News

CEDIA Expands Education, Outreach and Marketing Across Region 1 (20/10/2009)

In its AGM held on Tuesday 6th October, CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) has revealed its determination to focus on delivering value, international development and supporting its members to take advantage of the economic upturn with an expansion in education, outreach and marketing programmes.

During the meeting in front of more than 100 CEDIA members, the biggest ever attendance for the combined CEDIA AGM / Business & Technology Forum event, the CEDIA Board presented a review of activities in the past 12 months alongside an outline of future plans.

“It’s been a tough 12 months, to put it mildly”, explained CEDIA Chair, Robert Hallam. “But the latest indicators show that the worst of the downturn may now be behind us, and that we can all look forward to 2010 and beyond with a degree of cautious optimism. If the stunning success of this year’s CEDIA Awards and CEDIA Expo events proved anything, it was that we operate in a sector which is exciting, forward-thinking and, above all, resilient.”

He adds, “These important showcases for our industry also showed how much we benefit from coming together so that we can see new technologies, learn and improve our skill-sets and share our experiences with peers. As CEDIA Chair, I am determined that we continue to build on these strengths and deliver value for our members across Region 1”. In education 85 individuals achieved Certified status in the last year, bringing the total to 590 across the Region. This includes 54 individuals from South Africa and 4 Home Cinema Design Specialists (up from 1 last year). CEDIA is currently seeking RIBA accreditation for its new ECO CPD course previewed to members in one of the Business & Technology Forum sessions. Other initiatives will see a new EST (Electronic Systems Technician) Certification structure and an EST Boot Camp, whilst CEDIA is also collaborating with the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) in establishing standards and bulletins for the industry. CEDIA is also keen to build on the Business & Technology Forum model which was well supported at the Leeds event and covered key issues in the industry, alongside a full Project Management course, from the respected expert, Dr Charles Willbe.

2008/09 has also proved a positive year for CEDIA’s industry outreach programme. The Association has participated in a diverse range of events, seminars and conferences aimed at boosting the industry’s profile and educating audiences in interior design and architecture on the benefits of working with CEDIA members. More than 3,500 design professionals have now attended CEDIA’s “Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes CPD which can only be delivered by qualified CEDIA members. Further conference events and more CEDIA CPD courses at members’ showrooms or demonstration facilities will take place in 2010.

Highlights in marketing have included the biggest ever CEDIA Awards to date with 90 entries from 11 countries. Category and entry information on the 2010 scheme was revealed at the AGM, alongside news on a 30% year-on-year increase in editorial coverage of the scheme. CEDIA also explained advances made in communicating with external audiences through media and at relevant exhibitions, and also with members, through the CEDIA Communicates newsletter and greater use of online tools such as Podcasts and Twitter to promote events.

Annual turnover for the Association, ending 31 December 2008 stood at £1.6 million. This figure included a significant return from CEDIA Region 1’s 16% stake in ISE. This revenue will ensure the Association can continue its growth across Region 1. Membership saw 38 new members join in the last 12 months from 16 different countries, representing 60% of all new members. CEDIA attended international events in The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Russia and more training and marketing activities are planned for 2010.

“The huge effort we are making in international development is helping to improve quality standards and professionalism right across the region”, says Robert Hallam. “The drive for a CEDIA brand presence internationally is essential to ensure we grow and strengthen for the benefit of members everywhere”. Following a review of the CEDIA Expo 2009, more information was provided on the re-branded show for 2010, CEDIA’s Home Technology Event. The AGM provided a forum for members to ask questions on this and other issues raised in the meeting and covered in the specially produced Annual Report.

The CEDIA AGM and Business & Technology Forum took place on Tuesday and Wednesday 6th and 7th October at the Leeds City Hilton Hotel, Leeds. A copy of the CEDIA Annual report is available through the CEDIA office.

www.cedia.co.uk