CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles® Forum And NAHB Custom Builders’ Symposium/Design Institute Considering Co-Locating

CEDIA Postpones Electronic Lifestyles® Forum for 200

February 16, 2009

Recognizing the overlap between, and mutual member interest in, industry events for the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB and CEDIA have entered into discussions to co-locate CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles® Forum with NAHB’s Custom Home Builders’ Symposium/Design Institute. CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles® Forum, originally scheduled for April 1-4 in New Orleans, La., has been postponed. “The underlying intent of both events is to arm CEDIA and NAHB members with the tools they need to collaborate successfully with other industry professionals on design-build projects,” said Utz Baldwin, CEDIA Chief Executive Officer. “With the possibility of co-locating these two popular events we are able to provide the most value to our members, create solutions together, and offer a broader range of resources, education, and expertise that benefit all design and build professionals as well as their clients.” CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles® Forum was created to educate electronic systems contractors, architects, builders, interior designers and other design and build professionals on the benefit of collaborating to develop home technology solutions that integrate seamlessly into the design and décor of the home. Likewise, NAHB’s Custom Builder Symposium/Design Institute concentrates on educating builders and design professionals on the latest market and industry trends. ”We see this possible partnership as a natural progression of the NAHB/CEDIA relationship,” said Jerry Howard, NAHB’s President and CEO. “Our builder members need and want interaction with home technology experts. They realize home automation is key in appealing to the next generation of home buyers. It’s also gratifying to see our respective groups exploring new areas of cooperation; we hope that will continue in other areas as well.” According to the CEDIA Executive Committee, postponing the Forum is the smart thing to do for both CEDIA and its members. “We understand the struggles that many CEDIA members are dealing with in today’s economic climate,” said Ken Erdmann CEDIA Chairman. “By postponing the Forum and possibly co-locating the Forum with NAHB’s Custom Builders’ Symposium/Design Institute in the future, we have ample opportunity to create an even stronger event that substantially increases value to our members, fosters cross-industry education, and presents a networking forum that provide CEDIA members and other design-build professionals with a unique and significant business opportunity.” CEDIA and NAHB are in discussions to determine the viability of co-locating the two events. Questions regarding Electronic Lifestyles® Forum may be directed to Dave Chic, CEDIA’s Director of Industry Outreach at dchic@cedia.org or 317 328 4336.

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