ATLANTA – Baseball Hall of Famer and Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz will be the guest speaker at the 2025 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2025 general session, scheduled for June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre, the penultimate day of the event that’s set to run from June 16-19.
ESX is known as the “RMR Educational Event of the Year,” designed specifically by and for electronic security and life safety integrators and dealers.
Smoltz, an eight-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner who spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves, earned first-ballot admission into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The ESX 2025 General Session, presented on the event’s Main Stage, is “an inspirational and energizing event that brings together security dealers, integrators and monitoring professionals,” according to the ESA announcement.
It also serves as a celebration of the industry’s brightest stars, including the presentation of the Weinstock Award.
“Having John Smoltz join us at ESX is truly special,” says ESX chairman George De Marco in the ESA announcement. “His legendary career embodies what our security professionals deliver daily: excellence under pressure when seconds matter and unwavering commitment in keeping customers safe. We’re excited to bring his inspiring story to Atlanta, a city that knows his remarkable legacy firsthand.”
Inside the ESX 2025 General Session with John Smoltz
Like championship-winning ballclubs, great teams aren’t just born; they’re built. In Smoltz’s keynote, “Tips for Developing an All-Star Culture,” attendees will dive into what it takes to create an all-star culture, where every member excels at their position, supports their teammates and swings for the fences every day.
Smoltz pitched in the Major Leagues from 1988–2009, spending all but his final year with the Atlanta Braves, during which he pitched for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200+ wins and 150+ saves.
He won the 1996 National League Cy Young Award with a 24–8 record and 276 strikeouts, leading the majors in wins and strikeouts and set the National League single-season saves record in 2002 with 55 saves after transitioning to a closer role.
Since his retirement as a player, Smoltz has served as a commentator and analyst for Fox Sports and MLB Network, broadcasting multiple All-Star Games and World Series, among other marquee events.
From scouting and developing the right talent to driving home accountability and shared vision, Smoltz’s ESX 2025 general session will “uncover how to foster a winning team culture and transform teammates into champions,” according to the ESA announcement. Attendees should “get ready to step up to the plate with actionable strategies you can take home.”
