By Wendy Griffiths, CEDIA.
CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) is the leading global authority in the home technology industry, representing 3,500 member companies worldwide and serving more than 22,000 industry professionals that manufacture, design, and integrate products and services for the connected home. Built upon a strong foundation of volunteers, CEDIA provides access to industry-leading education, certification, research, and consumer awareness.
Back in 2004, CEDIA was one of the founders, alongside InfoComm and NSCA, of ISE (Integrated Systems Europe), which has grown into the largest European show for the professional AV and electronics industries. CEDIA is the cornerstone of the event's residential education programme, providing a multitude of courses and seminars and, together with InfoComm, ensuring profits are invested back into the industry. Since its launch, the show has grown year on year, and for its 10th event in 2013, the show attracted a record-breaking 894 exhibitors and 44,151 attendees.
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ISE has grown into the largest European show for the professional AV and electronics industries[/caption]
Crossover with Commercial
While CEDIA itself focuses on the residential market, the show also attracts commercial exhibitors and visitors. It is becoming increasingly apparent that brands - whether manufacturers or system engineers and installers - cross-over the two markets, with many organisations working across the commercial and residential arenas.
Education Programme
Having been involved since the very beginning, we recognise that the show provides the perfect platform to reach a large proportion of our members in one place. For this reason, over the last few years we have increased our presence at the show and developed the education programme. We now offer more training courses than ever before, and have secured a great location near the main entrance of Hall 1 - we look forward to meeting you there and providing you with more information the benefits of joining CEDIA!
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The welcoming CEDIA stand can be found near the entrance to Hall 1.[/caption]
ISE 2013 was a great success for us, with more than 200 delegates attending our training. Keen to build on this momentum, our 2014 programme includes courses which are specific to the requirements of members and which reflect the state of the residential custom installation market.
We have put great emphasis on business development to assist members in understanding how they can expand their expertise and take on board ideas for boosting sales and profitability.
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ISE provides the opportunity to receive high-quality training from CEDIA.[/caption]
As well as some familiar courses returning to the programme, we are introducing a number of new sessions this year. These include 'Let's Make Money', 'Residential Networking', '4K Video Compatibility and HDMI System Design' and 'Standardising Your Business Model'.
Training Courses
Our training courses run from Monday the 3rd of February (the day before the show officially opens), to Thursday the 6th of February, as follows:
Day 1 - Monday 3rd February 2014
10.00 - 17.00 - Home Cinema Design Workshop.
10.00 - 17.00 - Residential Networking.
10.00 - 17.00 - Let's Make Money.
Day 2 - Tuesday 4th February 2014
10.00 - 13.00 - Technology and Consumer Trends.
10.00 - 13.00 - Standardising Your Business Model.
14.00 - 17.00 - The Art of Project Documentation.
14.00 - 17.00 - Designing Residential Energy Management Systems.
Day 3 - Wednesday 5th February 2014
09.30 - 12.30 - Remote System Access: Methods, Security & Best Practices.
09.30 - 12.30 - Project Management Skill for the Technician & Designer.
14.00 - 17.00 - 4K video compatibility and HDMI system design.
14.00 - 17.00 - Social Media for Business.
Day 4 - Thursday 6th February 2014
10.00 - 15.00 - CEDIA EST2 Certification Exam.
10.00 - 15.00 - CEDIA ESD1 Certification Exam.
10.00 - 15.00 - CEDIA Residential Networking Specialist Exam.
14.00 - 17.00 - Wireless Residential Networking.
As well as the traditional training courses, other education sessions play a key role at ISE. The 2014 show sees the return of the
Smart Building Conference. Taking place on the night before the show opens (Monday 3 February), a number of key speakers are lined up to discuss topics that are relevant to both the residential and commercial markets.
Throughout the three day show, ISE will host a wide range of free sessions in the new Residential Solutions Theatre in Hall 7. These seminars will be held by a selection of custom installation representatives, a full programme of which will be published on the
ISE website in due course.
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A wide range of free sessions will be given by a selection of custom installation representatives.[/caption]
Planning for the Show
ISE is constantly growing with new exhibitors each year. This growth, combined with new feature areas and additional training, means the show now covers an impressive twelve halls at the RAI. Of course, being this size, it is helpful for visitors to plan their trip before arriving. The ISE website is extremely useful with an interactive floorplan and exhibitor list, allowing visitors to identify key stands to visit and plan their time accordingly.
Registering
Pre-registration is available on the ISE website. Delegates wishing to save money on entry charges (€40 online or €60 on-site) should make use of the CEDIA invitation code: 706374.
Visitors are also able to book a place on the CEDIA training courses via the ISE website. The prices for these courses are as follows:
1-day course
Member Price - €175.
Non-Member Price - €230.
3-hour course
Member Price - €125.
Non-Member Price - €165.
Come and Meet the Team
CEDIA representatives will be available on our stand throughout ISE. They will be pleased to answer any questions you may have, provide information about CEDIA's work across Region 1 (Europe, Russia, The Middle East, India and Africa) and explain the benefits that membership brings.
For more information on CEDIA education go to
www.cediaeducation.com.
To register for ISE 2014 go to
www.iseurope.org and click the yellow Register button in the top menu.
Wendy Griffiths is the Executive Director of CEDIA Region 1. CEDIA is an organisation of experienced companies involved in the design and installation of electronic systems for the home.
www.cedia.co.uk