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5 Things to Expect at CEDIA Expo 2022

CEDIA Expo 2022

CEDIA Expo 2022 is almost here. The event – held Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 in Dallas, TX – will bring together residential audiovisual experts from around the country. Here are five things you can expect at the 2022 show.

1. An Action-Packed CEDIA Expo Floor

As with many shows, the in-person CEDIA Expo was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. The show was back in 2021, but fears of the delta variant led to a smaller show. Thus, 2022 marks the much awaited return of a full-blown CEDIA Expo.

CEDIA Expo 2021 General Show 5

While CEDIA Expo 2021 was reduced in size, attendees were still eager to check out new products in the Draper booth.

“After three years, we are delighted to return to Dallas next month with a full-sized show,” said Jason McGraw, CTS, group vice president for CEDIA Expo and KBIS, Emerald. “We will see the industry’s top brands showcase their latest products during CEDIA Expo 2022.”

The list of 300-plus exhibitors includes heavy hitters like Dish Network, Google, Hisense, Josh.ai, Legrand AV, LG, Sony and more.

In 2021, Crestron touted its return to CEDIA Expo after six years; the company had last exhibited in 2015. Shortly before the show, the company pulled out due to COVID concerns. However, Crestron is thrilled to be back at CEDIA Expo for the 2022 show.

“An event like CEDIA provides an important platform for Crestron to connect with dealers and for them to truly experience our technology in a way that is more impactful than a Zoom demo or an ad, ” said John Clancy, executive VP, residential, Crestron. “Since our last CEDIA Expo in 2015, we have introduced the Crestron Home platform and continue to develop groundbreaking products for the channel. We are committed to this space and can’t wait for dealers to see our full suite of solutions.”

2. Education Abounds

CEDIA Expo is more than a tradeshow floor—the show also offers plenty of learning opportunities for attendees. CEDIA Expo will feature over 150 sessions, including the CEDIA Expo Conference, manufacturer product trainings and show floor stage sessions.

CEDIA Expo 2018 class

An interactive class at a previous CEDIA Expo.

Curated by CEDIA, CEDIA Expo Conference will feature many brand-new sessions, including all-new wellness track and lighting tracks. The program includes the return of “Ask the Experts,” a popular open forum session, and a Spanish-language track.

“For three days, CEDIA will offer world-class advocacy, connection and education to the home technology community by providing formal training and professional advancement, raising the bar through certification and engaging with industry thought leaders,” said Mandy Beckner, vice president of education and training, CEDIA. “It’s simply the premier gathering of the brightest minds in home technology, bar none.”

“The sessions will focus on the industry’s hottest topics and trends, applications and thought leadership from industry influencers,” added McGraw. “These thought-provoking sessions will be a must-see opportunity for attendees to sharpen their professional and business skills.”

One of the classes Beckner pointed to as a highlight is “EOS Overview“, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 30 from 1-2:30 p.m. Attendees will learn how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can help them tackle business-related frustrations, get what they want from their business, and live their ideal lives.

Watch the video below to learn more about EOS. 

Beckner also recommended the “Using CEDIA/CTA-RP28 to Design and Verify HDMI Systems” class for CEDIA Expo 2022 attendees. CEDIA’s David Meyer and Murideo’s Jason Dustal will follow the CEDIA/CTA-RP28 HDMI System Design and Verification recommended practice to identify what makes HDMI technology tick, with some insight, tips and tricks to optimizing system design.

Attendees won’t want to miss the “Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification Review” class, according to Beckner. Led by CEDIA’s Chaz deVerdier, this session will cover everything attendees need to know before taking their IST certification exam, which will be offered throughout the show.

3. Outdoor AV Galore

The consumer demand for outdoor oases has exploded in the last decade, particularly in times of stay-at-home orders during the COVID pandemic. There’s no doubt outdoor AV will be a large focus at the show.

For those interested in learning more about backyard AV, Beckner recommended checking out Christopher Greer’s course titled “Outdoor Audio/Video Design & Implementation“. On Thursday, Sept. 29 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., he’ll cover the processes for designing and constructing outdoor AV systems.

And there’s no doubt the show floor will be filled with a plethora of options for outdoor AV enthusiasts.

Séura Full Sun Series

Séura Full Sun Series

“Homeowners are prioritizing upgrading their outdoor living spaces. They aspire for comfortable, accommodating areas to relax and entertain,” said Rob Emberley, president, Séura. “Séura is meeting those desires with beautifully designed outdoor televisions that deliver incredible viewing experiences in outdoor environments. Séura Outdoor TVs are made to withstand all of Earth’s elements while providing exceptional and reliable performance.”

At the show, Séura will be showcasing its Full Sun Series, which delivers color-calibrated 2,000-nits. The TVs are built with Séura’s proprietary active heating and cooling system and boasts specs of IP55 waterproof rating, -40 to 140F temperature range, 4K UHD and HDR picture and a 2-year warranty.

And consumers aren’t just looking at smaller TVs for their outdoor needs. They’re digging into giant LED screens as well.

