Highlights of the breakfast at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Indianapolis included an inspirational keynote address by Gail Kasper, author of “Another Day Without a Cage: My Breakthrough From Self-Imprisonment to Total Empowerment.” In addition, Helen Heneveld of Bedrock Learning, Inc. was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award.
 
Gail Kasper is a television host, author, advice columnist, Ms. Continental America 2008, and one of the nation’s leading speakers. In her presentation “Breakthrough,” Kasper motivated the crowd with a message of fearlessness, sharing valuable insights from the real-life journey described in her inspirational autobiography. Through stories of powerful successes, heartbreaking failures, inner passion, and humor, she addressed the benefits of self-guidance and the means for building a rewarding career.
 
In recognition of her invaluable contributions to Women in CE as a volunteer, Helen Heneveld was honored at the event with the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Heneveld is a well-respected and recognized expert who speaks and consults worldwide in the converging home systems industry. She founded Bedrock Learning, Inc. to serve the fast-growing CE industry with effective, convenient, and affordable educational materials and training. Heneveld serves on the Board of Directors of CEA, Tech Home Division, and is also a past board member and the first female board member of CEDIA. Helen is also the first female CEDIA certified installer.
 
The fourth annual CEDIA EXPO event was sponsored by Monster, CEDIA, Chief, Consumer Technology Publishing Group (CTPG), Da-Lite, Epson, Magnolia/Best Buy, Sanus, Sirius XM, Stewart Filmscreen, IAV Light Speaker, Bedrock Learning, Home Entertainment Source (HES), Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA), Specialty Electronics Nationwide (SEN), InGear PR, Speck, Séura, Lutron, and Tivoli Audio.
 
“This year’s breakfast was another amazing event, and I’d like to thank Gail for providing such valuable insight for the men and women in our industry, and Helen for her contributions to our organization,” said Carol Campbell, founder of Women in CE. “The CEDIA EXPO breakfast is not only an important and meaningful event, but it is really growing to become a highlight of the show itself. Not only did we sell out the event for the fourth year in a row, but sponsorship has risen dramatically. Our sponsors help make this event possible, and I’m very grateful for their continued support.”

The core mission of Women in CE is to provide the women in the consumer electronics industry with an environment that promotes networking and professional growth through the development of relationships and new opportunities. Member benefits include networking with peers online and at live events, such as the annual Women in CE leadership forum; discounts for Women in CE events; admission to the Mentoring Program; access to the Women in CE Member Directory; and access to all Women in CE communications.