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TECHNOLOGY’S COMING HOME…
Listed under: Top Story
Published: Saturday, June 12, 2010
The CEDIA Home Technology Event 2010 is almost upon us…
It seems likely that much of the Expo of yore will recognisable to those who make the trip to ExCeL, but it's also clear that the organisers have done far more than change the logo and name as part of their drive to reinvigorate the UK's leading Custom Installation exhibition and attract associated trades through its doors.
The first thing old hands will notice is that the event has moved a short distance to the newly-built ICC London. Sitting besides the existing ExCeL facilities, this £165-million development incorporates a multi-function conference suite, impressive reception areas and, by all accounts, the largest banqueting hall in London. All in all, it would appear to be a worthy successor to the ExCeL's halls.
Despite the change of venue, the heart of the Home Technology Event will remain the same – the global product launches, important updates to existing technologies, major brands, packed schedule of education and the unrivalled networking opportunities that regular Expo-goers will know and love will all be present and correct. “The Home Technology Event is the number one shop window for the residential custom installation industry,” confirmed Show Manager and CEDIA’s Operations Director, Matt Nimmons. “It’s the place for installers across the Region to see the big brands, get close up with all the major technologies, take industry and product-specific training, and build relationships with suppliers.”
As you'd expect, every aspect of residential AV technology will be represented, from high-end loudspeakers, Home Cinema projectors, whole-home audio systems and plasma, LCD and 3D TV screens, to audio and video media servers, HVAC control solutions, lighting control systems and automated mechanisms for lifting plasmas and other devices – manufactured and distributed by many of the industry's leading brands.
Alongside the product offerings will be an extensive programme of educational opportunities, including a series of new business and marketing courses aimed at company owners and project managers, and technical courses for designers and installers. Among the former will be 'Cash Flow Strategies', 'The Business Side of Project Management', 'Green Business Management' and 'Project Cost Management', whilst on the technical side, options will include 'Introduction To Residential Custom Integration', 'The Guide To Control Systems', 'Structured Cabling and Data Networks', 'Audio and Video Setup and Calibration', 'Distributing HDMI Round Table', 'iPad, iPhone and Tablets Round Table' and a '3DTV – Challenges and Solutions Round Table'. CEDIA is also working with BADA and InfoComm to provide training for their members at the show for the very first time.
On the show floor, the aptly named Show Floor Theatre will again be in evidence and playing host to a range of speakers, whilst the success of the conference theme in 2009 has led to the creation of new conferences for architects, interior designers, mechanical and electrical consultants, and contractors, as well as electricians – clear evidence of CEDIA's continuing efforts to promote CI and the Association to related professional service companies.
We'll now hand you over to CEDIA Region 1 Chairman, ROBERT HALLAM, who explains what’s changed, what's stayed the same and what you'll find on the show floor at ExCeL...
RE-BRANDED AND REFOCUSSED
As a forum for business and education and a platform for growth, the annual CEDIA Region 1 trade exhibition has always provided an important focal point for our industry. The successful format was re-energised last year when, having received a collective vote of confidence, it was given a new name and a new identity. The decision to re-brand the event, and thereby broaden its appeal to new custom installation, specifier and design professional audiences, has certainly paid dividends, and the stage is now firmly set for the CEDIA Home Technology Event to build on the achievements of its predecessor.
Renewed and refocussed, the Home Technology Event promises to be every bit the showcase for our sector. After what has been a difficult year, the new direction and re-brand have undeniably caught the imagination of an industry, which has itself been invigorated by the economic upturn. The show continues to enjoy the support of the major industry brands such as Crestron, JVC, Kaleidescape, Legrand, NuVo, Panasonic, Philips, Sonos and Speakercraft, alongside prominent distributors in the sector such as AWE Europe, BMB Electronics, CSE Custom, Genesis Technologies, Habitech, Invision UK and Pulse Marketing. And with other exhibitors including the likes of Amina, Artcoustic, Carlo Gavazzi, Draper Group, Extra Vegetables, Fasttel, Future Automation, Gira, HDMI Over IP, Marata Vision, Naim, Premier Mounts, Philips Dynalite, Rako, RGB Communications, Sonos, Smart-e and Unique Automation, to name just a few, there will certainly be lots to see.
education, education, education
Importantly, as the world makes its gradual economic recovery, the show offers an ideal platform from which we can re-group and re-focus – not only on the technological advancements that will take us forward collectively, but also the core business skills that will help us develop individually. The CEDIA education programme is the industry’s richest source of learning, and there is nowhere better to access the wealth of information and expertise on offer, than at the Event. We invest a great deal of time and effort into improving this offering to ensure that it stays as fresh, relevant and as valuable as possible. This year we are delighted that nearly all of the courses on offer are new for 2010 – this is testament not only to our commitment to education and training but of our ongoing determination to raise standards within the residential Custom Installation industry.
