CEDIA 2023: A.C.E. in action

By Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO, CEDIA

For many in the industry, the new year and

ISE are practically synonymous. As the world’s largest annual AV and systems integration exhibition, it really sets the tone for the year.

On a personal level, ISE feels something like an anniversary. When I first joined CEDIA a year ago, ISE was my first major industry event. It was there that I truly got a sense of this community and the capabilities of residential technology that I never imagined possible.

Much has changed since I last stepped foot in the Fira de Barcelona. I’m proud to say that CEDIA now has a diverse executive leadership team with global representation and a variety of skillsets. The same goes for our board of directors. Following a global membership vote, CEDIA has named three new board members of varied roles within the industry to ensure everyone is represented at the table.

Moving into 2023, CEDIA is well positioned to uphold our core pillars of Advocacy, Connection, and Education.

Over the past year, our advocacy work has led us to some important victories all over the world. In Europe specifically, CEDIA joined Policy Connect as an associate member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology. This appointment allowed CEDIA to be at the forefront of discussions and oversee the development of the new Smart Homes for Independent Living report.

CEDIA continues to connect the professionals who connect our homes around the world both online and in person through industry events, awards ceremonies, workforce development initiatives, volunteer efforts, and more. One of my personal highlights from 2022 was that all three CEDIA Award ceremonies were hosted in person for the first time in two years. It was there that we had the opportunity to recognise some outstanding individuals who are truly making a difference in our industry, including award-winning integrators, the Lifetime Achievement recipient, CEDIA Fellow, and Volunteers of the Year.

For our education offerings, we’re pleased to bring ISE attendees two opportunities to earn internationally accredited certifications from CEDIA. Attendees can demonstrate their commitment to maturing our workforce by registering for the Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) and Integrated Systems Technician (IST) examinations. These globally accredited certifications demonstrate to other trades, customers, and lawmakers that the custom integration industry is a clearly defined profession with rigorous, widely accepted criteria for competency. Registrants will be offered flexible options for scheduling and taking the exam.

I’m looking forward to attending my second ISE, this time with a bit more knowledge and history behind me, but always with an open mind. If you see me on the show floor, please introduce yourself if we haven’t yet had the pleasure to meet. I also invite you to visit the CEDIA booth (2H600) to meet some incredible members of the CEDIA team and find out more about our year-round programmes and initiatives.

We value your insight and support as we continue to develop as an association and set our sights on being the beacon for the smart home industry in 2023.