“Demand for outdoor fine-pitch LED display solutions remains strong as a variety of customers look for ways to extend activities into outdoor environments. Recent advancements in pixel density, brightness and protective, optically-enhancing coatings allow for great-looking installations that support a range of viewing distances and offer application versatility to suit a wide variety of needs in residential settings,” said Steve Seminario, vice president of product marketing at Planar. “Today’s customers benefit from protective treatments designed to withstand weather conditions that range from extreme temperatures and ultraviolet rays to wind, dust, rain and snow. Features such as UV protective treatments, dust-tight enclosures and waterproofing help ensure high performance for uninterrupted viewing, in addition to extending both the life of the solution and the investment.”

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Can’t get enough outdoor AV on the show floor? Destination Backyard is a 24,000-sq.ft. area that provides a first-hand look at what is possible for outdoor spaces. The one-of-a-kind zone is designed to showcase Coastal Source and Séura’s fully weatherproof product lines in the real outdoor environments they’re designed and engineered to withstand. The outdoor event will feature grassy areas, patio furniture, lawn games, outdoor seating and canopy tents while displaying the latest outdoor innovations from Coastal Source and Séura’s product lines.

“Destination Backyard was a highlight of CEDIA Expo 2019. We are excited to be returning even bigger and better in 2022,” said Franco D’Ascanio, president and founder of Coastal Source. “Coastal Source is again partnering with Séura to demonstrate our products in their natural element: the great outdoors. Across a truly huge outdoor space, we will demonstrate our award-winning outdoor audio and lighting and a wide swath of new products in both categories.”

“We are thrilled to team up with Coastal Source and Séura for Destination Backyard, an engaging outdoor AV demonstration, at CEDIA Expo 2022,” added CEDIA Expo’s McGraw. “It will be a great opportunity for attendees to network with their peers while experiencing the latest trends in outdoor AV technology.”

4. New Business Opportunities at CEDIA Expo 2022

It’s no secret that work from home (WFH) office setups have created many revenue-generating opportunities for home install professionals. To help integrators capitalize on that, CEDIA Expo has partnered with Interactive Multimedia & Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA) to bring insights, subject matter experts and an interactive demonstration to the 2022 show.

At CEDIA Expo 2022, IMCCA will share WFH setups in a mock home office, known as the IMCCA Work from Home Showcase. The Showcase will include lighting fixtures and lighting control, sound control solutions, multiple displays, control systems, collaboration software and hardware, and home office workstation furnishings

One surprising way to grow your business? Ensure your voice is heard with the government and advocate for the industry. That may sound overwhelming, but CEDIA is here to help. The organization has arranged The CEDIA Advocacy Town Hall, a free networking breakfast and discussion on how to fight for your rights as an integrator in the halls of government.

“As the home technology industry grows, so do the number laws impacting it. CEDIA’s Government Affairs department works round the clock to ensure proposed changes are just, and do not impact an integrator’s ability to provide services to their clients. But this is an ongoing fight, and one that requires support from all corners of the industry,” said Darren Reaman, director of government affairs, CEDIA. “We encourage everyone to join us at the Advocacy Town Hall breakfast discussion to connect with other integrators, ask questions and create a plan for getting involved.”

“It would be enough if CEDIA’s Government Affairs program simply monitored changing laws and legislation, so we weren’t surprised when, one day, we woke up and a law was being passed that affected us doing our jobs,” added Will Breaux, president of iconic.systems. “But they take it a step further. CEDIA stands up and participates in governmental legislation, attending and consulting in state legislative sessions and city council meetings across the country. The least we can do is have their back and also participate.”

5. Networking Opportunities

One of the best parts about any event is the networking opportunities — and CEDIA Expo has plenty!

This year marks the return of the CEDIA Awards to CEDIA Expo, and the association couldn’t be more excited about this. “I am delighted we are bringing the CEDIA Awards back to its true home – at CEDIA Expo,” said Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO, CEDIA. “Award shows are very near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited to see the ballroom come to life at CEDIA Expo. But most of all, I’m looking forward to celebrating the fine work of our members and sharing their successes on a global scale.”

Another exciting return to CEDIA Expo 2022 – the CE Pro All-Star Band!

cedia expo ce pro all star band

CE Pro All-Star Band

“I’m honored to be included with this great ensemble of talent – from all parts of our industry,” said Tim Bigoness, chief marketing officer for D-Tools, who drums and does lead vocals for the band. “This year will be extra special. For many of us, it is a return to CEDIA Expo and a chance to reconnect with many friends and colleagues. We’ve put together a fairly ambitious set this year and pulling it all together remotely has its challenges. Still, it is truly a labor of love.”

The CE Pro All-Star Band’s rocking reunion will occur on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the CEDIA Expo Smart Stage. The event will follow the CE Pro BEST Project Awards ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m. As in previous years, the concert is interactive. Attendees will be invited to sing, dance and even join the band on stage.

In addition to all of the cool networking events, CEDIA Expo will feature a new networking app. “We will be introducing a networking application powered by Grip,” concluded McGraw. “The application will allow attendees to schedule meetings with exhibitors and mingle with their peers during the event. We will share an exciting update on the new networking application in the coming weeks!”

For more information about CEDIA Expo 2022 or to register, visit cediaexpo.com.

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