Associations Focus: Busy Season
Jul 1, 2006 12:00 PM
Organizations offer industry pros a swarm of conferences, certification courses, events, and resources to help achieve business goals.
NSCA
FALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE
NSCA provides members of the electronic systems industry with the research and training tools they need to grow their businesses all year long. Topping off the education program for 2006, the Fall Business Conference (FBC) will offer a multitude of learning opportunities for owners and managers. The event will take place Oct. 26-28 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grand Dunes.
New this year at the FBC is the opportunity to accumulate learning units toward a certificate of completion from NSCA University.
“There are two tracks of seminars, so each attendee can tailor their learning experience to align with specific business needs and priorities,” notes Lauralie DeWulf, NSCA manager of education programs and events. Additionally, general sessions address key issues facing the entire systems integration industry.
Right now, NSCA is seeking contractor companies with best-in-class business strategies as the association prepares for the third annual Excellence in Business Awards, to be presented at the kick-off dinner at the FBC. To read profiles of last year’s winners or for additional information, visit www.fallbiz.org/awards.
More than 62 percent of available conference seats are already reserved, so those interested in attending should visit www.fallbiz.org before the event is sold out.
NEW NSCA MEMBER MAKES CONTRIBUTION
Not only did the Drunk Unkles benefit concert for the NSCA Education Foundation at Expo 2006 garner support for a great cause, but the event itself was a shining example of member involvement with the association. The musicians on stage were industry veterans, the event sponsors were reputable manufacturers, and audience members were enthusiastic supporters who knew a good show when they saw one.
Backstage, there was another exemplary effort made by On Stage Audio (OSA), the company providing audio and lighting support for the event. In a striking display of generosity, the firm provided its staging services and equipment free of charge to the Education Foundation.
A new NSCA member company, OSA has already given back to the industry with this gesture. Jim Risgin from OSA made the decision to donate his company’s services for the worthy cause, saying his company certainly plans on benefiting from NSCA education programs. With locations in Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Orlando, Fla., OSA provides rental, installation, and integration services.
NSCA “SYSTEMSPLUS” INSURANCE
NSCA’s new proprietary SystemsPlus insurance program provides member companies with customized solutions for protecting their people and assets. SystemsPlus P&C (Property and Casualty) and SystemsPlus Surety can be tailored to the individual needs of electronic systems businesses. Estimates on premiums are easily obtained by calling (888) 864-5455. A quote is guaranteed to be delivered within a 24- to 48-hour turnaround, and in some cases, an estimate can be made over the phone. Learn more about the program at www.nsca.org/systemsplus.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION PROGRAM
The successful launch of the NSCA University Certificate of Completion Program at Expo 2006 in March has triggered enrollment by a growing list of companies and individuals. In order to provide more avenues for accruing the learning units required to achieve a certificate of completion, NSCA is developing partnerships with manufacturers and other industry training providers. The renowned Syn-Aud-Con course is the first to receive Learning Unit Provider status, and other valuable educational offerings are expected to follow suit.
“The Certificate of Completion Program provides a way for individuals and companies to show that they’re involved with continuing education and they are on the cutting edge of technology,” comments Chad Sowers, NSCA’s senior manager of education programs. “Business owners, techs, and installers will all benefit from keeping up with the latest technologies and trends while they work toward obtaining certificates with any of the six colleges in the NSCA University.”
DESIGN-BUILD TRENDS
The third quarter Market Intelligence Briefing (Q3 MIB) released last month explores the design-build model. Findings in the report, titled “Design-Build Trends in the Commercial Electronic Systems Industry,” quantify the benefits and pitfalls of this business model. The impact it has had on the businesses of systems contractors and consultants is examined with an eye to both current and future conditions. Moreover, an industry definition of “design-build” is debuted in this influential report.
This latest NSCA research effort provides members with a thorough analysis of how the electronic systems business is changing. These and other insights are available to all corporate member companies as part of NSCA’s ongoing efforts to aid the improvement of businesses in all aspects of the industry.
For a clear majority (80 percent) of the contractor/integrator firms surveyed for the Q3 MIB report, design-build accounted for a low of 20 percent to more than 65 percent of revenues. The majority of the systems contractors/integrators expect their involvement in design-build projects to increase over the next two years.
