control system solution bases on a given scenario. How to select a control system processor - based on the class developed criteria - including network deployment options, the importance of GUI development as a part of the design process, and human interface options ranging from simple keypads to sophisticated multimedia touchpanels will be covered in-depth. Participants will gain useful knowledge in control system design and become equipped with new methods and confidence allowing skillful and efficient design of their own projects.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW083

Course Level:

Advanced

This course will cover what the current trends are in the market for houses of worship, and how these trends are affecting the systems this market is seeking (i.e., scalable solutions). Planning for future capabilities while working within current budget realities is always a consideration. This course will cover the design considerations in implementing current and future trends in systems design. Designers in this program will walk away with information they need to know in order to provide user-friendly, state-of-the-art systems for this vertical market both now, and in the future.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

JL2B

Course Level:

Intermediate

Created by Dr. Wolfgang Ahnert, this "hands on" EASE training seminar will provide a solid foundation in the more advanced features of EASE 4.1 for people actively engaged in acoustics and sound system design. Gain practical skills by working with a model of a real room with a sound system. Walk away with a working knowledge of program and file structure, starting a new project using Project Options, advanced model building techniques using the import and export of AutoCAD drawings, synchronization of the EASE model databases with the AutoCAD model and how to use AutoCAD to create objects in EASE. Please note that while this seminar is much more than introductory in nature, the seminar cannot teach everything about the more advanced use of EASE 4.1.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$369

Non-Member Price:

$480

On-Site Price:

$565

Course Number:

NW093

Course Level:

Advanced

Managing multiple small projects is a fact of life in our industry, and is more difficult and important than managing a few large ones. This advanced course is for those with a good understanding of Project Management Principles and who need to apply them to stay above the fray. To manage multiple small projects you have to be great at the defining the scope, planning, implementing, and closing phases of the project. This course will demonstrate the importance of working with these principles to effectively manage small projects to great results, including better profit margins, timely completion of projects, less stress and more satisfied customers. Please note that this course contains much of the same material that is covered in the 2-day pre-conference workshop, "Project Management of Systems Projects.”

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW051

Course Level:

Basic

In this 4 hr program you will learn to overcome the following communication problems and become comfortable with how to better connect with others.

1. You have anxiety because over communications with your people.
2. You find yourself avoiding conversations rather than confronting them.
3. You are frustrated buy the amount of miscommunications in your company.
4. Your messages are often lost in interpretation.
5. You have difficulty connecting with some people but not others.

To learn why these problems are happening as well as a solution to get around those problems please join us for our educational session.

You will learn:

1. The process of communication and how to better understand it
2. Different modes and styles of communication
3. The implications of communication theory and styles for management
4. DISC communication behavior, Transactional Analysis and Primary Sensory Dominance
5. Getting through employee and client filters
6. How being an active listener is half the battle

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW132

Course Level:

Intermediate

In this 4 hr program you will learn to overcome the following negotiating problems and become comfortable with the entire negotiating process.

1. You have anxiety because you feel like you are in a weaker position because the buyer holds the checkbook
2. You find yourself making concessions and discounts to get the deal
3. You are frustrated because you are not getting the money you are worth
4. You can't seem to craft mutually beneficial agreements that deal with impasses
5. You are worried about professional buyers that study negotiating and play to win

If you don't recognize the tactics buyers use and how to deal with them please join us for our educational session on negotiating with the savvy buyer.

