Associations Focus: Technical Networking
May 1, 2008 12:00 PM
INFOCOMM INTERNATIONAL
INFOCOMM GOES GREEN
The AV industry has been joining with architects and building professionals to help address green issues. Several AV manufacturers and AV design firms have staff who have earned the LEED Accredited Professional credential. InfoComm also added green preference points to the AV Awards program.
To ensure the industry is attuned to the environmental concerns of architects, the building industry, government officials, and the public, InfoComm is developing a Green AV curriculum. A class on this topic will be taught at InfoComm 08 by Scott Walker, CTS-D, LEED AP, of Waveguide Consulting.
Throughout the year, InfoComm will release additional resource materials for the AV industry and architects addressing green AV. Later this year, InfoComm and ArchiTECH will collaborate on a green AV webinar to ensure that both communities have an understanding of how to work together and know which environmental goals are achievable through AV. Join us in Las Vegas as we debut this important program.
HOW TO STUDY FOR THE CTS EXAMS
Many people want to know about CTS test preparation. Please keep in mind that InfoComm Academy is not your only avenue for test preparation, and that unlike the old CTS test, there is no single publication or class that will prepare you for the exam. However, InfoComm’s deep body of knowledge lends itself easily to test preparation. Here are some suggestions on where to begin:
- All candidates must read the CTS Candidate Handbook for the test they wish to take. Please read the handbook in its entirety.
- Assess your skill levels on the domains and tasks listed on pages 30 and 31. (We are in the process of creating some free assessment tools to help here.)
- For someone new to the AV industry and unfamiliar with the disciplines it entails, begin with the free online course GEN101: Quick Start to the AV Industry.
- To fill gaps or refresh general knowledge of the science and technology of AV, review GEN102: Essentials of the AV Industry for Technical and Sales Professionals Online and the book Essentials of the AV Industry.
- For greater understanding of concepts in areas of design, DES201: Design Online is recommended.
- For greater understanding in areas of AV project life cycle and project management, the Audiovisual Best Practices book is recommended.
For CTS candidates attending InfoComm 08, there is a three-day course preceding the show. The CTS Study Group is designed to help prepare for the new certification exam. For a course description, see page 13 of the 2008 Educational Catalog. To register for CTS Study Group, visit www.infocommshow.org.
Associations Focus: Technical Networking
May 1, 2008 12:00 PM
NSCA
NSCA looks forward to hosting you at InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas. Plan to make the NSCA Zone your number one destination. At the NSCA Zone, you’ll have access to many of NSCA’s research reports — worth hundreds of dollars each. Talk with a SystemsPlus Insurance Solutions representative to see how to save serious money on your insurance. Learn what we’re doing in Washington, D.C., to protect your business. Our live presentation in the Zone will explain how to best use your benefits and what NSCA is doing to help you save time, make money, and solve problems.
Begin your InfoComm experience by relaxing at the Opening Reception and ExpoJam. Mark June 17 on your calendar and hit the Las Vegas Hilton at 6 p.m. so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
Make plans to attend the annual NSCA Member Breakfast and Industry Forum at 8 a.m. on June 18. We’ll vote on the slate of candidates for the NSCA Board of Directors and recognize award winners, and you’ll hear an up-to-the-minute presentation by Executive Director Chuck Wilson on the state of the industry. To register, email [email protected].
After breakfast, we’ll take you to the show floor. Stop by the Zone as often as you wish. Organize your schedule by determining the various pavilions to visit, meet with industry peers, rest your feet, check your email, grab a drink, and learn more about the benefits of being an NSCA member during exciting and interactive presentations. You’ll also enjoy hearing what other members are saying about NSCA and seeing our can’t-miss booth.
Take advantage of more than 80 NSCA University courses during your time at InfoComm. Expect the same quality you’ve always received at our previous shows. Whether you need to learn to manage projects more effectively, get tips to motivate your staff, or need to recertify, NSCA has the perfect class to fit your individual needs. In addition, you’ll receive discounts of up to 50 percent on NSCA University educational courses. Corporate contractors — don’t forget to use your education credits to save even more on NSCA courses. For more information about classes, contact NSCA at (800) 446-6722 or visit www.nscaatinfocomm.org.
If you haven’t signed up already, register for NSCA Education Foundation events at the show. You’ll have a great time and raise money for some great causes. Golfers can tee off at 7:30 a.m. on June 17 for the Systems Integration Industry Charity Golf Tournament at Rhodes Ranch Golf Course. Enjoy the game, the sunshine and the opportunity to network with your industry peers. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the continuing education initiatives of the NSCA Education Foundation and the International Communications Industry Foundation, as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Later, relax at the Drunk Unkles concert from 9-11 p.m. on June 18. Past NSCA Expo attendees will tell you this is a must-see show. You’ll recognize some very familiar faces amongst the band members. Money raised helps the NSCA Education Foundation recruit and educate the next generation of integrators.
The show is quickly approaching, but there’s plenty of time to sign up to attend NSCA activities. Sponsorships, classes, events, networking…we’ll take your phone calls and emails right up until the start of the show, June 16-20, with exhibitions beginning on June 18. Thank you for continuing to support NSCA and our outstanding membership, advocacy and educational initiatives.
NSCA Calendar of Events
May 22
Electrograph Display Technology Experience (DTE), Chicago
June 14-20
NSCA at InfoComm 08, Las Vegas
June 17
Special Interest Sections released
Associations Focus: Technical Networking
May 1, 2008 12:00 PM
CEDIA
The excitement is mounting as CEDIA prepares to host its annual CEDIA Expo at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from Sept. 3 to 7. Online registration opens June 2 at 8 a.m. PST, and early-bird registration ends July 16 at 5 p.m. PST. CEDIA Expo gives you a competitive edge with better education, networking with industry peers, product knowledge, technical skill, contacts, and much more. Be sure to check www.cedia.org/expo for your CEDIA Expo 2008 details.
CEDIA WANTS YOU TO SURVIVE
CEDIA is helping members stay ahead despite the current challenges in the market-place by providing free business webinars designed and moderated by CEDIA’s own subject-matter experts. Webinars are available to CEDIA members only and will be held the second Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. PST.
Each webinar is worth 0.5 CEU. However, you must pre-register and actively participate on the webinar to receive CEUs. The webinars will be broadcast live, and they will also be recorded and posted online for members to use at their convenience. A question-and-answer session will be held after each 30-minute to 45-minute presentation. Discuss webinar topics in CEDIA’s blog at www.cedia.org/blog, or learn more at www.cedia.org/survival.
HOME THEATER AUDIO BOOT CAMP
May 28: ADI – Phoenix
Learn the fundamentals of home theater audio from a renowned industry expert in this 6-hour workshop. Instructor Joel Rosenblatt of AV Marketing Consultants will answer all your questions about room acoustics, communicating with customers, sound formats, and more. Learn more at www.cedia.org/education/intensive_training3.php.
RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT INSTALLATION WORKSHOP
May 23: CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis
This course covers the basic techniques of retrofit installation of telecom, AV, and low-voltage cable. It includes retrofit installation planning, techniques for different types of construction, and the use of specialized retrofit installation tools. This course begins with an overview of typical house framing and construction to familiarize the attendees with appropriate locations for running wires, and then a demonstration of the most common retrofit installation procedures using the latest tools will finish up the course. Learn more at
www.cedia.org/education/intensive_training7.php
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