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CEDIA Expo offers even more (11/6/2008)

Now in its 12th year, CEDIA Expo (23-26 June, ExCeL London) has grown into one of the most important dates in the European calendar for home electronic systems. And this year promises to bring a mix of high quality exhibition stands, an extensive education programme and a range of feature areas on the show floor to inform and entertain!

In a completely new move CEDIA is holding free of charge seminars on the show floor in 'The Hot Topics Theatre' on stand F5a which will be covering topical issues specific to the residential custom installation market. Experts from a number of important fields and industries are set to give insight, hints and tips to delegates attending the sessions. Each will be 20-30 minutes long and are free of charge - there's no need to pre-book so just turn up early and grab your seat!

Speakers will include experts from Apple who will be looking at Apple TV and products such as the iPod touch, iPhone and Apple computer systems; interior designer and Past-Chairman of the BIDA (British Interior Design Associations), Dean Keyworth, will be providing an insight into what interior designers want from custom installers; The BBC's Ian Potts will be looking at the future of broadcast HD whilst David Pedigo from CEDIA will be looking at the Technology Council, a new initiative launched by CEDIA US in 2007 and Alastair Manson of nPower will discuss its upcoming smart metering initiative which is set to change the way businesses and homes use and think about energy. And finally The Royal Bank of Scotland's Geoff Goodwin will present a risk awareness showcase whilst VAT Consultant Simon Levine discusses VAT and the CI market. Full details of the on-floor 'Hot Topics Theatre' can be found in the CEDIA Expo Show Guide.

There is also some fun lined up for Expo including the 'Wii Challenge', sponsored by LG Electronics, where visitors will pit themselves against each other to prove who is champion. Visit stand D5 to take part and be in with the chance of a 32" LG Plasma!

The CEDIA Awards feature is set to impress, showcasing the range of installations that have been entered into the prestigious CEDIA annual awards. Situated on C8, there will be a display of images plus details of all this year's winners all centred around the Cadillac Escalade that won Prestige Audio the 'Best Special Project' in the 2007 awards. This is the ultimate modified vehicle with a specialist control system to not only control every aspect of the vehicle's massive audio visual system, but also to take over most of the standard control functions on the dashboard. There will also be details on the 2009 awards with information on categories, how to enter and details of the awards night all available.

For those keen to meet the CEDIA staff and Board Members, a visit to the central CEDIA feature is a must. Go along to talk about membership, gaining CEDIA Certification, taking part in training, how to get involved in CEDIA committees or just to say hi. The stand will be manned by staff and Board Members throughout the show with plenty of information about CEDIA to take away.

For those who manage to get round all of these features and the exhibition stands and have taken part in some of the training sessions a well earned rest may be in order. The Speakercraft Café/Bar on the show floor should prove the perfect tonic for sore feet and parched throats. Stop by the replenish energy levels before you carry on!

And last but by no means least remember to come along to the CEDIA party on the Wednesday night of Expo. This is a fantastic networking opportunity as well as great fun. This year it will take place at RAAN at the O2. The evening will kick off with a free 'happy hour' from 7pm until 8pm, where unlimited drinks will be available, courtesy of CEDIA. This will be followed by food, drink and entertainment with a Thai theme - it's looking like to will be a memorable night for all!

www.cedia-expo.com