Yes, another editorial with a Beatles lyric for a headline. What can I say? The lads cover a lot of ground. Although the topic for this column is inspired by a different visionary, Tom Doherty, who recently reflected on five years of Lightapalooza and what it represents for the industry.
While Tom’s piece exclusively focuses on Lightapalooza, the need for — and the benefits of — industry-centric get-togethers are undeniable. I have seen it time and again at buying group events, manufacturer roadshows, and CEDIA Expos. When integrators, service providers, and manufacturers are all focused on the success of the custom installation industry, anything is possible.
Last year, around this time, I wrote about trying to attempt the “perfect tradeshow,” creating the right mix of meetings, education, and networking. And while I don’t think I have done it, it is important to keep on trying because events are key to a successful industry.
Of course, there is only so much time for events in our schedules, so I get being strategic about the ones you attend. As the industry takes on more and more categories, so, too, do the number of conferences and expos that relate to them. It can be difficult to determine which ones are the right fit for your business; which are the “musts” and which are the “maybes.”
One “must” for me is CEDIA Expo. I am writing this in early April, but CEDIA Expo is already working its way top-of-mind with registration recently opening and CEDIA revealing the educational sessions.
There are quite a few reasons I am excited for Expo two seasons before it even takes place. For one thing, at Lightapalooza, I saw a few things that were teased to be available at CEDIA Expo, and I am certain that more hints and previews will be coming soon (Sony’s True RGB, anyone?).
I have written about my love of demos many times, and the row of audio and home theater demos at Expo already has my number! It is too early to predict what I think the most played demo scenes will be, but I would not be disappointed to see an appearance from Project Hail Mary’s Rocky…
Of course, the show would be nothing without the array of industry pros in attendance. For many, this is the one chance we will have to connect in person this year, and I would not pass up the opportunity, no matter how brief some of those encounters may be.
Finally, this is CEDIA Expo’s last time in Denver — at least for a few years, anyway. As someone who attends a lot of tradeshows, I like the Mile High City as a convention town, especially because it is well-designed for it. There are not many places where you can have a show the size of Expo and not need to have buses going back and forth to the convention center. Oh, and I have not one, but two excellent breakfast places to choose from that I will have to say suitable goodbyes to this trip!
I hope you are looking forward to it as much as I am, and that I will see you there.
