“These are extraordinary times”, explains Matt Nimmons, CEDIA’s Operations Director. “In talking with the industry, and as the trade body representing and supporting the sector, CEDIA recognises the challenging economic circumstances, and the unique financial pressures many of our members now face. That said, the industry also tells us that today, more than ever, they want the proven business development, education and networking platform that CEDIA Expo brings. So we have worked closely with our exhibitors and visitors to build extra value into CEDIA Expo 2009. The result is a package which will strengthen the event for all its stakeholders and ensure it continues to serve the residential custom installation sector as the industry’s premier technology and education showcase”.

 

Robin van Meeuwen, MD at Crestron comments: “Crestron has exhibited at CEDIA Expo since it began and we certainly support the Show.  It's a great opportunity to do business and to show your latest products as well a great platform to meet up with customers and potential new ones. We are delighted that CEDIA is looking at ways of ensuring an even better return on investment for exhibitors.  Those companies that commit to the show and market through these difficult times will, I am sure, be stronger for it.  We are proud to be at the forefront of the show floor and are really looking forward to a great event!"

 

 

 

The package features two key financial incentives.  All exhibitors will benefit from a 33% across the board discount on CEDIA Expo stand space at this year’s event. Meantime, visitors can take advantage of a “two for the price of one” training session deal which is available to all delegates booking slots on the CEDIA Expo education programme (excluding Certification courses). This initiatives will ensure businesses in the industry generate better value for money than ever before from their investment in CEDIA Expo 2009, helping them to counter the effects of the difficult economic conditions.

 

As a further boost, the Association is investing in a series of exciting feature attractions and events taking place in and around the show over the coming weeks. More details will be announced shortly.

 

Already, CEDIA has re-focused Expo education for 2009 to deliver better value for delegates and exhibitors, and confirmed that Richard Farleigh of BBC’s Dragon’s Den fame will be one of the keynote presenters in the Show Floor seminar Theatre. Other presenters talking here include the Government’s Electronic Innovations expert, Richard Foggie from BERR (the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform), alongside senior representatives from the BBC, Cisco, the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and the British Interior Design Association, amongst others. 

 

Last year’s CEDIA Expo attracted 7,474 visitors. Electronic systems designers, installers and trade suppliers represented the vast majority of the overall audience, with 40% of visitors taking their first ever trip to CEDIA UK Expo. This attendance also included design professionals from architectural, interior design and property development disciplines, who made up 12% of the audience, and a higher proportion of electrical contractors, comprising a further 7% compared to 3% last year. International visitors representing 48 number countries also attended, making up 15% of the total.

 

To find out more, to register or to book training, visit www.cedia-expo.com. For space or sponsorship enquiries contact Mary Whitlock at mary@cedia.co.uk. Regular updates on Expo will also be posted on Twitter – just search CEDIA_Expo and start following the event now!