CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) recently hosted its inaugural CEDIA Tech Forum, a two-day event in Lond...
CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) recently hosted its inaugural CEDIA Tech Forum, a two-day event in London, which provided attendees with knowledge, insight and networking opportunities.
Event sponsors, AWE, Crestron, Future Automation, Habitech, HDanywhere, Invision, Leaf, Pulse Marketing, Savant Systems Europe and Wyrestorm showcased their latest products over the course of the two days, while a selection also held product training on the first day. These sessions were well attended, with industry professionals learning about the latest technology developments.
On the second day, CEDIA partnered with a number of sponsors and hosted two new workshops, which covered 4K and HDMI, and the design and deployment of wireless technologies in the home.
More than 90 members attended the AGM, where CEDIA offered a detailed review of the Association’s activities in the past 12 months. CEDIA revealed that 127 companies have joined the trade body in 2014 so far, bringing the total up to 650, its highest point ever for the region. While UK membership still remains strong, international membership has increased drastically, particularly in countries such as Indian, Italy, Poland, Russia and Sweden. CEDIA EMEA now includes 41 countries in total.
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On the second day, CEDIA partnered with a number of sponsors and hosted two new workshops, which covered 4K and HDMI, and the design and deployment of wireless technologies in the home.[/caption]
In 2014, CEDIA invested in its team by introducing a number of new staff members to ensure all aspects of membership are covered. Alex Brownhill joined as Membership Development Officer while Simon Buddle came on board as Education Director. Steve Carter also joined the CEDIA team this year and has since been out on the road visiting UK members up and down the country.
CEDIA explained that resources have been a priority this year and have introduced ten new white papers, some of which have been translated into Italian and French. Â An impressive total of 900 white papers have been downloaded this year. Its Recommended Wiring Guidelines’, which is currently being updated, still remains the most popular resource, with over 2,702 copies downloaded.
More than 650 CPD courses have been presented to architects in 2014. This includes presentations from those CEDIA members who have qualified to present the Designing Integrated future-ready homes’ CPD. Industry specific training has also remained strong, with around 104 training courses being held in the last twelve months.
CEDIA focussed on its branding this year by redesigning its trade website – www.cedia.co.uk to bring it in line with its international counterparts and consumer facing site. The association has also increased branding in consumer facing publications this year, with advertising and editorial content featuring in publications such as
The Guardian,
House Beautiful and
Homebuilding & Renovating.
The annual CEDIA Awards was the biggest and best it has ever been, with the scheme attracting over 150 impressive entries from 16 different countries. A new online submission process was launched, making the entry process simpler. A record 320 guests attended the gala dinner in July.
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Keynote Speaker, Maria Ingold, CEO of global tech consultancy, Mireality.[/caption]
The AGM followed a special keynote from Maria Ingold, CEO of global tech consultancy, Mireality. With a great understanding of consumer technology, Maria shared her thoughts on how communications, audio, video, smart home, efficient energy and wearable tech are all combining to provide advancements in home technology and to life.
www.cedia.co.uk