Why I’m Going to CEDIA Expo and Why You Should Too

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It is estimated that by the year 2020, more than 63 million households in North America (there were 130 million homes in 2018) will have smart-home systems. That’s nearly 50%, or one in every two homes!

Keeping up-to-date with this fast-moving technology can feel overwhelming, but with smart-home technology now an integral part of the home and as essential as electricity, refrigeration or air conditioning, you have a responsibility to educate your clients.

Next month, CEDIA Expo, the leading exhibition for the residential custom technology industry, will be held in Denver, Sept. 12-14.

Need more convincing on why to attend? Here are my top five reasons.

 

 1. Best in Smart Home Technology

See what’s actually being installed in homes today, not “pie in the sky” stuff like what’s shown at some other expos. This is the real deal.

 

 2. Design Your Smart-Home team

Meet the people installing it and network with qualified and trained technology integrators who will become an essential part of your “team” — just as important as your plumber, electrician or other contractor. You can also network with the top home-technology brands and brightest minds in the smart-home industry to find the right partners to work with and who have your back.

 

3. The Must-See Brands

Definite brands on my list to visit during the show include Control4, Lutron and Sonos.

 

4. Education, Education, Education

Just like KBIS, CEDIA Expo has multiple days of educational programming happening on and off the show floor. Topics range from project management and marketing to employee HR and running a successful small business. You can check out the complete list of options here.

On the show floor, be sure to visit the Smart Stage. Throughout the show, there are Tech Talks, with leading experts every half hour. Some of the topics include connected living, 8K and LED signage in the home, and how integrated technology brings health, safety and wellness to all homes.

 

5. Design+Connection Pavilion

The NKBA will be there, Booth 1778H in the Design+Connection Pavilion (#1960). In addition to hosting a Thought Leadership Tech Summit during the show for certified members (I’ll be speaking on a panel), the NKBA is one of the anchors of the Pavilion on the show floor. Stop by and see the NKBA’s latest tech research being revealed at the show — this year it’s all about bathroom technology usage and awareness — learn how to earn an NKBA Specialty Badge, and take a tour inside the Control4 Tiny House.

 

Bonus Reason: It’s in Denver

If you can, make sure you take some time or an extra day to go and shop at the 16th Street mall and enjoy the sights of Denver. It really is a beautiful city.

See you in the Mile High City!