CEDIA Expo 2021: An Overview of Goings-On at the In-Person Event
CEDIA Expo will commence Aug. 31 with preshow conference sessions and show floor programming running Sept. 1-3.
INDIANAPOLIS — CEDIA Expo 2021 at the Indiana Convention Center will be the first opportunity in two years for many installing security contractors and custom electronic integrators to see in-person the newest technologies for the smart home industry.
CEDIA Expo, owned by SSI’s parent company Emerald, begins Aug. 31 with preshow conference sessions and show floor programming running Sept. 1-3. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 home integration professionals and over 300 exhibitors.
“It’s hard to believe, but we’re closing in on two years since the last in-person CEDIA Expo and now — more than ever — we know there’s a need for community, connection and getting back to business,” says Emerald Group Vice President Jason McGraw. “We’re all eager to connect again on a human level and get back to face-to-face events as we celebrate everything we value as a community together again.”
Some of the activities and partnerships taking place on the show floor during the annual trade event include:
CEDIA Expo Smart Stage — This portion of the show returns in 2021 as the core destination for insights, celebrations and connections. Almost 20 panel discussions, programs and award ceremonies will be held throughout the three days of the show. Solutions topics range from work from home (WFH), light commercial, multifamily housing, as well as design & construction, wellness and business intelligence.
Innovation Hub — This all-new, content-rich program will be presented on the show floor. Three different hosts will introduce exhibiting brands who will present case studies, sharing 20-minute takes on the latest residential technology applications. Topics will include: WFH/home office, home theatre, lighting, security and smart water.
IMCCA Strategic Programming Partner — The Interactive Multimedia & Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA) brings insights and subject matter experts to a variety of CEDIA Expo 2021 activities, including on the Smart Stage and Innovation Hub. Topics will be centered on growing light commercial technology needs and opportunities. Additionally, IMCCA will host technology demonstrations of home office communications solutions on the show floor.
TechStarter, Powered by the Launchpad — The newly branded “Launchpad” exhibit area will celebrate the TechStarter Program introduced in 2019. TechStarter offers new-to-market Launchpad exhibitors the opportunity to pitch their business models to C-suite executives and compete to be one of the “TechStarter FIVE.” The program will culminate with a TechStarter award ceremony on the Smart Stage naming the brand with the most promising business model.
Keynote — Dr. Poppy Crum, chief scientist at Dolby Laboratories and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, will present “The Future of Storytelling,” on Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m. Visionary futurist and neuroscientist, Crum bridges the gap between technology and insightful effective human interaction. Her remarks are geared to inspire attendees to think about ways immersive technologies enhance our experiences and interactions in the world.
Conference Programming: CEDIA will expand on its education initiatives by offering a wide range of education topics and customizable education planning for integrators to take their career to the next level. This year’s All Access CEDIA Training Pass opens access to more than 100 courses, with subject matter ranging from the highly technical to the business oriented, and learning opportunities intended for those new to the industry as well as industry veterans and everyone in-between.
Some 50 classes will be available on-demand from Aug. 31-Sept. 30 through the On-Demand CEDIA Training Pass, which also includes select, highlighted classes recorded from the in-person conference.
“CEDIA Education is a cornerstone of CEDIA Expo and we’re proud to offer our robust slate of educational opportunities that meet learners where they are and help them elevate their skill set,” says Samantha Ventura, senior vice president of education and training, CEDIA. “We’re all ready to get back to business and the rigorous courses offered in-person and on-demand will help set integrators up for success and explore new avenues of professional and personal growth.”
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