Let’s take a quick look at the events at CEDIA Expo 2018 that definitely deserve a place on your to-do list.
With the rapidly growing world of smart home technology, the CEDIA Expo event is an absolutely essential stop. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA from September 4–8, the event features over 500 exhibitors and 20,000 professionals from the home tech industry.
With a number of key tech personalities looking to make appearances, this is a can’t-miss event for anyone with an eye for the smart home. Because there is so much to see and so much to do, it can be difficult to decide what should take priority on your CEDIA Expo to-do list. With that in mind, here are the moments at CEDIA 2018 you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Keynote Speech
Last year’s keynote will be difficult to follow up, with Stringify Co-Founder/CTO Dave Evans giving a compelling speech on the Internet of Intelligent Things. However, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about this year’s keynote, as the Executive VP of Consumer Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for 20th Century Fox John Penney will be taking the stage to kick off CEDIA 2018.
Penney’s keynote will deal with a multitude of topics, such as the evolution of connected home technology, the future of automation, and how these changes can be beneficial in the business world. As Penney himself said leading up to the event, “I am hopeful the keynote will deliver a holistic view of how the home as a dynamic and evolving environment where hardware, software, and services requiring integration come together to provide consumer experiences that are even richer and more compelling.” Taking place on the evening of September 5th, Penney’s keynote looks to be a major highlight for the 2018 Expo.
Smart Stage 2018
One of the biggest reasons to check out this year’s Expo is the amazing amount of products being showcased. These inventions will be shown off with the Smart Stage’s own TechBites, in which five different brands will show off their innovative technologies daily. Each brand only gets three minutes for a quick “elevator pitch,” with an established panel of judges from the tech industry looking on, with a short question-and-answer portion afterwards.
Additionally, the Smart Stage will host TechTalks, a series of presentations from experts within the field of technology. Provided by the industry leaders at CE Pro, the series will touch on a number of topics, such as the best way to properly work with interior designers and making the decision to work with copper or fiber.
An Important Networking Luncheon
A celebration of women in the world of consumer technology, the Women in Consumer Technology Luncheon unites leaders of the industry together in the San Diego Convention Center Ballroom. Celebrating its tenth year at the Cedia Expo, the Women in Consumer Technology Luncheon provides an opportunity for women from various tech backgrounds to unite and share ideas. The event is available to members of Women in Consumer Technology and non-members alike.
2018 CEDIA Awards
Because the event is centered around the incredible technology that will change our lives, the CEDIA Expo makes sure to highlight the ideas, inventions, and innovators that have set the world on fire this past year. The awards are divided into a number of different categories, including Showroom, Integrated Home, Innovative Solution or System, Media Room, Multiple Dwelling Unit Design, Home Cinema, and more.
Additionally, winners and finalists qualify for the array of sub-categories, such as Best Lighting System, Best Documentation, Technology Meets Design, and Best Dressed Rack. With so many companies attracted to the growing industry of connected tech, it will be exciting to see what new ideas will captivate the judges and audience alike at this year’s event.
CEDIA Talks
With the large amount of tech experts at the event, there is a wealth of knowledge that is available to attendees of the CEDIA Expo. Thankfully, the event gives a platform for industry leaders to discuss the exciting tech topics that are quickly evolving in our connected world.
Just a few of the major subjects that the series will cover include the effects of AR and VR on design, how blockchain will impact the future of finance, and how artificial intelligence and robotics will be implemented in the home. With ten different CEDIA Talks taking place throughout the show in a number of different booths, you definitely won’t want to miss a single presentation.
