News

CEDIA'S Regional Training Event Goes Down a Storm! (16/11/2005)

Delegates attending CEDIA's recent regional training event can reasonably claim to have broadened their business and technology knowledge whilst honing their skills on the water during a productive - if wet - two days in Brighton.

Jointly sponsored by AMX, Crestron, Gecko, Helvar, KEF and Lutron, the event took place at the Brighton Thistle Hotel and attracted over 70 designer installer, manufacturer and distributor CEDIA members. Courses which ran at the event covered the topical issues of staff motivation and managing business growth, which featured a presentation from the top independent management consultant, Sarra Al-Shahir. Another popular course at the Regional examined market trends and technology developments which included statistics and information from John Bird of Understanding & Solutions, an international research and consultancy company specialising in the content, media and equipment sectors. CEDIA also ran a seminar looking at how members could become involved in the education work the Association is carrying out with architects, interior designers and building specifiers, entitled "How to become a CEDIA CPD presenter".

Lured to Brighton by the prospect of sunshine, delegates found themselves in somewhat soggier surroundings when participating in watersports at Hove Lagoon. As the Autumnal rains lashed down, delegates struggled bravely into wetsuits to take part in windsurfing, sailing and Zap Cat powerboating activities.

From cautious beginnings, everyone was soon able to use the wind to propel themselves from one side of the lagoon to the other. Turning around again was sometimes a different matter though! And for those with nerves of steel the Zap Cat Experience was a must. In pairs, delegates clung to what is essentially a heavyweight racing engine strapped to a lightweight twin hull designed to handle the wildest surf - at speed! Aside from the chilly drenching and a few bumps and bruises it was agreed by all that, this was a great way to spend an afternoon, build camaraderie amongst members and something that all participants will remember for a very long time to come!

www.cedia.co.uk