The Integration Conversation

Details on our new affinity partner with Stuart Collingwood, Managing Director of Zuma. Zuma is an all-in-one biometric lighting plus Wi-Fi audio solution that comes in a variety of form factors ready for in-ceiling installation. The company's founders are from a variety of well-known manufacturers with decades of experience in the CEDIA channel. They're ready to work with UK members right now, but they're expanding.

https://zuma.ai/

https://cedia.net/membership/benefits/cedia-propel

A preview of our CEDIA Expo 2021 keynote with the presenter, Poppy Crum. The topic: The Future of Storytelling. New technology has not only allowed for new products and human experiences, but also new ways of storytelling. As changing forms of media grow in popularity and scope, businesses are also able to connect with audiences in previously unimaginable ways. Dr. Crum – neuroscientist and technologist with Dolby Labs and Stanford -- looks at the future of storytelling and what audiences concerned with changing media ought to be paying attention to now. Expo registration opens June 9.

https://www.poppycrum.com/

https://cediaexpo.com/

Part Two of the Resimercial Series: What are your unified communications options? Videoconferencing at home vs. work – what do you need to know? Can commercial scheduling devices be integrated into home situations? YES, there will be classes at CEDIA Expo that cover these topics. We're joined by David Danto, Director of Emerging Technology, imcca.org; Steve Rissi, Senior Director of Technical Education, CEDIA; and Ian Bryant, Senior Director Strategic Partnerships, CEDIA.

http://www.imcca.org/

Details on our new affinity partner with Joseph Castonguay, Vice President of Autoslide North America. Autoslide is an automatic sliding door system that retrofits to your existing sliding doors. Although new to Propel, the company's been around for many years. (Look for them at Expo, too.)

https://cedia.net/membership/benefits/cedia-propel

https://autoslide.com/

https://cediaexpo.com/

Longtime CEDIA volunteer and web designer Geoff Meads walk us through best practices for getting your message to existing and potential clients. You can leverage your website for better customer interaction, improved service, and lead generation. We'll also hear from Taylor Cutler from Podium, a company that specifically handles tools for website interaction and messaging.

https://www.prestoav.com/

http://podium.com

Not every speaker is a box, and not every client wants to hide their tech (especially when it comes to audiophiles!). What goes into making "statement pieces" that stand out? Does "form really follow function"? How does a company try to create designs that are both functional and beautiful – and hopefully, timeless? And how do you really hide gear (notably speakers) in odd/unique spaces, yet maintain quality? We speak with Barry Sheldrick from Meridian Audio, and Mike Cleary from James Loudspeaker/Sonance.

https://www.meridian-audio.com/

https://www.meridian-audio.com/products/home-audio-loudspeakers/reference/special-edition-dsp8000/

https://www.jamesloudspeaker.com/

https://www.jamesloudspeaker.com/products/288

Jason Voorhees of Cantara, Charlie McClarron from Artcoustic, Luke Crutcher from Living Home Tech, and Amit Ravat from Lithe Audio break down the importance of having a terrific relationship with the manufacturers you work with both on big-ticket projects and product development. How does one develop that relationship? How do you maintain that trust? How has a manufacturer solved a problem/bailed you out when a project has hit a snag? How are your products adjusted based on integrator feedback?

https://www.litheaudio.com/

https://www.livinghometech.co.uk/

https://www.artcoustic.com/

https://www.cantaradesign.com/

First in a series: What's the history of the term? Is it a two-way street: Can we really bring commercial tech into the home and can we make commercial spaces "homier"? How are these worlds different? How are they similar? What do you need to know before you set foot in a restaurant or a doctor's office? CEDIA's Steve Rissi and CE Pro's Jason Knott (who's bringing a ton of research to the party) give us the skinny. (Also: Look for classes addressing this topic at CEDIA Expo.)

https://www.cepro.com/

https://cediaexpo.com/

With a debate about whether or not broadband is "infrastructure" looming in the U.S. and a new report just out (from the NSC, no less) on "weaponized AI," where does the CEDIA industry stand when it comes to the impact of tech policy? How does the U.S. stack up to the rest of the world? How will we address energy tech, social media concerns, and cybersecurity, and how does that impact the globe – who's winning? Industry expert (and former Expo keynote speaker) John Penney weighs in.

What changes has the pandemic brought to employee/employer relationships, rules, and regs? What do "sick days" look like now? What procedures will become permanent in the realm of health and safety for both technicians and clients? How do you navigate the various mask mandates? And how do you navigate the controversies surrounding vaccines? Courtney Berg of the firm Courtside HR weighs in. Note: Berg's firm offers discounts on services to CEDIA members: link2hr.com

https://www.courtsidehr.com/