Nearly half (47.5 percent) of responding design consultants across all company size categories see the design-build model as impacting their businesses negatively. Only about one-fifth (19.2 percent) indicate that design-build is having a positive effect on their business, while almost one third (29 percent) indicate that the design-build trend has no significant impact on their business.
NSCA will soon initiate surveys for the Q4 MIB, and members are encouraged to respond. Those interested in participating in future surveys should contact NSCA at (800) 446-NSCA.
NSCA Calendar of Events
July 10
Project Management Registration Deadline, Kansas City, Mo.
July 17
C-SI One-Day Review, Kansas City
July 17-18
C-EST Two-Day Review, Kansas City
July 17-18
Project Management, Kansas City
July 18
C-SI Exam, Kansas City
July 19
C-EST Exam, Kansas City
August 11
C-EST Review Package Deadline, San Francisco
August 15
Excellence in Business Award Nominations Deadline
August 18
C-EST Online Review Begins for San Francisco Exam
August 31
Fall Business Conference Advance Registration Deadline
September 8
C-SI Review Package Deadline, San Francisco
September 15
C-SI Online Review Begins for San Francisco Exam
September 28
C-SI and C-EST Exam Registration Deadline, San Francisco
For more information about NSCA, visitwww.nsca.orgor call (800) 446-6722.
Associations Focus: Busy Season
Jul 1, 2006 12:00 PM
Organizations offer industry pros a swarm of conferences, certification courses, events, and resources to help achieve business goals.
INFOCOMM INTERNATIONAL
INFOCOMM 06 GROWS IN SIZE AND VALUE
InfoComm International officials calculate that June’s InfoComm 06, held in Orlando, Fla., was the biggest InfoComm ever. The tradeshow saw more than 26,429 AV professionals from more than 80 countries attending the annual conference and exhibition geared towards professional AV buyers and sellers.
“It’s rewarding to see the robust economic trends in the AV industry reflected in the strength of this year’s InfoComm tradeshow,” says Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director of InfoComm International. “With nearly twice as many commercial and institutional AV professionals as can be seen anywhere else, the AV marketplace has enthusiastically embraced InfoComm as the place to make purchasing choices, network with product and service providers, and enhance skills through our vigorous educational program.”
InfoComm attracted 11,820 commercial service providers, as well as 6,254 technology manager end users. Nearly 75 percent of technology manager users who attended InfoComm 2006 work in education, business, and government, a reflection of the many ways the world uses information communication and AV technologies. More than 4,000 attendees traveled from other countries to participate in the global event.
InfoComm continues to live up to its theme and reputation as the “information communications marketplace.” Nearly 90 percent of InfoComm 06 attendees stated they either authorize or recommend equipment purchases. More than 40 percent of attendees have annual AV communications technology budgets topping $1 million.
Registrations for InfoComm Academy courses totaled 7,758 for 2006, up 17.2 percent from 6,620 in 2005. Super Tuesday, a full day of advanced instruction for AV pros, attracted 831 registrants in 2006, up from 716 last year and exceeding all previous attendance records. The Institute of Professional Development (IPD) attracted 404 registrants, up from 345 in 2005 — a 17.1 percent increase.
Attendees come to InfoComm for the diversity of courses on topics ranging from acoustics to videoconferencing. Among the most attended courses were AV-specific courses like Project Management: Competencies and Structure and Project Management Overview for Executives, both endorsed by the prestigious Project Management Institute. Other popular classes include Syn-Aud-Con’s Sound Reinforcement for Designers and Interactive Classroom 2006.
InfoComm also offered its three-day Certification Prep course prior to the exhibition opening. InfoComm International’s certification program is renowned among AV professionals. This year, 64 individuals completed the course and earned their Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credentials onsite. There are now more than 5,000 AV Professionals who have achieved the CTS designation.
A record 770 exhibitors participated at InfoComm this year, representing an increase over the previous record of 725 in 2005. Exhibitors occupied 425,000 net square feet of exhibit and special events space, compared to 385,540 square feet in 2005. Nearly 150 new exhibitors joined this year’s show, while new special events, such as the InfoComm Party and 10 audio demo rooms, offered attendees the opportunity to experience high-end systems up close.
