News

CEDIA Visits Northamptonshire for Autumn Training Events and AGM (1/9/2006)

CEDIA has announced details of its forthcoming regional training event which will take place at the Hellidon Lakes Hotel near Banbury on October 26th - 27th 2006. This year's Autumn Regional Event offers a packed, varied and informative programme for all delegates, mixing together the CEDIA UK AGM, seminars, business networking opportunities and a range of action-packed sports into just two days.

Held on the first evening of the event, the AGM is a fantastic opportunity for members to listen to the Board's review of CEDIA's activities over the past twelve months, ask questions, express their views and find out more about plans for the future. This year's AGM will see David Hyman stepping down as CEDIA Chair after two years and the new chair welcomed to the Board. The results of voting for new Board members will also be revealed - for more information on the nominations and how you can vote on-line, make sure you pay a visit to the CEDIA website before the event.

A range of courses will be available at this event providing support for members on two key themes: the environment and business growth. As consumers become increasingly aware of how green and energy efficiency issues impact upon their lives, a growing number of CEDIA members are being asked how they can use their expertise and knowledge of consumer electronics, control systems and integration to help make their client's properties more eco-friendly and sustainable. The CEDIA Eco Forum will provide a platform where members can learn more about the issues, and explore solutions for a more sustainable lifestyle. The three hour session will look at current public perceptions, review completed studies, look at the latest Government initiatives and plans in this area and show how CEDIA members could add 'Eco Value' to a client's project.

A second session will look at how businesses can and should adapt to ensure they prosper in the fast-growing custom installation world. Entitled "Staying alive in a rapidly changing market" this session will examine the underlying trends that are changing the CI market place and assess what their lasting impact will be. Delegates will also be able to attend CEDIA's CPD presenters training course. This course must be completed by anyone wishing to be a presenter of the newly revised CEDIA CPD course for Design Professionals "Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes".

But this year's October Regional will take in more than education and the AGM. One of the highlights of the event will be a half day of team-based activities taking place in the hotel grounds. Delegates will get the chance to try out Laser Clay (billed as clay pigeon shooting without the sore shoulders!), archery, crossbows and Liberators - driving sporty all terrain grass karts over a demanding off-road course. Also on offer is a raft building activity and plenty of team building pursuits, in other words, lots of action and high energy stuff to help blow the cobwebs away, give delegates the chance to try something a bit different and help keep everyone occupied! As ever, the autumn regional training event will provide a great opportunity to mix socially and network with fellow professionals in an informal setting.

Packages are available, with a heavily subsidised rate for CEDIA members of £150 (non-members £400).

www.cedia.co.uk