The organisation – which is co-sponsor of ISE alongside InfoComm – highlighted its bid to secure increased membership across Region 1.
The trade association – which confirmed the Region 1 membership of Samsung and Panasonic during the show – has already derived impressive results from its bid to attract further members across the Region 1 territory of Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, India and Pakistan. Italy, Spain and the Netherlands are among the latest countries to have ascended to Level 2 status – meaning that they each have in excess of ten members – while non-UK countries accounted for 60% of all new members last year.
Wendy Griffiths, executive director of CEDIA Region 1, said that the organisation is seeking to enhance its relevance to non-English-speaking markets. In addition to making information and resources available in other languages, the process entails “taking onboard the different elements of each market, and the fact that different markets have [contrasting expectations].”
“There is no such thing as a standard CEDIA member,” echoed CEDIA chairman Robert Hallam, pictured here with Griffiths at ISE 2011.
The organisation underlined international focus by holding a series of country-specific international receptions on its ISE stand. The Netherlands, South Africa, Scandinavia, Italy and France were among the targets of CEDIA’s mission to convey the ways in which it can support members with additional business, education and marketing benefits.
Griffiths and Hallam also reported details of no fewer than 13 first-time exhibitors for the next edition of CEDIA’s Home Technology Event, which will take place at the ExCel Centre, London, in late June.
Alltrade, Bespoke Telecoms, Brother UK, DPL Electrical, EuroNetworks, Global Cellular, Technoloje and Zennio are among those set to take part in the event for the first time.
Wendy Griffiths said that, at present, 55% of stand space had been sold for the show – a figure that is “in line with expectations” at this point in the year.
Special elements planned for the 2011 event include the Hub Seminar Theatre – a centrally-located arena with ‘big name speakers’ – and the 3D Feature Zone. There will also be opportunities for manufacturers and distributors to host installer workshops, as well as Room Sets, which are dedicated spaces allowing companies to showcase their latest products in front of custom installers, architects and designers.
In a separate development, the organisation confirmed that the Gala Dinner for the CEDIA Awards 2011 will take place at One Mayfair in London’s West End. More than 250 guests are expected to attend the awards presentation night, which will be held on Friday 8 April. Tickets for the black tie event, which includes a sit-down dinner and entertainment, are priced at £110 per person, or £995 for a table of ten, excluding VAT; a special early bird discount is available until 28 February. For more information, visit www.cedia.co.uk/awards.
