The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) has unveiled a plan to support its members and the industry into the future with new member benefits and initiatives. Chief executive Utz Baldwin discussed the plans in a press conference at CEDIA EXPO 2010 in Atlanta.

The new initiatives are designed to support the continued growth of the industry in the face of a continually changing market. After months of strategic research by CEDIA’s board of directors and executive staff, Baldwin shared the association’s plans to lead the industry into the future and support its members with the resources they need in order to thrive.

“Throughout the years, the products, services, and business models of our members have evolved,” says Utz.

“These businesses evolved to capitalise on opportunities, and as technology proliferates further into the home, these ESCs – along with the manufacturing community and all those who work in the industry – will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the years to come.”

The changes and new initiatives include:

• In 2011, CEDIA will launch a comprehensive industry-wide market research program. The association will gather data to help determine the true scope of the electronic systems industry relating to size, legislative and financial impact, convergence trends, consumer and industry partner awareness and adoption, and opportunities and threats.

• CEDIA will launch several Special Interest Groups that will enable manufacturers with common interests to communicate their marketing and channel development needs to the association. The first of these groups include an Industry Outreach group, which will focus on marketing to architects, designers, builders, and other industry partners; a Performance Entertainment group, which will help raise awareness of high performance AV solutions; and a Retrofit Technologies group, which will focus on residential technologies such as powerline, wireless, and other alternative transmission platforms.

• CEDIA Region 2 (U.S., Canada and South America), along with CEDIA Region 1(Europe/Middle East/Asia), and CEDIA Asia Pacific, are collectively seeking opportunities for manufacturers to expand their offerings around the globe, building a strong presence in emerging markets through education and events and increased membership.

• CEDIA is creating a new council structure that will organise its members based on business model. The new structure will provide a platform for networking and sharing ideas with peers and communicating needs to the association. This new bottom-up approach will ensure that CEDIA develops compelling products and services that are valuable and relevant.

• CEDIA will continue holding chief executive roundtables across the country, bringing together members of all types to discuss the industry and trends, and to collect feedback from business owners regarding their expectations of CEDIA.

• Associate member companies are now eligible to vote on matters pertaining to the association.

“If your company is engaged in the design and/or installation of technology in the home, CEDIA is your association,” says Utz.

“The new CEDIA will enable every member to have a voice, to request products and services, and to influence the direction of the association and our industry.”