We have devised a varied and exciting seminar programme that will give insight across multiple tracks, with courses targeted at technicians, project managers and business owners alike. With over 120 hours of CEDIA training, the four-day education offering embraces all career paths – from entry-level technical courses for new installers wanting to get a foot in the door, to high-level business workshop classes for company owners looking to keep their business on the right track, there really is something for everyone.
Away from the seminar room, the Show Floor Seminar Theatre will again provide an informal and up-tempo platform for topical agenda. This year, HDMI, 3D, smart meters, interior design and the digital future are some of the issues that will come under close scrutiny as part of this ever-popular forum. Our line-up of expert speakers will feature involvement from major corporates such as BSkyB and the BBC, who will give audiences the broadcaster’s perspective on HD and 3D content delivery into the home. Designer, writer and television presenter Oliver Heath will also be talking about his experiences in bringing aspirational sustainability and good design together in a variety of mediums – from eco consultancy, architecture, eco interior design, product design and writing. His design and sustainability knowledge have made him a trusted expert in the national media, and he has appeared on BBC1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel, as well as authoring three design books. He will be taking centre stage at the Show Floor Seminar Theatre on Wednesday 16th.
reaching out
With every year that passes, we work hard to maximise the show’s potential by bringing in new and exciting audiences, and this year is certainly no different. In 2010 we will be building on the success of the interior designer’s conference that proved so popular in 2009 by running similar offerings for architects, electrical contractors and building services consultants, and thereby extending CEDIA's reach and relevance to related professional service companies.
Supported by Building Services & Environmental Engineer magazine and sponsored by Lutron, 'Engineering Smart Home Networks' is a free, half-day education event dedicated to mechanical and electrical consultants and contractors who want to find out how electronic systems, including audio-visual, data, lighting control, security and HVAC, can be successfully installed and integrated into significant residential schemes. Meanwhile, the 'Wired for Technology' conference, sponsored by Lutron, supported by the NICEIC and chaired by Jonathan Cole, Editor of Professional Electrician magazine, will help electrical contractors find out more about the residential CI sector. For a design professional audience, 2010 sees the return of the 'Designing Interiors with Technology' conference for interior designers, sponsored by Crestron and supported by the British Institute of Interior Design, Decorex and idFX magazine. Finally, the show will host the first-ever conference for architects: the RIBA-sponsored 'Designing Integrated Future Ready Homes'.
With its global product launches, important updates on existing technologies, major brands and packed programme of seminars, workshops and conference sessions, the CEDIA Home Technology Event remains the only annual trade event in the UK dedicated to the design, installation and integration of home electronic systems. As such, it is a must-attend event for all, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Contact: +44 (0)1480 213 744
www.hometechnologyevent.co.uk
The first thing old hands will notice is that the event has moved a short distance to the newly-built ICC London. Sitting besides the existing ExCeL facilities, this £165-million development incorporates a multi-function conference suite, impressive reception areas and, by all accounts, the largest banqueting hall in London. All in all, it would appear to be a worthy successor to the ExCeL's halls.
Despite the change of venue, the heart of the Home Technology Event will remain the same – the global product launches, important updates to existing technologies, major brands, packed schedule of education and the unrivalled networking opportunities that regular Expo-goers will know and love will all be present and correct. “The Home Technology Event is the number one shop window for the residential custom installation industry,” confirmed Show Manager and CEDIA’s Operations Director, Matt Nimmons. “It’s the place for installers across the Region to see the big brands, get close up with all the major technologies, take industry and product-specific training, and build relationships with suppliers.”
As you'd expect, every aspect of residential AV technology will be represented, from high-end loudspeakers, Home Cinema projectors, whole-home audio systems and plasma, LCD and 3D TV screens, to audio and video media servers, HVAC control solutions, lighting control systems and automated mechanisms for lifting plasmas and other devices – manufactured and distributed by many of the industry's leading brands.
Alongside the product offerings will be an extensive programme of educational opportunities, including a series of new business and marketing courses aimed at company owners and project managers, and technical courses for designers and installers. Among the former will be 'Cash Flow Strategies', 'The Business Side of Project Management', 'Green Business Management' and 'Project Cost Management', whilst on the technical side, options will include 'Introduction To Residential Custom Integration', 'The Guide To Control Systems', 'Structured Cabling and Data Networks', 'Audio and Video Setup and Calibration', 'Distributing HDMI Round Table', 'iPad, iPhone and Tablets Round Table' and a '3DTV – Challenges and Solutions Round Table'. CEDIA is also working with BADA and InfoComm to provide training for their members at the show for the very first time.
On the show floor, the aptly named Show Floor Theatre will again be in evidence and playing host to a range of speakers, whilst the success of the conference theme in 2009 has led to the creation of new conferences for architects, interior designers, mechanical and electrical consultants, and contractors, as well as electricians – clear evidence of CEDIA's continuing efforts to promote CI and the Association to related professional service companies.
