CEDIA Expo’s “Virtual Experience” exceeded expectations with thousands logging on for the custom integration industry’s first virtual-only trade show.

 

The CEDIA Expo trade event for the intelligently built environment made history and propelled the custom integration industry forward with its first completely virtual trade show, drawing more than 7,600 registrants, including 2,000 international registrants from 100 countries; 110 virtual exhibitor booths and generating virtual 161,740 booth views. The event attracted around 400 attendees who identified as interior designers, kitchen and bath designers, architects, or builders, many of whom were there to participate in the Design + Connection panels.

Held Sept. 15-17, trade professionals came together to connect and discuss topics facing the industry in 2020 and 2021. With 80 CEDIA education courses, 18 TechTalk panel discussions, four keynotes, networking opportunities and more, the CEDIA Expo Virtual Experience re-established connections and successfully launched new products into the CI channel. The programming drew more than 14,000 registrations.

The best-attended programs were TechBites with 511 registrants, Rise of the Home Office with 375 registrants, and the Power of Light with 324 registrants. The panels were between 40 and 50 minutes each, and all had an average time spent listening of 35 minutes — proving that with engaging content, attendees will come and stay at a virtual event.

“While we all wish we could have been together for CEDIA Expo this year, this year’s show displays the perseverance, creativity and loyalty displayed by the individuals that make up our industry,” said Ashley Sprengnether, associate show director for CEDIA Expo. “Our exhibitors and attendees were ‘all in’ to support the digital experience and saw a lot of value with the digital format, as it connected them with an international audience that is not as accessible with a live show.”

Exhibitors from across the custom integration channel took advantage of their virtual booths by hosting training sessions and announcing new product and partnerships including AudioControl, Brilliant and ADI, Crestron and Delos, Sony, Samsung and many more. Check out exhibitor news on cediaexpovitrual.com.

Robust programming hit on topics intended to help integrators grow their businesses including boosting brand awareness, lighting, wellness, security, the home office, and more. Designers, architects and builders were also invited to take part in the virtual experience with specific programming intended to build awareness of the custom integration field and how they can find integrators in their local areas.

All led by industry experts, TechTalks, Design + Connection panels, and keynotes will be available for viewing on cediaexpovirtual.com until Dec. 31.

The Design + Connection track, anchored by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), featured brands like Kohler Konnect, Delta, BSH Home Connect, LG Electronics and the Living in Place Institute. The program drew interest from design-focused brands and attendees in the residential technology industry.

The TechBites program also returned for the virtual experience, but this year in a competition format. All eight participating brands pitched their newest or most innovative products to a panel of industry media and influencers. Brilliant, a leading smart home control and lighting company, was named the “brand with the biggest bite” and the winner of the TechBites competition, live, during the event.

“CEDIA Expo provides a wonderful forum to learn and grow from the best minds in the industry,” said CEDIA Global President and CEO Tabatha O’Connor. “Through the massive amount of CEDIA Education courses offered virtually this year, learners from around the world who tuned in were treated to an array of subjects covering everything from hot topics and emerging trends to knowledge that will kick off a brilliant career and advanced offerings for industry veterans.”

CEDIA Expo is owned and produced by Emerald, which also produces KBIS, owned by NKBA. The next edition of KBIS is slated for Feb. 9-11, 2021.

The next CEDIA Expo is scheduled for Sept. 1-3, 2021, in Indianapolis, home to the CEDIA Association.