As we head into spring, it is time for CEDIA members to turn their attention to writing their CEDIA Awards entries. As of Monday 13th March, the 2017 CEDIA Awards scheme is officially open for entries.
Here, I provide information on the categories, the entry process and the entry support we are offering our members. Make sure you read all the way to the end for an exclusive on the ceremony venue.
Categories
This year, we are introducing a number of new and revised award categories. The 2017 CEDIA Awards categories are as follows:
• Best Media Room £20k and under *Revised*
• Best Media Room £20k - £80k *New*
• Best Media Room £80k and over *New*
• Best Home Cinema £40k and under
• Best Home Cinema £40k - £120k *Revised*
• Best Home Cinema £120k - £240k *New*
• Best Home Cinema £240k and over *New*
• Best Integrated Home £120k - £240k *Revised*
• Best Integrated Home £240k - £360k *New*
• Best Integrated Home £360k and over *New*
• Best Innovative Solution *Revised*
• Best Auto, Marine and Aircraft Project *New*
• Best Special Project *New*
• Best Lighting Control and Installation *Revised*
• Best Multiple Dwelling Unit Design *Revised*
• Best Showroom
We have also added two additional sub-categories this year - Best Documentation and Best Dressed Rack. CEDIA members do not need to draft dedicated award entries for these categories. Instead, all entries will be automatically placed into both sub-categories for consideration.
What’s more, category winners, alongside winners from the Americas and Asia Pacific regions, will be entered into the CEDIA Global Awards where a panel of global judges will identify ‘the best of the best’.
CEDIA EMEA members will also be invited to vote for their Best Trade Supplier and Best Training Course by a Trade Supplier in a special online poll organised as part of the scheme.
Meanwhile, journalists writing for consumer homes and interiors magazines will also have the opportunity to enter the category, “Best Technology Feature in a Homes and Interiors Publication”.
Entry Process
In line with feedback from members, we have implemented significant improvements to the online award entry portal to make the entry process as streamlined and efficient as possible. Members can access this portal at the dedicated awards website www.cedia.net/programs/awards/home-tech-pros where they can view entry criteria, category information, and guidelines, then submit their projects and supporting documentation.
Entry Support
For further guidance and advice on how to write a winning CEDIA award entry, CEDIA awards judge and education instructor, Geoff Meads will be hosting a webinar at 3pm BST on 28th March, entitled ‘How to Win a CEDIA Award’. You will be able to attend this webinar live by registering your details at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/337606526044184066. Alternatively, you can view the webinar on the CEDIA Community at a later date.
An Exclusive – Celebrate the Magic
Exclusively for HiddenWires readers, I can reveal that this year’s awards ceremony will be held on Friday 29th September. Muggles from across the home technology industry will gather at the majestic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with the ceremony set to be held at Warner Bros Studio Tours: The Making of Harry Potter. So, get your wands at the ready, put your best spell forward and make sure to book your place at the 2017 CEDIA Awards. Early bird savings will be available until Friday 30th June 2017. Tickets are available here.
For more information and to enter the 2017 CEDIA Awards, please visit www.cedia.net/programs/awards/home-tech-pros
Tickets are available here.
Matt Nimmons is managing director of CEDIA EMEA