You will learn:

1. To spot tactics and negotiating techniques that buyers are trained to you and how to neutralize them.
2. To turn unresolved differences into greater mutual gain
3. That you can be in a position of strength when entering negotiations
4. How to stop giving more than you should to close business
5. To become fluent and effective in high pressure negotiating moments
6. Become comfortable with both win/win and win/lose counterparts
7. Craft agreements and build strong and beneficial relationships

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW212

Course Level:

Intermediate

You've mastered your craft and now you have staff. Just because you are really good at doing your job, doesn't mean you are automatically good at managing others. Learn to successfully manage your employees and help them develop with you to avoid growing beyond your own level of competence. By recognizing your limits and evaluating your management skills, find the balance between doing and managing, ensuring your job satisfaction for years. Topics include finding ways to redefine success to distinguish taking a leadership role from measuring daily activities, best practices for managing staff and ten steps to creating a profitable company.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

JL1B

Course Level:

Intermediate

Have you ever wondered which connector to use with a particular cable type? In this class you will learn to identify different cable types RG6, RG59, UTP,as well as Fiber as an alternative to copper cabling. You will gain a better understanding of which connectors can be used to ensure the best signal integrity. You will learn proper cable termination techniques as well as cable testing procedures. We will discuss proper cable installation and termination techniques for both coax as well as Cat 5/E/6 cables as well as their use in AV systems. In this workshop the student will get hands on experience and exposure to compression, crimping, soldering, and testing of numerous cable and connector types found in common AV systems. We will concentrate on proper crimping of a BNC connector, proper soldering techniques, and finally RJ-45 connectivity with Cat 5/E/6 cables. This class will concentrate on several hands on examples so that the student can gain a well rounded understanding of termination practices.

All students that participate in this class will receive over $400.00 WORTH OF TOOLS including a BNC crimp kit, Cordless soldering iron, Multimeter, portable vise, RJ-45 crimp tool as well as all of the necessary strippers and cutters to perform common terminations.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$369

Non-Member Price:

$480

On-Site Price:

$565

Course Number:

ESTR1

Course Level:

Basic

Be one of the first to experience the new training and certification programs offered by ESPA, the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance. The Certified-EST training program will provide an overview of the knowledge and skills vital to an entry-level worker in the electronic systems industry. Call NSCA at 800.446.6722 to register.

Member Price:

$ TBD

Non-Member Price:

$ TBD

On-Site Price:

$ TBD

Course Number:

NS032

Course Level:

Intermediate

In many organizations like sports teams, companies and other groups of people working toward common goals, the trick to getting people to cooperate with one another is to make sure everyone knows what their individual goals are. The secret is in the details of developing, communicating, and tracking progress against those goals. How does a business owner or manager do that?

There's an old saying—the Devil is in the Details! In this seminar, the presenter will focus on two widely neglected areas of management and supervision, the job description and the performance review. In his work as a business consultant focusing on small, sales focused entrepreneurial organizations, including start-ups and family run businesses, Jeff Pallin has found that attention to developing pertinent and relevant job descriptions along with holding periodic performance reviews, can make the difference between employees who do not KNOW what is expected of them or how they contribute and employees who are fully empowered and participating in the success of the company.

In this seminar, attendees will learn:

1. The purpose of job descriptions
2. How to write simple and effective job descriptions
3. How to make sure employees "own" the job description
4. How to design and conduct simple, straightforward performance reviews
5. How to make the "dreaded" review engaging for the employee

Learning Unit Value: 1.5

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS041

Course Level:

Basic

Constant-Voltage delivery systems are among the most commonly installed systems in audio. They are found in millions of meeting rooms, restaurants, retail stores, you name it. Even high output performance venue systems frequently include some distributed constant voltage sub-systems for lobbies, back of house, etc. The irony today is that few designers really understand what must be done to properly design these systems. Most simply tap each transformer at it's highest tap, add up the wattage for all the loudspeakers on the line, then adjust the desired level at the output of the signal processor or amplifier input. There is a better way! As a result, many of these systems fall short of producing good quality sound.

In this course, we will explore the calculations and techniques for designing a constant voltage delivery system that ensures a successful installation. In addition to printed handouts of the material covered, students will receive an Excel spreadsheet to help speed design calculations. Students are welcome to bring a notebook computer to start getting familiar with the spreadsheet. Students who design and/or install these types of systems and are familiar with basic audio terminology will benefit most from this course”.

