Moving is always hard to do, but the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association pulled it off with style and grace at this years EXPO. Upping sticks from its usual Indianapolis grounds, the organization pushed further west and planted stakes in Denver, bringing with it tremendous expansion on all fronts. Not only did a record-breaking 28,000 custom installation professionals hitch their wagons and follow CEDIA to the mile-high city, the association also reported 10 percent exhibitor growth to go along with 20 percent more show floor space, and nearly 7,000 attendees registering for on-site classes.
While the fat stats might be partially attributed to the change of scenery, CEDIA organizers ensured an upbeat show with the addition of one day, the expansion of CEDIA Universitys portfolio of courses, and the participation of business icons Steve Forbes, who delivered the Annual Meeting and Member Luncheon keynote address, and Bill Leszinke, GM of Intel, (pictured above) who spoke to the membership about future trends. And, in a nod to the growing youth presence in the organizations membership, CEDIA hosted an unwinding soiree, edgeX, in downtown Denver on Friday night, followed by a much-buzzed about concert by recording artist Kid Rock the following evening.
However, like always, new products stole the show. The much talked about 1080p created a buzz, while the iPod asserted its ubiquity with many manufacturers unveiling more accessories dedicated to the mp3 players integration into home audio systems. Innovation and evolution were also on display as DLP marked its 10th anniversary at the show, and manufacturers of every stroke and breed revealed improvements in everything from in-wall speakers to more intelligent remote controls.