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5 Last-Minute CEDIA Tips

With CEDIA EXPO only days away, it’s important to make sure that you are planning accordingly. Here are a few last-minute tips to help you before you get to Dallas.

You can also make appointments in the CEDIA app.

With CEDIA EXPO only days away, it’s important to make sure that you are planning accordingly. Here are a few last-minute tips to help you before you get to Dallas.

Remember where you are going: Dallas is going to be hot, with temperatures reaching upper eighties to over ninety degrees with high humidity. Prepare yourself; stay hydrated (with water, not just beer), and pack appropriate-weight clothing. It is also a big city, with more than 1.25 million people. The primary airport (DFW) covers a landmass larger than Manhattan and hosts the largest parking lot in the world. 

Familiarize yourself with the lay of the land: CEDIA has been held in Indy so many times that when I go it is comfortable and easy to navigate. Dallas is a new venue for us CEDIA folk, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the area. Pull up Google Maps and find your hotel and proximity to the Kay Bailey Convention Center. 

A lesson I learned at InfoComm in Orlando is that walking in 90 degrees is not always a great option. Sure, walking a mile in Denver is no problem, but not in the lone star state’s heat and humidity. 

Here are a few more links from CEDIA on getting around. There is the CEDIA shuttle bus, a mass transit system, and do not forget Dallas has Uber. If you have yet to take an Uber, it is a pretty cool experience and is Tech Chi recommended! 

Download the CEDIA App: Go ahead, do it right now. If for no other reason, you will get a list of all manufacturers on the show floor. You can star those companies and then filter for the list. You now have just made a quick plan for the show floor. Check out the app is a must (even if you do it on the plane) to make sure you make the best use of your time. 

You can also make appointments in the app, connect with friends, and pull a map of each area of the show floor. It

will give you current news and feeds and has a list of special events.

You can star those companies and then filter for the list.

For you smart ones taking classes: Make sure you print out all class materials before you get there. Being prepared allows you to take notes and pay attention to the instructor instead of your computer (and let’s be honest, checking your email). You have paid for these classes; make sure you attend most of them.

Pack accordingly: Take snacks. Between the show floor, demos, and classes, there is a very good chance you will be running from one thing to another. Throw a protein bar in your bag (and a bottle of water), and you will be fueled throughout the day. Then at night, enjoy the city. Did you know that Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City? Take part in some of the local flair. 

EXPO comes and goes in a matter of a few days, and you want to make the most of your time. Otherwise, what is the point in attending? Familiarizing yourself with the city, the convention center, and the app will go a long way in making sure you know where you are and where you are going. Stay tuned to Residential Systems for all the latest and greatest to come during the show. 

See you there. 

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