The GPLA Convention
The GPLA 2019 Convention Store is now CLOSED!
All registrations must now be made on site at the convention.
Please do not email or fax any registrations.
Partial list of confirmed classes for our 2021 Convention:
Basic Safe Penetration *
Lock Bypass Techniques *
Impressioning *
Basic Mechanical Safe Lock Servicing *
NJ Locksmith License Mandatory Class*
*NJ Approved CEU class
GPLA will post additional classes as they are confirmed, so check back often.
2021 GPLA Convention Dates
Mark your calendars! The Greater Philadelphia Locksmiths Association is excited to announce the dates for our 2021 Convention:
September 22-25, 2021
The convention host hotel will once again be the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport. CLICK HERE to be taken to the GPLA Group Hotel Reservations page. We were disappointed that we had to cancel our 2020 Convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic and missed seeing all of our many industry partners and friends. The 2021 Convention Committee has already been hard at work to make sure this year’s Convention is bigger and better than ever, and as always, presented with GPLA’s legendary style and hospitality! It’s sure to be a party you won’t soon forget!
Clifford L. Shafer, CPS, CML
GPLA 2021 Convention Chairman
2021 GPLA Scholarships Update
GPLA has made the decision to increase the number of Scholarships offered for our 2021 convention. Many locksmiths have seen their businesses experience a significant decline due to the effects of the pandemic, so this year we will be awarding six scholarships for up to 3 days of classes each (excluding any lab fees), instead of the usual two scholarships of up to 2 days of classes each. We encourage all interested locksmiths to apply for the Scholarship using the appropriate application (GPLA member or non-member applications) linked below.
10 Great Reasons To Attend The Greater Philadelphia Locksmiths Association Awards Banquet, Convention, Education, and Product Extravaganza
1. Education
10-12 top notch industry classes, many with NJ State continuing education credits (CEU) and instructed by nationally recognized professional instructors with years of experience. Our class prices are some of the best values in the industry!
Cliff Shafer with one of his students in his safe class.
John Williams & John Truempy hardware class.
Sven K. Hellwig, Sr., and Ryan in a Lishi automotive key generation class.
Paul Kline, one of GPLAs Lishi experts, instructing several students.
2. 50+ Vendor Exhibits
Over 50 Exhibitors during Saturday’s show, showcasing an A to Z of products, services, equipment and more. Thousands of items available for purchase; you can even buy a new service vehicle if that’s what you need! From a new pick set or trick tool, locks, safes, and vans, you will find it here. Hundreds of door prizes given away all day long, and GPLA and ALOA will be giving away a complete ALOA Convention package for next year!
3. Scholarships
No-cost scholarships for 2 days of classes. Members of GPLA and several other local associations (see the non-member application for a list of eligible associations) are welcome to apply for the Connelly-Singer Scholarship. Applications must be received no later than 30 days prior to the convention date. See the GPLAs website (www.gpla.org) for an application.
Mr. Bruce Wallen, (center) of Wallens Professional Safe Opening wins the ALOA Door Prize of a free week of training classes at the 2017 convention. Presenting the award package is Mary May (far right) and a contingency of ALOA executives and dignitaries.
4. Friday Night Social
The Friday Night Social is becoming known throughout the industry as the best time you can have without your pick set! Always a different theme to have fun with, great humorous presentations, and crowd participation. Great food, great fun, great friends guaranteed!
GPLA members having fun at the Friday Night Social Event.
5. Meet and Greet
The opportunity to meet, greet, and network with industry leaders from manufacturers and distributors, as well as outstanding world-renowned industry names in specialty fields, various association representatives, and more.
Honorary Convention Chairman Mark Baldino conducted a forum before the tradeshow to discuss the war on illegal locksmiths. Over 25 concerned business owners attended the forum.
6. Free Parking
Free parking for all attendees and guests at our 5-star accommodations, at one of the most convenient locations: Philadelphia Airport DoubleTree by Hilton. Upscale, newly renovated and ready to accommodate every one of your needs. Restaurant, Pub, and Café are on location. Hotel rooms are at the same low price they have been for several years: $119.00 per night using GPLA’s hotel block reservation code.
7. Refreshments
Refreshments available all day at the convention, exhibit show, and during classes, compliments of our convention sponsors, to be announced.
8. Test Your Skills
Show off your professional skills and win big money at our Pick and Bump Contest. Who has the quickest draw with their pick sets?! It could be you that wins a crisp $50 or $100 bill!
GPLA lock picking contest in action!
Orvis Kline (right) congratulates the Lock Bumping Champion, Chino Rosa of Rick’s Key House, on winning in a smoking time of :07 seconds!
9. Old Friends
A chance to stop and take the time out of our busy schedules to relax a little, talk to old friends, or making it a point to say “Hello” to some new friends! Enjoy our non-rushed experience each day of the Convention.
The Row Officers and GPLA Board of Directors.
10. Awards Banquet
Our industry’s most prestigious and well-known banquet, with awards being presented to recipients from around the world, around the country, and around our home town. Come and share in the once-in-a-lifetime thrill that these recipients experience when being presented with one of the awards. Sharing in their joy will be contagious. The Friday Night Social, President’s Reception and Black Tie Preferred Awards Banquet, including hors d’oeuvres and top-shelf bar, surf and turf meal, dessert and music, are all at one low price of just $85 per person!
Sven K. Hellwig Sr., opening the ceremonies of the 2018 GPLA Awards Banquet.