The 2009 Business and Technology Forum, incorporating the CEDIA Region 1 AGM, will coincide with the 20th anniversary of CEDIA’s global formation, writes David Davies. The event – which will take place at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel (pictured) on 6-7 October – will be sponsored by Armour Home, AWE Europe, Crestron, Epson, Habitech, Imerge, JVC and Universal Electronics.
In a continuation of the new-look format introduced in Maidstone in 2008, this year’s event will feature two technical and two commercially orientated courses. The programme will explore topics including ‘Selling and Integrating 3D Display Devices’, ‘IP and Internet Convergence’, ‘Selling to the Construction Industry During the Recovery’ and ‘Adding Value to Increasingly Commoditised Hardware’. These issues will be addressed in open forum-style sessions.
Surveying the educational programme, CEDIA’s education chair, Simon Buddle (of SMC), told IE Residential: “These are challenging times for many CI businesses. In this environment, managing practical issues effectively – such as cash-flow, margin and sales – are vital to success. Technology is also moving forward apace with major developments in IP and internet convergence and 3D heading our way. The education content of the CEDIA Business and Technology Forum will address these topics and help provide delegates with the knowledge and skills to survive and prosper.”
The programme will also feature a full-day CEDIA Project Management Workshop to help companies identify the role of good project management in achieving and maintaining profitability. The session will be led by Dr Charles Willbe, who spent 25 years with GlaxoSmithKline before establishing his own venture, Project Doctors.
The CEDIA Region 1 AGM will take place on October 6 and incorporate a review of the Association’s activities, as well as the results of voting for Board positions. A ‘Find Out About CEDIA’ session – free to all, but requiring pre-registration – is also planned.
CEDIA members will be able to purchase tickets at a specially reduced rate of £185, including accommodation but subject to VAT. Non-members can attend the Business Forum at a price of £249 per delegate, including accommodation but subject to VAT, although they will not be able to attend the AGM.
