Despite the minimal 12% decrease in individual attendance, the number of companies in attendance remained strong. Of those in attendance, over 50% were key decision makers.

“In a time where many companies are tightening their operations, CEDIA EXPO continues to be the one industry event that professionals make the commitment to attend in order to obtain the tools and product knowledge to help further their business success,” said Ken Erdmann, CEDIA Chairman.

Over 400 exhibitors, including more than 70 new companies, displayed the latest home technologies and newest products available in the electronic systems integration industry with many products focusing on energy efficiency, retrofit applications and 3D technology.

According to EXPO exhibitors, the energy on the floor was at an all time high and traffic was steady.

“This year’s EXPO was one of the best shows in our company’s history,” said Dave Donald, SpeakerCraft, Inc.

“Attendees were more focused and eager to learn,” said Michael Bridwell, Digital Projection. “We experienced more in-depth, high-quality conversations than in past years.”

“We were very pleased with the traffic flow and overwhelmed with sales,” said Eric Boyer, Hidden Television.com.”

EXPO Attendee Rick Colemire of Digital Lifestyles Integrators said “CEDIA EXPO 2009 is like Disneyland for geeks.”

Highlights of the show included more than 50 awards presented to winners of the Electronic Lifestyles® awards competition – the industry’s most prestigious awards showcasing design and technology integration excellence – at the annual awards banquet on Saturday, Sept. 12. CEDIA member companies were honored for their design and technology expertise in addition to outstanding innovation in product development and technology. In addition, the first-ever group of CEDIA Fellows were honored. A complete list of winners with photos are available at www.cedia.org/awards.

CEDIA EXPO 2010 will return to Atlanta September 22-26.