Daniel J SaitCEDIA is in the middle of its drive to encourage members to submit entries for the Trade Supplier categories of its 2017 Awards, set up to recognise the best products and services in the home technology industry.
The CEDIA Awards in the UK have come a very long way since the very first, presented in the Fox pub at ExCel in London during the time when CEDIA ran its own trade show at the venue. The organisation deserves much credit for turning it into the big event it has become. This year the venue is somewhat different; enjoying the fascinating surroundings of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. Despite actually being closer to Watford than London, the industry looks set for a fun night and a chance to recognise those in the sector who have stood out this year.
The Trade Supplier part of the equation this year is slightly different as distributors are being asked to work together with the CEDIA member brands they represent to support them in entering their products for the Awards.
This will give members the chance to be recognised as distributors of CEDIA award-winning products and the product innovation they provide.
Those entering however, should be aware that the ‘Best New Hardware’ and ‘Best New Software’ categories are open to manufacturers whose products that have been released and distributed from September 30, 2016 to September 30, 2017.
Also new is a ‘Product Hall of Fame’ category for products adjudged to have made a significant impact on CEDIA members within the last seven years. All entrants will be asked to attend the CEDIA HQ in St Neots in August to present their products to a judging panel.
The ‘Best Training Course’ category is open to both CEDIA manufacturers and distributors. Celebrating the best in practical and theoretical education in the industry, the shortlist for this category will be decided by the CEDIA training team. This shortlist will then be opened to home technology professional members for final voting.
Home technology professional members in the EMEA region will also be asked to vote for their best trade supplier. Open to distributors and members, the ‘Best Trade Supplier’ category honours the CEDIA member company that has delivered the best professional service, training and technical support to technology integrators throughout the year.
Time is running out however, all those who want to be in with a chance, must get their entries in by July 12, 2017. For more information on the categories, including full entry requirements and submission forms, visit the CEDIA website.