News

CEDIA Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Business and Technology Forum in Leeds (12/8/2009)

CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) has announced that the 2009 Business and Technology Forum, incorporating the CEDIA Region 1 AGM, will take place at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel on the 6th and 7th of October. The event coincides with the 20th Anniversary of CEDIA’s global formation and is sponsored by Armour Home, AWE Europe, Crestron, Epson, Habitech, Imerge, JVC and Universal Electronics.

The format will build on the success of last year’s re-modelled event in Maidstone and will continue to reflect both the industry’s business and technology training needs by offering two technical and two commercially-orientated courses. It will explore topics, such as Selling and Integrating 3D Display Devices, IP and Internet Convergence, Selling to the Construction Industry during the Recovery and Adding Value to Increasingly Commoditised Hardware. These issues will be addressed in open forum style sessions which will enable delegates to learn from subject experts, share information and build best practice approaches.

In light of the current economic pressures on members’ businesses, the programme will also feature a full day CEDIA Project Management Workshop to help companies identify how good project management is instrumental in achieving and maintaining profitability. Entitled “Getting The Right Things Done Right = Cash Flow”, the workshop will be led by one of the UK’s top business consultants, Dr Charles Willbe. Charles spent 25 years with GlaxoSmithKline before setting up Project Doctors which provides advice to all type of business on project, programme and business change management.

On the evening of Tuesday 6th October, CEDIA Region 1 will host its AGM. Here, CEDIA Board members will present a review of the Association’s activities, including reports on the key areas of education, marketing, the CEDIA Expo, membership development and finance. The results of voting for Board positions will also be announced. Members attending the AGM will also have the opportunity to ask questions and raise matters of interest.

And, for those keen to learn more about the work of the organisation and the benefits from membership, CEDIA will host a free “Find Out About CEDIA” session on the first day specifically aimed at recent entrants into the Association or those thinking about joining. This will enable new members to meet with Board members, introduce their business and informally discuss how CEDIA membership can help them grow their company.

The event’s sponsors will host stands displaying new products and will have personnel on hand to answer any questions or deal with issues that delegates might have. CEDIA Certified members will also be able to earn a maximum of 8 CEU points for attending the Business and Technology Forum.

By bringing this year’s event to Leeds, West Yorkshire, CEDIA continues to reach out to different areas within the UK, the largest territory in Region 1. The Hilton Leeds City Hotel is a high quality venue, located in the City Centre, easily accessible for those delegates travelling by road, rail or air.

CEDIA members will be able to purchase tickets at a specially reduced rate of £185, including accommodation but subject to VAT. Non-members are welcome at the Business Forum at a price of £249 per delegate, including accommodation but subject to VAT. Non-members will not be able to attend the AGM. Attendance at the “Find Out About CEDIA” session is free although pre-registration is required. Delegates should visit www.cedia.co.uk and go to the ‘education’ area to book online for the Business and Technology Forum or for further information.

www.cedia.co.uk