Three leading electronic systems industry trade associations have announced the upcoming launch of shows in Europe and Asia to address the needs of their combined constituencies in those regions. The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), the International Communications Industries Association Inc. (ICIA/InfoComm), and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) have formed a partnership to develop and produce joint trade exhibitions in Europe and Asia for the benefit of their respective members and industries. With a combined membership of over 5,000 companies and individuals located in over 60 countries, CEDIA, ICIA, and NSCA are international organizations taking a bold step forward to serve all their members and the industries they represent. A formal press conference and signing ceremony will be held on June 2 at InfoComm 2003 in Orlando, FL.
In Europe, as equal equity partners, CEDIA, ICIA, and NSCA have determined that they will host their first European show at the Geneva Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, February 3-5, 2004. A new name and brand for the show is under development. The partners expect that the joint venture will gain rapid momentum and growth because of the significant common and separate strengths the three associations bring to the table. In common, they bring a systems approach, as well as a philosophy of running the highest caliber exhibitions, education, and networking activities. With NSCA’s focus on integrated electronic systems for commercial construction, ICIA’s on audiovisual systems integration and communications for the professional market, and CEDIA’s on home networking and home automation, the associations are designing an umbrella trade event never before seen in Europe.
In Asia, CEDIA and NSCA will join with ICIA in shows conducted in Singapore and China by InfoCommAsia Pte. Ltd. (IAPL). The first combined shows will be in 2004 for InfoComm China and 2005 for InfoComm Asia, when the exhibitions will be replaced with the new show name and brand as used in Europe. The addition of CEDIA and NSCA to these events will produce the same umbrella systems integration show that serves the commercial and residential market.
The associations clarify, however, that the alliance does not extend to the North American tradeshows conducted by CEDIA, ICIA, and NSCA. The shows in North America have served their attendees very successfully and each has seen large growth in the last decade. There is also a clearer distinction in North America between the commercial and residential segments of the industry.
"This is an extremely exciting development for all our association memberships, strongly supported by our exhibiting members and boards of governors," said Billilynne D. Keller, executive director of CEDIA. "We all have a strong interest in extending our educational and marketing opportunities around the world. Together we are able to offer a significant contribution."
"CEDIA, ICIA, and NSCA are organizations that focus on serving their members and their industry segments, and they do it with a sense of mission and the pursuit of excellence," said Randal Lemke, executive director of ICIA. "We know that together we can do more than any of us can do alone. We are committed to joining with our European and Asian members and the industry to develop these shows to meet their market needs."
"Through our membership in the Electronic Systems Technician Training Consortium and the Electronic Systems Alliance, our associations have been building trust and a good working relationship over the last couple of years," said Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. "Since 1996 we have been searching for a good international solution and this partnership is the first thing that we think will really make a difference for our members."
"This alliance of CEDIA, ICIA, and NSCA adds tremendous value to our Asia and China shows," said Nat Wong, managing director of IAPL. "We will now be able to deliver the most comprehensive solutions in the highly competitive Asian tradeshow arena. This will present global sellers a clear alternative for marketing their products, while Asian attendees will have unprecedented access not only to a multitude of products but to excellent educational opportunities as well."