More than 269,000 net square feet has been sold in anticipation of InfoComm 07 in Anaheim, Calif., making it the biggest pre-sale in the history of the show. Companies interested in exhibiting at InfoComm 07, being held June 19-21, 2007, are encouraged to commit as soon as possible, because a sell-out is anticipated well in advance of the show.
InfoComm 05, meanwhile, was recently named one of the 50 largest tradeshows in the United States by Tradeshow Week Magazine, a testament to the growth of the industry and the valuable leads that the show provides exhibitors and attendees. InfoComm 06’s record-breaking show is likely to rise even higher on the list.
InfoComm 07 is on course to be another show for the record books. California boasts more attendees than any other state, so hosting the show in Anaheim next year makes it easier for large delegations of local AV professionals to attend.
InfoComm 06 Platinum Sponsors included Barco, Crestron, Extron, Sony, Tandberg, and Telex. Gold Sponsors include Christie Digital and Thomson Grass Valley.
For more information about InfoComm International, visitinfocomm.org.
Associations Focus: Busy Season
Jul 1, 2006 12:00 PM
Organizations offer industry pros a swarm of conferences, certification courses, events, and resources to help achieve business goals.
CEDIA
CEDIA EXPO 2006 UPDATE
The CEDIA EXPO early-bird discount registration deadline is fast approaching. Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these amazing offers, because July 19, 2006, is the final day to register and still receive discounts. Early registration enables attendees to receive discounts on educational offerings, tradeshow floor access, a golf outing, and CEDIA Awards banquet tickets.
Check out all the exciting opportunities that CEDIA EXPO has to offer at www.cedia.org/expo. Find information on full-day workshops, free manufacturer product training, new products and technology being unveiled, more than 200 CEDIA University courses, and much more. Time is running out so register today to save.
The opening Keynote Breakfast is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Bill Leszinske, general manager of the networked media platform group within Intel Corporation’s Digital Home Group, will be the keynote speaker. Leszinske previously served as the Intel Viiv Technology Platform Manager, and has an extensive background in sales and marketing. In 2004, he formed the Digital Home marketing team within Intel’s Desktop Products Group, and has also served as director of Chipset and Software Marketing for the same group. Prior to joining Intel, Leszinski was a regional applications manager for one of the world’s largest computer companies. He joined Intel in 1989, and holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Space is limited, so be sure to register early and guarantee yourself a seat for the breakfast. For information on CEDIA EXPO, or to download the 2006 registration brochure, visit www.cedia.org/expo.
While attending CEDIA EXPO this year, don’t forget to check out the city of Denver, which has hundreds of events throughout the year showcasing food, art, culture, and entertainment in the Mile High City. For more information please visit www.visitdenver.org/cedia.
CEDIA EST RESIDENTIAL BOOT CAMPS
In just three days of short lectures and hands-on workshops, you can take advantage of the opportunity to expand your value as a professional in the residential electronic systems industry. CEDIA University is offering another new and improved Electronic System Technician (EST) Residential Boot Camp July 11-13 at CEDIA’s Headquarters in Indianapolis. This three-day training session, in a state-of-the-art facility, is a great opportunity for electronic systems technicians to receive the fundamentals in installation training from top-of-the-line instructors.
In addition to learning the basic skills necessary in the custom electronic field, the following topics will also be covered: cable concepts fundamentals, safety codes, distributed audio and video, and RF distribution.
For more information on EST Residential Boot Camp opportunities, or to register, log on to CEDIA’s website at www.cedia.org/education/bootcamp. Make CEDIA EST Boot Camp a regular part of your training.
CEDIA Calendar of Events
EST Residential Boot Camp
July 11-13
CEDIA Training Facility, Indianapolis
Installer 1 Exam
July 14
Indianapolis
Installer I Review and Exam, Mobile Dynamics
July 14
Thornhill, Ontario
CEDIA EXPO Registration Discount Ends
July 19
Installer I Review and Exam
July 25
AVAD, St. Louis, Mo.
Installer I Review and Exam
July 27
ADI, Bridgeport, Conn.
CEDIA Australia Expo
July 27-29
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Visit www.cedia.org/calendar for a complete up-to-date calendar of all CEDIA events.
For more information on CEDIA,visitwww.cedia.orgor call (800) 669-5329.
