News

CEDIA UK AGM focuses on value for members (23/10/2007)

In its AGM held on Thursday 4th October, CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) has revealed its determination to focus on delivering what members want from the Association. Chairman Simon Williams outlined the details of this mission during the meeting attended by more than 70 CEDIA members. Results of voting for two new CEDIA Trade Supplier board members were also announced alongside information on the Association's plans, covering certification, marketing, CEDIA Expo and a development programme into the rest of Region 1 (mainland Europe, Russia, the Middle East, India and Africa).

"We are clearly focused on giving value and benefits to our members" explained Simon Williams. "Through certification we are working hard to differentiate CEDIA members from their competition and give them an advantage. We are seeking to help them by making better business documentation available to them, by generating awareness amongst design professionals, and by improving their marketing through the CEDIA Awards scheme. We are also looking beyond the UK to provide properly funded outreach to Region, thanks largely to our investment in the Integrated Systems Europe event".

As part of the AGM, Steve Martin, CEDIA Education Chair highlighted the growth of the education programme and the countdown to mandatory certification from January 2008. 61 CEDIA members are now able to lead CPD training, with over 600 architects taking the course in the past nine months. International training is also taking off with courses run by CEDIA at ISE, PALME (Dubai), IS Russia, the ISE Roadshows and CEDIA US Expo, as well as a very successful Installer level one review and exam in South Africa and training sessions in Switzerland. He also announced that the number of UK CEDIA Certified Instructors now stands at 67, up from 25 last year. Steve then outlined initiatives for the next year which include the introduction of a new education committee; the roll out of new advanced designer exams; high quality handouts to training attendees both online and in hard copy; and tracking of CEU points via a new database for the benefit of both CEDIA and its members.

Jane Scotland, CEDIA marketing chair explained how CEDIA remains committed to participating at relevant exhibitions both in the UK and abroad, working closely with other influential trade associations such as RIBA and BIDA, and the continuing investment in the successful PR campaign, run by Wildwood PR. Jane also reported on the huge success of the 'CEDIA Guide to the Integrated Home' which has proved popular reading with architects and interior designers as well as the membership itself.

Membership Chair David Graham spoke about expanding the CEDIA membership, increased members benefits and also improved vetting procedures to raise the bar for those wishing to join the Association, rather than just 'rubber stamping' applications. These standards ensure that the CEDIA name remains synonymous with quality and expertise. David is also working in conjunction with the international Membership Chairs, Robert Hallam and Raphael Oberholzer to expand membership throughout Region 1 with CEDIA involved in a number of international events. It was also revealed that CEDIA is proposing a new international council comprising members based in key areas to aid Region 1 activity.

On the back of the most successful Expo ever, the Board also revealed that plans are well under way for Expo 2008 with the vast majority of the expanded floor space already reserved. The CEDIA Board is confident that the exhibition, seminar programme and attendance will continue to grow in its new home at ExCeL London, with Expo 2008 running from 23-26 June 2008.

In a hotly contested election featuring nine Trade Supplier members, Stuart Tickle of distribution company AWE Europe was re-elected to the board as one of the two Trade Supplier members. Stuart will serve a further two years as Expo Chair whilst passing his Treasurer responsibilities into the safe hands of Paul Hellier of D&T Electronics. Paul served as ESP Expo chair previously. Adrian Blundell of distributor CSE was newly elected to the board and will take up the mantle of Trade Suppliers Council Chair. Adrian has taken over from Robin Van Meeuwen of Crestron who has stepped down after four years service to the board. The remaining board members will serve a further year in their current capacities.

"On behalf of CEDIA and all its members, we would like to thank Robin van Meeuwen for all his hard work, commitment and dedication to the organisation's work and the development of the custom installation industry" says Simon Williams. "We are delighted that Stuart Tickle will continue to serve on the Board and look forward to Adrian Blundell adding his energy and enthusiasm. The board as a whole is brimming with ideas and we look forward to putting them into action! The election of the two members was a closely fought contest and I'd like to thank all the CEDIA members that took the time to vote for who they would like to represent them in the industry."

The CEDIA AGM took place at the Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel, near Cirencester. A copy of the AGM minutes is available through the CEDIA office.

www.cedia.co.uk