EXCLUSIVE: CEDIA is set run its own consumer technology show in Sydney following the failure of several technology shows in Australia.The organisation normally runs trade events.
The Custom Electronic & Design Installation Association (CEDIA) is set to run its own consumer lifestyle technology show. The first event will take place in Sydney between October 20th and 25th, 2006. CEDIA will continue run its annual trade event on the Gold Coast.
The decision to run the event at Fox Studio’s in Sydney was approved by the CEDIA board on Monday Night. Steve Miller the General Manager of CEDIA in Australia said “We made the decision following the failure of several home entertainment shows in Sydney. The recent National Home Entertainment Show held recently at Darling Harbour was not crash hot and we believe that CEDIA has the experience and the relationships to do a better job”. He added “We believe that we can attract the vendors while also developing the right content for a lifestyle technology event.” Prior to the National Home Entertainment Show which is run by publishing group IDG several major vendors pulled out including Intel, Microsoft, Panasonic and Harvey Norman. Other vendors were offered free stands but refused the offer. Ralph Grundel Marketing Manager of Qualifi distributors of Kiss, Marantz, Jaemo & Mordant Short products said “We were twice offered free stands at the event but declined. Our customers like Audio Connections and Len Wallis Audi who were exhibiting at the event would not have been happy as they had to pay”.
Kate Burleigh Marketing Manager at Intel said” We pulled out because we felt the show was not right for us. I visited the event on the Friday that it opened and it was clearly lacking. With the growth of the digital home we do need a major event so it was a pity that the show did not attract the right vendors”.
