2026 Convention

Instructor: Mark Dawson Class Duration: 1 Hour Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the importance of ethical conduct within the locksmith profession. Recognize professional responsibilities when working with customers, businesses, and the public. Understand the role of honesty, integrity, and accountability in maintaining trust. Identify ethical challenges commonly encountered in the locksmith industry. Understand the importance of accurate documentation, responsible service practices, and professional decision-making. Apply ethical principles to daily locksmith operations and customer interactions. Course Description Professional ethics are the...

Instructor: Joey Jackson Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate Class Objective – The student will learn to: Identify common lock and key systems used in campers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Understand the different types of RV locking hardware and their applications. Learn how to identify RV lock manufacturers and key systems. Develop the skills needed to service, rekey, and replace RV locks. Understand common challenges associated with RV lock service calls. Apply professional techniques for working with RV-related security hardware. Expand locksmith services...

Instructor: Ryan Voight, EA Company: Red Door Taxes — New Braunfels, TX Course Level: Business / Professional Development Class Duration: 4 Hours Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the major business structures available to locksmith companies and the tax and liability implications of each. Evaluate the differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S-corporations, and C-corporations. Identify common tax deductions and credits available to locksmith businesses. Understand proper documentation practices to support business expenses and reduce audit risk. Apply current depreciation strategies,...

Instructor: Travis Howell Course Level: Intermediate Recommended Experience: Six months or more of automotive key programming experience. Class Objective – The student will learn to: Apply intermediate-level programming techniques across multiple vehicle manufacturers. Understand current bypass methods used on today's vehicle security systems. Learn when and how to use key emulators during programming procedures. Retrieve PIN codes for supported Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Understand the capabilities and applications of MYKEYsPro. Perform transponder key cloning using Smart Aerial and GTI Pro chips. Gain hands-on...

Instructor: Bill Deahl Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the history and development of Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) systems. Identify the components and design of SFIC cylinders and cores. Learn the principles and mathematics behind SFIC keying systems. Understand the applications and advantages of interchangeable core systems. Perform proper pinning and capping procedures for SFIC cylinders. Gain a working knowledge of the A2 pinning system used throughout the industry. Become familiar with the A3 and A4 pinning...

Instructor: Michael Chavez Instructor Biography: Michael Chavez brings more than 40 years of professional carpentry experience specializing in commercial doors, frames, architectural hardware, and field problem-solving. His practical, hands-on approach equips students with techniques they can immediately apply on the job to improve installations, reduce callbacks, and keep doors operating safely until permanent repairs can be completed. Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the purpose, advantages, and applications of continuous hinges. Identify the different types of continuous hinges and...

Instructor: Eric "The Beast" Lambert Course Level: Intermediate to Advanced Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the fundamentals of the Mercedes-Benz FBS4 vehicle security system. Learn the requirements for registering and supplying keys for 2014 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Become familiar with the Mercedes XENTRY platform and OEM assets used during the key registration process. Understand the workflow for servicing FBS4-equipped vehicles. Identify the tools, software, and resources required to begin working with FBS4 systems. Recognize the limitations and...

Instructor: To Be Announced Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the full capabilities of the HPC Blitz Key Machine beyond basic code cutting. Compare the HPC Blitz to the HPC 1200CM and computerized code machines to determine the best tool for various applications. Master advanced key cutting and decoding techniques for a variety of key types. Properly calibrate and maintain the HPC Blitz for maximum accuracy and performance. Learn efficient setup procedures, card organization, and proper use of...

Instructor: Bill Deahl Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the purpose and operation of commercial door closers. Identify the different types of door closers and their appropriate applications. Learn proper installation techniques for overhead concealed, surface-mounted, parallel arm, top jamb, and overhead glass door closers. Understand how proper closer selection improves safety, accessibility, and door performance. Become familiar with fire, life safety, and building codes governing door closer installations. Learn how to adjust door closers for proper opening,...

Instructor: Paul Finstrom Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate Class Objective – The student will learn to: Understand the fundamentals of OBD and OBD-II systems used in modern vehicles. Identify common problems encountered by automotive locksmiths and security professionals. Learn a systematic approach to diagnosing automotive security and programming issues. Become familiar with the diagnostic tools used to troubleshoot vehicle communication and immobilizer problems. Read and interpret automotive wiring diagrams and know where to access reliable wiring information. Work through real-world troubleshooting scenarios...