Learning Unit Value: 1.5

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NW023

Course Level:

Advanced

Working in the Higher Education market requires knowledge specific to the classroom and campus environment. This course will examine how AV design needs to be tailored for Higher Education applications Learn what the market trends are, what aspects of system, room and infrastructure design are important to AV in colleges and universities. We will also look at what the future of this market can mean to your work and your business. Familiarity with the basic process of pro AV design and integration is assumed.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW273

Course Level:

Advanced

Managing multiple small projects is a fact of life in our industry, and is more difficult and important than managing a few large ones. This advanced course is for those with a good understanding of Project Management Principles and who need to apply them to stay above the fray. To manage multiple small projects you have to be great at the defining the scope, planning, implementing, and closing phases of the project. This course will demonstrate the importance of working with these principles to effectively manage small projects to great results, including better profit margins, timely completion of projects, less stress and more satisfied customers. Please note that this course contains much of the same material that is covered in the 2-day pre-conference workshop, "Project Management of Systems Projects".

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NL034

Course Level:

Intermediate

The course will be taught from the Sound Masking Manual with the aid of supplied software programs. Save time and cost by computer analysis of rooms for masking, by creating quicker speaker arrays, and by fast system equalization. Improve your competitive advantage by using advanced functions in system design.

Skill Level: Students should be somewhat familiar with sound masking systems and with software use.

Knowledge level: Familiarity with use of sound level meters. Experience with sound masking systems is helpful, but not necessary. Students will be supplied a copy of the Sound Masking Manual, and a CD with three software programs:

1. acoustical privacy analysis (SCOPE),
2. speaker array design (SPKRARRAY), and
3. masking system equalization (MASKEQ).

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$369

Non-Member Price:

$480

On-Site Price:

$565

Course Number:

NW282

Course Level:

Intermediate

In this 4 hr program you will learn to overcome the following problems associated with not making to the next level in sales even though you have years of experience and have been to countless training seminars.

1. You have a difficult time asking the “tough” questions
2. You get asked to discount your products and services
3. You become an “unpaid consultant” to try and get business and are frustrated when you don't get it
4. You are concerned because you have a hard time overcoming the fear of making the prospect angry or upset
5. You are sick and tired of the prospects shopping your proposals around town after you just spent so much time and energy with them
6. You are just uncomfortable with the fact that you can make as much money as you want and in the business you are in.

If the above are problems for you and you want to overcome them and rise to the extreme levels in sales and business then come to the “No Guts No Gain” program.

The biggest problem will be whether you want to admit you have the problems and then want to stretch your comfort zone to solve them.

You will learn:

1. How to keep yourself motivated
2. How to avoid procrastination
3. Increase your self-esteem and decisiveness
4. Overcome your “fear of failure” once and for all
5. Learn from your mistakes
6. Learn how to handle the pressures and challenges of building a successful business

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NW253

Course Level:

Advanced

Wireless doesn’t just include audio anymore, but also video, security, voice/data, Ethernet, package-ID, and others. Wireless applications are being deployed from farm businesses to high-rise boardrooms. The proliferation of systems installed by owners or other trades makes effective wireless design more difficult for the design engineer. This course provides clear definitions, surveys wide applications, explains wireless theory and technologies, weighs the benefits and conflicts of wireless design, and teaches the designer how to use this knowledge to better plan for wireless systems application.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$249

Non-Member Price:

$325

On-Site Price:

$369

Course Number:

NL092

Course Level:

Intermediate

Learn hands-on how to save time and frustration troubleshooting complex smart control systems that utilize RS-232. Because they have so many variables – hardware, software, equipment settings, cabling, and so forth – it is all too easy to waste a lot of valuable time on guesswork and trial-and-error methods. Sometimes the fix solves one problem but then creates several more that only show up later when the system is back in use. To efficiently solve control system problems once and for all, the technician needs a definitive set of tools. This class provides those tools, including custom hardware and software to use with a laptop, instruction in methods and techniques, and hands-on practice. At the end, each participant will take the tools home and be able to:

