More than 18,700 attendees participated in this year’s event alongside 510 exhibiting companies. Exhibitors were quick to call out the quality of attendees at CEDIA 2015. “This year has definitely been incredible and you could feel the energy on the show floor. Our booth has been slammed the entire show with the people we want to talk to. We are humbled to have come so far in 10 short years,” said Skyler Meek with Screen Innovations.

“Dallas is a new draw for people we haven’t gotten to talk with before,” said, executive vice president for Current Audio Ron Maurer. “More than anything, we’ve gotten more good quality leads on our first day of the show than we ever have.”

CEDIA is where we come to do business. We’ve been consistently busy meeting with new and current reps and setting meetings with our partners; it’s always a good show for us,” said marketing director for Luxul Kenton Smith.

The number of first-time attendees was up 33% this year and 124 exhibitors made their CEDIA debut: Both noted a warm welcome from the industry.

“This is our first time exhibiting at CEDIA and we are impressed with both the reception we have received and the knowledge of the integrators we have talked to,” said sales & marketing operations manager for DynaQuip Controls Jenny Snodgrass. “The way people have responded is proof that there is a demand for our product from both homeowners and integrators.”

“I came to the show looking to get into the industry. I was blown away by the community that exists in this space – people are willing to talk with you and connect you with others in their network. I’ve never seen anything like that before in any other industry,” said first-time attendee Ellis Thomas.

CEDIA 2015 also offered attendees numerous events where they could network and learn. Highlights included the Opening Keynote by famed Futurist Michael Rogers, the New Point of View Party, the Awards Celebration and a variety of events in the CEDIA booth including the new CEDIA Talks where attendees could hear from industry visionaries. CEDIA also conducted 108 training sessions, and attendees had the opportunity to sit for certification.

“I could not be more pleased with my first CEDIA as CEO. Walking the show floor, I couldn’t help but be energised seeing conversations happening in bustling booths,” said CEDIA CEO Vin Bruno. “After months and months of hard work, CEDIA also got to unveil our new brand strategy and communicate with our stakeholders that CEDIA is working to provide them with the resources they need to be successful. It truly was a fantastic show.”

For 2016, the CEDIA show will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre in Dallas September 14-17, with the tradeshow floor open September 15-17. Companies interested in exhibiting at CEDIA 2016 may request more information at [email protected].