We'll now hand you over to CEDIA Region 1 Chairman, ROBERT HALLAM, who explains what’s changed, what's stayed the same and what you'll find on the show floor at ExCeL...
RE-BRANDED AND REFOCUSSED
As a forum for business and education and a platform for growth, the annual CEDIA Region 1 trade exhibition has always provided an important focal point for our industry. The successful format was re-energised last year when, having received a collective vote of confidence, it was given a new name and a new identity. The decision to re-brand the event, and thereby broaden its appeal to new custom installation, specifier and design professional audiences, has certainly paid dividends, and the stage is now firmly set for the CEDIA Home Technology Event to build on the achievements of its predecessor.
Renewed and refocussed, the Home Technology Event promises to be every bit the showcase for our sector. After what has been a difficult year, the new direction and re-brand have undeniably caught the imagination of an industry, which has itself been invigorated by the economic upturn. The show continues to enjoy the support of the major industry brands such as Crestron, JVC, Kaleidescape, Legrand, NuVo, Panasonic, Philips, Sonos and Speakercraft, alongside prominent distributors in the sector such as AWE Europe, BMB Electronics, CSE Custom, Genesis Technologies, Habitech, Invision UK and Pulse Marketing. And with other exhibitors including the likes of Amina, Artcoustic, Carlo Gavazzi, Draper Group, Extra Vegetables, Fasttel, Future Automation, Gira, HDMI Over IP, Marata Vision, Naim, Premier Mounts, Philips Dynalite, Rako, RGB Communications, Sonos, Smart-e and Unique Automation, to name just a few, there will certainly be lots to see.
education, education, education
Importantly, as the world makes its gradual economic recovery, the show offers an ideal platform from which we can re-group and re-focus – not only on the technological advancements that will take us forward collectively, but also the core business skills that will help us develop individually. The CEDIA education programme is the industry’s richest source of learning, and there is nowhere better to access the wealth of information and expertise on offer, than at the Event. We invest a great deal of time and effort into improving this offering to ensure that it stays as fresh, relevant and as valuable as possible. This year we are delighted that nearly all of the courses on offer are new for 2010 – this is testament not only to our commitment to education and training but of our ongoing determination to raise standards within the residential Custom Installation industry.
We have devised a varied and exciting seminar programme that will give insight across multiple tracks, with courses targeted at technicians, project managers and business owners alike. With over 120 hours of CEDIA training, the four-day education offering embraces all career paths – from entry-level technical courses for new installers wanting to get a foot in the door, to high-level business workshop classes for company owners looking to keep their business on the right track, there really is something for everyone.
Away from the seminar room, the Show Floor Seminar Theatre will again provide an informal and up-tempo platform for topical agenda. This year, HDMI, 3D, smart meters, interior design and the digital future are some of the issues that will come under close scrutiny as part of this ever-popular forum. Our line-up of expert speakers will feature involvement from major corporates such as BSkyB and the BBC, who will give audiences the broadcaster’s perspective on HD and 3D content delivery into the home. Designer, writer and television presenter Oliver Heath will also be talking about his experiences in bringing aspirational sustainability and good design together in a variety of mediums – from eco consultancy, architecture, eco interior design, product design and writing. His design and sustainability knowledge have made him a trusted expert in the national media, and he has appeared on BBC1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel, as well as authoring three design books. He will be taking centre stage at the Show Floor Seminar Theatre on Wednesday 16th.
reaching out
With every year that passes, we work hard to maximise the show’s potential by bringing in new and exciting audiences, and this year is certainly no different. In 2010 we will be building on the success of the interior designer’s conference that proved so popular in 2009 by running similar offerings for architects, electrical contractors and building services consultants, and thereby extending CEDIA's reach and relevance to related professional service companies.
Supported by Building Services & Environmental Engineer magazine and sponsored by Lutron, 'Engineering Smart Home Networks' is a free, half-day education event dedicated to mechanical and electrical consultants and contractors who want to find out how electronic systems, including audio-visual, data, lighting control, security and HVAC, can be successfully installed and integrated into significant residential schemes. Meanwhile, the 'Wired for Technology' conference, sponsored by Lutron, supported by the NICEIC and chaired by Jonathan Cole, Editor of Professional Electrician magazine, will help electrical contractors find out more about the residential CI sector. For a design professional audience, 2010 sees the return of the 'Designing Interiors with Technology' conference for interior designers, sponsored by Crestron and supported by the British Institute of Interior Design, Decorex and idFX magazine. Finally, the show will host the first-ever conference for architects: the RIBA-sponsored 'Designing Integrated Future Ready Homes'.
With its global product launches, important updates on existing technologies, major brands and packed programme of seminars, workshops and conference sessions, the CEDIA Home Technology Event remains the only annual trade event in the UK dedicated to the design, installation and integration of home electronic systems. As such, it is a must-attend event for all, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Contact: +44 (0)1480 213 744
www.hometechnologyevent.co.uk
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