CEDIA has announced that it is contracting out the operations, sales and marketing of the 2011 CEDIA home Technology Event to Upper Street Events, which numbers The Gadget Show Live among its show portfolio. The trade association retains ownership of the event, and will work with the organiser to develop its format and content.
“We are delighted and extremely excited with this move,” said Wendy Griffiths, CEDIA executive director. “With an enviable portfolio of events, Upper Street Events has a great deal of relevant experience and valuable contacts. We are also impressed with their creative drive and enthusiasm which, we are sure, will make certain the Home Technology Event remains the pivotal national trade event for the CI industry. As the Association continues to expand its reach and activities, contracting out the operational elements of the show will allow CEDIA professional staff to focus on their core mission, that of increasing benefits and value for members. The show is still very much a CEDIA event.”
In addition to The Gadget Show Live, which is the UK’s largest consumer electronics show, Upper Street Events currently organises a number of other award-winning events including Move It, Cycle and Caffe Culture.
CEDIA has also confirmed that the dates for next year’s event will be 20–23 June 2011 and that the CEDIA Home Technology Event will again be held at ExCeL London.
Passing the organisational side of the Home Technology Event to Upper Street Events allows CEDIA to devote more time to other opportunities, including the CEDIA Awards; the AGM and Business Management Conference; a diverse range of marketing and member support functions and its successful education and outreach activities.
“Under this agreement, CEDIA will continue to invest the profits generated by the show on behalf of the Association back into the industry in terms of membership, education, marketing and business initiatives and benefits,” added Grffiths.
Dan Holmes, commercial director of Upper Street Events, commented: “It’s a tremendous opportunity for all concerned; we firmly believe that face-to-face events complement technology-rich marketing channels and we certainly see potential for growth for the Home Technology Event. We very much look forward to building on the excellent foundations that currently exist and we will be putting plans in place to deliver a content-rich, relevant and creative event that will bring real business benefits to exhibitors and an entertaining experience for visitors.”
Working to a set of agreed objectives established by CEDIA, Upper Street takes on responsibility for sales, marketing and organisation of the CEDIA Home Technology Event with immediate effect. Sales will be headed up by Matt Hodgins, who can be contacted on +44 (0)20 7288 6419.
CEDIA will continue to organise the training programme at the show and provide branding, data and additional support for the show where required. CEDIA representatives will also be part of the organising committee, to ensure that the event continues to reflect the needs of the industry and delivers results for both its exhibitors and visitors alike.
