Approximately 7,500 security dealers, custom electronics dealers, electrical contractors, consumer electronic retailers and other professionals interested in the home electronics industry exhibited and attended the Electronic House Expo Spring 2001 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., March 7-10. The show shared space in the Orange County Convention Center with the National Sound Contractors Association (NSCA) show, which, although larger than the EH Expo, failed to live up to attendance expectations.
Presented by the Home Automation & Networking Association (HANA) and EH Events & Education, the EH Expo included dozens of exhibitors and seminars covering the emerging areas of home electronics. The more high-end companies and booths seemed to draw the most attention from attendees, who appeared to be focused and direct in their information gathering.
Structured wiring was one of the hottest technologies offered, with exhibitors such as OnQ Technologies, USTEC and Multiplex Technology showing and demonstrating the latest systems. Premise Systems also made a big splash with a snazzy booth and presentation every 20 minutes, while Mitsubishi showed off its big-screen televisions. Central vacuum systems were another popular product found around the show floor. Perhaps the most impressive exhibitor of all was General Electric, which showed off the comprehensive GE-Smart Connected Home system. DSC, Interlogix and Pulnix were among a handful of security manufacturers with booths at the show, while ADI and Worthington represented a small faction of security distributors.
Outside the show, attendees and exhibitors faced mild temperatures in the 70s with occasional drizzle. Morton’s Steakhouse provided a delectable culinary diversion in the evening, particularly its excellent spinach. Security dealers are highly encouraged to attend future EH Expos and other events targeting the soon-to-be-booming home electronics industry. Technology convergence is here and alarm installers need to keep up with it as well as integrate more services into their businesses.