• determine which cable or device is preventing a smart AV system or device from functioning properly
• use a laptop as a Data Line Monitor to determine whether a problem is in hardware, control program software, handshaking, or device settings
• use a multimeter to check power supplies and the presence of data activity

Note: participants must bring a multimeter, a Windows laptop with one free USB port, and have rights to load software. They will receive hardware, software, cables, and instructional diagrams to use in class and take home afterwards.

Learning Unit Value: 4

Member Price:

$369

Non-Member Price:

$480

On-Site Price:

$565

Course Number:

NS353

Course Level:

Advanced

It's true that successful partnering with architects and engineers will grow your business. But how do you get them to pay attention—or better yet —seek you out? This class will help the systems integrator better understand how architects and engineers think, how they work, what is important to them and how to add value to their projects and their business.

Learn the fundamentals you need to get and grow your consulting revenues. Designed for salespeople, operations managers and owners.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS172

Course Level:

Intermediate

This course teaches the basic accounting and job costing concepts critical to the success of any systems integration contractor. Although many classes teach accounting, this class speaks to those issues important for managing finances in this industry niche. At the completion of this course, attendees will know how to utilize and improve the information provided by their accounting system. The class is taught in simple English with a goal to develop a new understanding of accounting concepts in a fun and entertaining way. Topics include: understanding your financial statements, job costing technique to measure true profitability, and exploring different methods of revenue recognition.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS382

Course Level:

Intermediate

Voice over IP is real, reliable and here to stay. VoIP is possibly the most powerful platform for delivering new integrated applications for voice, video and collaboration technologies. Advancing your knowledge of VoIP technical fundamentals and the powerful applications that result, allows you to stay a step ahead of your competition. Learn the technical tricks and traps of the VoIP trade, as well as the opportunities driven by VoIP applications, like instant video conferencing and speech enabled systems.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS251

Course Level:

Basic

You can't stop the clock, or turn it back, however you can invest a few hours in this course and gain time management and organizational habits and concepts that will have use for a lifetime. The greatest misnomer about time management is trying to manage time, real time management is all about managing ourselves. This course will assist you in uncovering those time wasters and help you put together a personal and professional self-management solution that fits your style in becoming more effective and efficient.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize Your Time Management Skills
• Through discussions participants will be able to identify stumbling blocks to effective time management and be able to avoid the pitfalls, including “to schedule” or “not to schedule.”
• Given an understanding of what time management really is participants will be able to understand if time is really the challenge
• Identify your strengths & weaknesses
• Given an awareness of typical patterns of behavior participants will be able to focus on their strengths to help create efficient use of time, including prioritzation of tasks and actions.
• Given an awareness of personal assessment participants will be able to identify their own personal prime time and develop a mission plan.
• Participants will understand the importance of setting goals to achieve success and efficiency
• Balance Your Personal & Professional Life
• Through discussions participants will be able to identify how to manage work effectively for optimum performance and outcome, including finding “time for yourself.”

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199

Course Number:

NS201

Course Level:

Basic

Why would anyone want to bid on a consultant-designed project? Consultants are arrogant, demanding, and egotistical producing overdesigned systems with features the Owner will never use. Well, actually this is far from true. The consultant-bid process is thriving with multitudes of contractors successfully bidding and installing systems and showing a profit. Knowing what consultants expect from contractors provides a major advantage, allowing for growth, not only in terms of project size, but also project knowledge. This class will educate the student on topics such as how to bid, understanding consultant expectations, and how to get on a bid list. Class exercises will involve active participation in various scenarios to best understand what is required.

Learning Unit Value: 2

Member Price:

$129

Non-Member Price:

$169

On-Site Price:

$199