Organisers of the upcoming CEDIA Expo 2018 have announced the addition of a ‘Design Connection’ programme, introduced with the aim of “uniting technology integrators with design and construction professionals.â€
Emerald Expositions hopes to create a breeding ground for collaboration and partnership between the technology and design & build communities with its first time taking the reins of the CEDIA Expo.
The scheme will see a number of programmes and networking opportunities brought to the San Diego Convention Centre this September, as well as the introduction of a specific ‘Design Connection Pavilion,’ a ‘Design Connection Tour Series’ and a ‘Bourbon and Brownies’-themed networking event.
Endorsed by the US National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Design Connection Pavilion will be a gallery-style area on the showfloor dedicated to highlighting kitchen and bath brands using connected technology in their products. The space will be located in Hall C and “feature technology products specifically suited to compliment design and construction integration” according to the event’s organiser.
“Having an area on the showfloor dedicated to technology and design integration will spark needed conversations between the two professional groups,” commented Suzie Williford, executive vice president of industry relations & CSO and NKBA.
“Kitchen and bath designers are hungry for products that will move the needle on technology integration in intelligently built environments.”
The ‘Design Connection Tours,’ held on September 6 and 7, have been introduced to benefit both designers and integrators and will see two integrators lead and curate a tour around ten select exhibitor booths (two of which will be sponsored) for 10-15 certified designers. The tour will also feature a stop at the Design Connection Pavilion.
Both tours will feature a complimentary lunch for all participants, as well as a ticket to ‘Bourbon and Brownies,’ an invitation-only cocktail hour and networking session.
Vice president at Emerald Expositions, who bought the rights to the annual trade show last January, Brian Pagel, says the change will bring “multiple learning opportunities” for designers, architects and building professionals to learn from integrators. “Integrator and designer relationships are vital to achieve the modern customer’s goals and deliver beautifully designed spaces with seamless smart technology integration.”
CEDIA 2018 will take place from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 September, 2018, at the San Diego Convention Centre.