Yes, after engaging with the industry, ExCeL may have emerged, once again, as the preferred location but it also became clear that the future success of CEDIA Expo is about more than simply its location. Rebranding the event to broaden its appeal to new custom installation, specifier and design professional audiences is an obvious way for the show to move forward and, to this end, the show will be renamed as “The Home Technology Event 2010 in association with CEDIA”

 

“One of the challenges we faced was communicating the meaning and relevance of CEDIA Expo to those unfamiliar with the association and what it represents.” Explains CEDIA Chairman, Robert Hallam. “This new name and identity will help broaden the appeal of the custom installation industry and make the event more accessible to new audiences. We are very excited about this latest evolution of the show but also remain committed to ensuring that it continues to provide the key platform in the calendar for education and doing business. It is our responsibility, as the trade association, to create the environment which helps the industry achieve both these objectives.”

 

But, the show’s new name is only part of the story. CEDIA is also moving ahead with plans to build on the considerable successes of recent years. Two of the most popular initiatives of the 2009 event were the Show Floor Seminar Theatre and the “Designing Interiors with Technology” conference.

 

The Show Floor Theatre recognised the need to provide core educational elements to members outside of a formal classroom setting. These sessions gave crucial updates on technology and the market, free of charge as a valuable asset to the industry and visitors can expect to see an equally compelling programme at The Home Technology Event 2010. Whilst the “Designing Interiors With Technology” conference proved to be one of the most successful aspects of CEDIA Expo 2009. With more than 110 design professionals attending the event and CEDIA will look to offer an enhanced programme again next year.

 

In addition, CEDIA has plans in place for a half day seminar programme tailored to electrical contractors. Supported by the leading title in the sector, Professional Electrician magazine, and the industry body NICEIC, the “Wired for Technology” conference will provide an important introduction to the industry for contractors. Similar conference style events are in the pipeline for architects and building services consultants and discussions are currently taking place with the key industry associations, RIBA, CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers).   CEDIA are also considering the option of a special VIP evening, working with major institutions and banks based in Canary Wharf to attract high net-worth consumers to the event.

 

With its high quality content and brand new identity, The Home Technology Event 2010 promises to be exciting, redefining and a fantastic vehicle for the future growth and prosperity of the residential custom installation industry as a whole. For further information on The Home Technology Event 2010 which will be held at ExCeL London, 14^th to 17^th June (training: 14^th to 17^th June; exhibition: 15^th to 17^th June), visit www.cedia-expo.com