When you love your work, the time and energy staying up to date educationally is a joy rather than a chore. This is why I love attending industry shows, whether near or far.
Earlier this month I had the joy of attending CEDIA in Denver for my 2nd year. CEDIA stands for Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. That’s a mouthful! But, it truly exemplifies the purpose of the show and the reason why us industry members attend them.
In no particular order, here are some of my highlights of CEDIA 2024:
Residential Design Focused Products
As a residential interior designer, I’ve seen smart home design take hold in the residential sector over the past five years or so. At the same time, consumers have also become more interested in creating a living space that truly serves them.
CEDIA 2024 showcased an amazing roster of products focused on residential design. Those being showcased have realized that residential designers are another link to the end user. Some of my favorites were:
It was a great change of pace as I believe the electronics industry has struggled to make the leap from appealing exclusively to their peers to including the residential client in the ways in which their services can make lives better.
Day of Design by Technology Designer Magazine
Publishers Carol Campell and Eric Schwartz, as well as Executive Editor, Doug Campbell, have been integral in bridging the gap between technology and design thanks to their magazine publication, Technology Designer (TD).
For CEDIA they went beyond the publication to create a bridge event called Day of Discovery which includes taking designers on guided tours of the show floor. Because of this, I was allowed an overview of the offerings on the first day, with all of my questions answered.
Women in Technology Design Luncheon
Carol Campbell is a force of nature. She has made it her personal mission to bring women in the technology industry into the light, showcase them and really highlight what the technology industry can bring to designers.
On Day 2 of CEDIA, I had the pleasure of attending her Women in Technology Design Luncheon. Our keynote speaker was a case in point. Sylvia Acevedo told us about her journey from the dirt streets of Las Cruces, New Mexico, to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the top executive tiers of U.S. technology leaders, as well as CEO of the Girl Scouts of America.
I’m now engrossed in her autobiography: Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist.
Emphasis on Retrofitting
My personal passion is products that retrofit into our existing buildings smoothly and efficiently, while also bringing that sweet 21st century technology into our lives.
I have to highlight DMF and their programmable lighting that can retrofit into almost any drilled location. Existing lighting can also be resized to more modern and beautiful looking lighting.
Smart home technology does not have to break the bank, nor is it a gimmicky toy.
It can really improve lives, bringing richness to those with physical limitations and also to those who’s busy schedules take away from what self care they can practice.
I truly recommend the CEDIA show experience. But until next year, I hope you enjoy reading more about my favorite finds and take some time to see what the Women in Technology Design group are up to!
Stay tuned for more CEDIA highlights on my socials!
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