Sponsors of the annual event included AWE Europe, Crestron, Genesis Technologies, Habitech, Opus Technologies, Peerless and Rako.

The AGM took place in front of more than 80 CEDIA members, as part of the combined CEDIA AGM Business and Technology Forum event. The CEDIA Board presented a review of activities in the past 12 months alongside an outline of future initiatives and plans.

“There is no denying that the past 24 months have been challenging”, explained Robert.

“Now, more than ever, the industry can benefit from being part of a trade association and making use of the advantages that brings. The CEDIA Board and professional staff have and will continue to be engaged in a number of activities and initiatives that will create greater visibility for CEDIA and its members. This will increase recognition of member’s skill-sets and the value they bring to every project.”

One of the key benefits of CEDIA membership is access to its outreach programme which is geared towards boosting visibility for members amongst architects, interior designers and other specifiers. More than 4,000 design professionals have now attended CEDIA’s “Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes” CPD and there are now 130 CEDIA Certified Outreach Instructors qualified to deliver this course. The new Eco CPD course launched this year will provide a further boost to this programme. Conference sessions for outreach audiences which took place at the CEDIA Home Technology Event in partnership with other industry associations and media partners also generated strong attendance.

CEDIA is currently part of an initiative with The Intellect Group, including representatives from Intel, IBM, Sky, BT, Motorola, Sony and others which will help shape the development of goods and services for the connected home of the future.

In education 54 individuals achieved Certified status in the last year, bringing the total to 644 across the Region. This includes 6 individuals who have now achieved Home Cinema Design Specialist status (up from 2 last year). The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has worked in collaboration with CEDIA to produce recommended practice documentation for both audio and video home cinema design. Other initiatives include a new EST (Electronic Systems Technician) Certification structure and an international EST2 Exam for non-UK candidates, a new 3-day networking course and a new 2-day home cinema design course.

Highlights in marketing have included the CEDIA Awards which attracted 74 project entries from 10 countries. Category and entry information on the 2011 scheme was revealed at the AGM, alongside news on a 30% year-on-year increase in editorial coverage of the scheme. CEDIA also explained advances made in communicating with external audiences through media and at relevant exhibitions, and also with members, through the CEDIA Communicates newsletter and greater use of online tools such as Podcasts, Facebook, Twitter and Webinars to promote events.

Membership saw 43 new members join since January 2010, with member representations from 32 countries across Region 1. CEDIA attended international events in The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Russia and more training and marketing activities are planned for 2011.

“The huge effort we are making in international development is helping to improve quality standards and professionalism right across the region”, Robert says.

“On an operational level CEDIA is currently undergoing discussions to implement the transition from a regional trade association to a global industry association with shares resources and goals. This will ultimately give CEDIA more strength to influence the shape of the industry in the future”.

As part of the Business and Technology Forum the event also featured a range of well-attended panel discussion sessions looking at key issues facing the industry, including the iPad, 3D, the future of Broadcast TV and Commoditisation.

The CEDIA AGM and Business and Technology Forum took place on Tuesday and Wednesday 5th and 6th October at Barceló Walton Hall and Hotel, Warwickshire

A copy of the CEDIA Annual report is available through the CEDIA office.

For further information email the CEDIA office at [email protected] or visit www.cedia.co.uk