CEDIA 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Steve Moore (left) and CEDIA 2023 Fellow James Chen (right).

CEDIA has announced Steve Moore as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and James Chen as the 2023 CEDIA Fellow.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in the technology design and installation industry. The CEDIA Fellows represent a group of individuals who have helped shape the industry and significantly contribute to the association’s success.

“This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Fellow represent a combined 70 years of industry service,” CEDIA chairperson David Weinstein says.

“Their dedication to their profession and eagerness to share their expertise with others is inspiring, especially as we work to build the next generation of smart home professionals.”

Steve decided against a career in architecture to launch a business selling high-end AV to music-loving homeowners nearly 40 years ago. He then left to set up SMC in 1993 and, inspired by a visit to CEDIA Expo that year, helped to launch CEDIA in the UK, running it alongside his own company from his London dining room, subsequently teaching at numerous CEDIA events worldwide.

SMC, like the industry in general, has grown enormously since then, and Steve has consulted for a wide variety of technology businesses, large and small, along the way. With strong successors running SMC, Steve is now semi-retired and continues to support others operating in the connected home space.

“The best thing about this industry is all the wonderful people I’ve met and worked with over the years. A huge number of individuals have selflessly provided so much of their time and expertise which I’ve benefited from as much as others, and I’m therefore surprised, flattered and humbled to have been recognised,” Steve says.

“It’s always inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm of newcomers to this world and I’m embarrassingly proud to have seen my own company grow to the point where the children of early employees are now key members of staff themselves. Thank you to CEDIA and all those who have put up with me all this time, especially my long-suffering partners and my own fantastic children and stepchildren.”

James is a US-Australian entrepreneur and global technology thought leader with over 30 years of experience in the AV industry. He began his career as an integrator and is now the managing director of cable manufacturer, Kordz. Since joining the company in 2008, Chen has spearheaded Kordz’s development of multi-award-winning and patented cable innovation and expanded distribution to more than 40 countries.

James serves on CEDIA’s Technology Education Committee and Governance Committee. A technology enthusiast, Chen recently completed his study of Artificial Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He regularly authors and presents on topics regarding technology to audiences around the world.

“It was a delightful surprise when David Weinstein phoned me to let me know of this honour. I am greatly humbled to be welcomed amongst such notaries that have helped CEDIA become the vanguard of the industry it is today,” James says.

“This award would not be possible without a team effort and I thank those who have taught me, welcomed me onto committees, become my trusted friends and generally put up with me over the past 30-plus years. Here’s to continuing this great journey together.”

Steve and James will be honoured during the 2023 CEDIA Smart Home Awards ceremonies in CEDIA’s three regions.