CEDIA Expo 2010 set for return to ExCeL
Following a complete review, CEDIA has announced that its annual CEDIA Expo training and product showcase event will return to ExCeL London in 2010. Key dates are 15-17 June for the exhibition; 14-17 June for the training.
CEDIA consulted extensively with more than 100 companies and individuals from across the industry. These included exhibitors who had either attended the 2009 CEDIA Expo or previously supported the event. Visitors were also invited to complete a survey to identify where and how the Expo experience could be improved whilst members who do not visit were asked to contribute their feedback and ideas to the debate. ExCeL London emerged as the preferred location for a clear majority of those canvassed in the review. In view of these findings, the CEDIA Board has endorsed the selection of ExCeL London as the venue for the 2010 CEDIA Expo.
According to review findings 68% of present and past exhibitors wanted the CEDIA Expo to be a single event in one location, and 75% of those exhibitors wanted the event to remain at ExCeL London. 63% of CEDIA Expo visitors chose London as the preferred location with 84% of those wanting it to remain at ExCeL London. Finally, 79% of exhibitors and 80% of visitors rated CEDIA Expo 2009 as good or excellent.
“This extensive review has confirmed the choice of ExCeL London as the right location for the annual Expo moving forward,” says Wendy Griffiths, CEDIA’s Executive Director. “Although smaller in size and in spite of the economic climate, the 2009 show proved a huge success. Following this achievement, we have major plans to ensure that the CEDIA Expo continues to stay fresh, relevant and valuable as the premier annual event for the residential custom installation for exhibitors and visitors in 2010 and beyond.”
CEDIA aims to build on the success of new initiatives, such as the “Designing Interiors with Technology” conference and the showfloor theatre which were well-supported at this year’s show. Outline plans include the addition of a half day seminar programme tailored to electrical contractors, plus dedicated conference style events for architects and building services consultants.
In another initiative CEDIA is considering the option of a special VIP evening, working with major institutions and banks based in Canary Wharf to attract high net-worth consumers to the event. The CEDIA Board is also exploring the possibility of a re-branding for the event to broaden its appeal to custom installation and design professional audiences. In all its efforts CEDIA is committed to ensuring that the CEDIA Expo remains representative of the industry’s needs as a platform for education and doing business.
LG overtakes Sony in LCD sales
LG has announced that it outstripped Sony to become the world’s second largest manufacturer of LCD TVs in the first half of 2009.
LG says it sold 6.74 million LCD units globally during the January-June 2009 period, including 3.55 million units in the second quarter. Second-quarter LCD TV sales soared 48 percent from a year earlier.
Sony had previously announced that it sold 3.2 million units in the April-June period, with its first half sales reaching 6.54 million units. LG held a 12.6 percent market share in the second quarter, trailing market leader Samsung with 19.9 percent. Sony was in third place with 11.4 percent.
www.lge.com/uk
Indian TV brand hits UK
A new CE brand has announced its arrival in the UK, and revealed that its sees independents and regional multiples as key to its strategy.
Videocon, the top CE brand in its native India, has traded in Europe under the Nordmende brand since its 2006 purchase of Thompson’s factories in Italy and Poland. The company, who owns an R&D plant in Japan and intends to manufacture its own premium LCD TV – and possibly OLED – panels in India in 2011, plans to launch a 32in LCD TV, a 42in LCD TV and a Blu-ray player this year. Watch this space!
www.videoconworld.com
