(This article first appeared in SSI sister publication CEPro.com.)
FISHERS, Ind. — CEDIA members from around the world gathered here for the official grand opening of the new CEDIA Global Headquarters in early April. In all, about 250 vendors, pioneers, volunteers, integrators and local dignitaries came for a celebration that included tours of the 40,000-square-foot facility.
The event served as a milestone moment for the organization, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the leading global authority and central touch-point for home technology integration professionals.
“CEDIA’s 30th anniversary and the debut of our global headquarters provided the perfect backdrop and a unique opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and the truly global impact of the organization,” said CEDIA Global president and CEO Tabatha O’Connor.
“Attendees represented all eras of CEDIA’s success and all facets of support for CEDIA. We’d like to extend a special thank you to the dozens of sponsors whose generous contributions to our building are helping us drive forward our mission to support residential integrators everywhere.”
The state-of-the-art facility includes office space, a world-class training facility, and an experience center featuring the latest in home technology and showcases the craftsmanship of CEDIA members.
The list of suppliers who donated equipment for the facility is extensive:
- Barco
- Calibrations
- CinemaTech
- Control4
- Crestron
- D-Tools
- Dish Network
- Draper
- Epson
- Fortress Seating
- ICE Cable
- Josh A.I.
- K-array
- Ketra Lighting
- Kohler
- Kordz
- Legrand AV
- Lutron
- Luxul
- Meridian
- Procella
- QSC
- Samsung
- Shure
- Sonance
- Sonos
- Stewart Filmscreen
- Sunbrite
- Torus Power
- Triad
- Trinnov
The state-of-the-art facility includes office space, a world-class training facility, and an experience center featuring the latest in home technology and showcases the craftsmanship of CEDIA members.
Moreover, the facility is now a strong financial asset for the association. CEDIA occupies 30,000 square feet of the building, with the other 10,000 square feet available for lease. Indeed, CEDIA already has tenants in some of the space.
In addition to the positive financial impact on the association, the training area and experience center are bound to impress trade partners such as architects, designers and builders, along with attracting a new workforce to the industry.
“We chose Fishers, Ind., because it is a technology hub and they are doing a lot to try to attract technology companies,” says Cris Pyle, vice president of marketing and industry relations. “My favorite parts of the building are all the windows. It has made a huge difference in terms of morale and how happy everyone is. That sunlight makes a difference in your workday.”
At the grand opening, Fishers’ mayor Scott Fadness told the crowd, “Part of my role as mayor is to attend a lot of grand openings like this. I can tell you that I have never seen a facility as nice as this one.”
“We’re all part of a global organization that has grown beyond anything we could’ve imagined in the late-1980s,” said CEDIA Board Chairman Dave Humphries during the grand opening event.
“Now, we’re at the leading edge of custom integrated home technology. This building represents aspirations of those member companies around the world,” Humphries continued. “It is a testament to how far the residential technology industry has progressed. There is a vibrancy in this building — an energy that comes from the people who are involved in the mission of innovation every day. You can feel it when you walk through the door.”
O’Connor noted, “The building floor plan is working just as we hoped. It is a true pleasure to work in.”
CEDIA will continue to commemorate three decades of education, community, resources and strategic vision throughout the year during initiatives including the CEDIA Expo in Denver (Sept. 10-14), dozens of in-person and online training opportunities, plus a new CEDIA Awards Celebration & Leadership Conference in Chicago, July 24-25.
