SVI Magazine

2007's CEDIA Expo will be my sixth and it's certainly come along way since I first crossed the cordon and entered the Brighton Centre back in 2001. While I have some great memories of my formative shows, back on the south coast - namely sitting on the seafront sipping ice cold beers in the blazing sun - there can be no doubt the core elements of the event have improved no end in recent times. After a brief stay at Birmingham's ICC, which bought further excitement both in its more modern facilities and those long nights at Broad Street's Walkabout, the Expo now appears to have found a worthy home in London's ExCel. Given the organisers express desire to open up the event to the upper echelons of the architecture and building professions, the capital seems the ideal place to be. And where more befitting of a show highlighting the most progessive technologies than in the Docklands and in a dedicated exhibition centre with some of the finest amenities you'll find?
Following its successful debut in these parts, in 2007 the CEDIA team are hoping to push back the boundaries once again, providing a more expansive showcase to an even greater number of visitors, with the most comprehensive line up of educational seminars yet conceived also on offer. Expect to uncover a feast of fresh and exciting technologies capable of helping you to offer your clients more in their home. The exhibition list reads like a who's who of the home electronics world, and should prove sufficient to entice anyone who's anyone in AV or custom installation along. Naturally we'll be among them, wearing both our press and exhibitor badges. Not only will I be making the rounds and poring over every product, accompanied by my new team of Chantell and Bonnie – we'll also be presiding over stand K7 in conjunction with our colleagues at Smartlife International, serving up enough free magazines to ensure no one goes home empty handed and some ice cold beverages to boot. Yes, if you're in need of either information or refreshment stop by and we'll quench your needs. Put your feet up and have a chat with the people behind the publications!
The social element to the big event certainly won't end at the show itself and already we've heard rumours that Crestron is planning another big bash – and who better to host a party than this industry giant. If you're one of their dealers be sure to secure your place. For myself at least, this will be preceded by the Chairman's reception, the highlight of which should prove the 2007 CEDIA awards. With the nominations in and the judges no doubt locked in debate, we eagerly await the outcome. The CEDIA party itself should prove a belter this year as guests take to the Thames in an old steamboat. As a charity event too, this is not one to be missed and the SVI and Smartlife crews have already snapped up their tickets. We've been informed that they're selling like hotcakes, so be sure to sign yourselves up forthwith.
That the Expo will prove bigger and better than ever is beyond doubt. Make sure you're there. If so, see you on K7 for that drink...