CEDIA Expo is later this year and will be in the great state of Texas. Mark your calendars! Forget what you thought you knew about Dallas, because the city is more than the home of the Cowboys or the spinning orb of Reunion Tower. The city is reclaiming and reframing some of its neighborhoods and visitors will be impressed. The March 2015 issue of American Way Magazine highlighted the following must-do list:
Arts District and the Perot Museum of nature and science
The Arts District downtown is home to several astonishing venues—theaters, performance and symphony halls, museums, and high-rise condos. It’s worth attending an event or trying top restaurants Tei-An or Proof + Pantry. www.thedallasartsdistrict.org
Lower Greenville
Dying and decaying just a few years ago, this area of Greenville Avenue has been revitalized by widening its sidewalks and narrowing the road. Hot spots include the Truck Yard for beer and cheesesteaks, Blind Butcher for meats and beverages, and Nora Restaurant and Bar for some of the best Afghan food in the city.
Bishop Arts District
This collection of restaurants, bars, and shops is considered ground zero for the collection of new urbanists transforming Dallas. Boulevardíer is a top-tier neighborhood bistro, Oddfellows grinds world-class coffees, plus the neighborhood has nearly two dozen shops and galleries including, of course, a bicycle shop (Oak Cliff Bicycle Company). (Also, take the trip just down West Davis Street to Bolsa—it’s worth it.) www.bishopartsdistrict.com
Klyde Warren Park
Built above a freeway that formerly cut off downtown from the burgeoning Uptown neighborhood, this small urban oasis is usually filled with families, concerts, food trucks, and a gorgeous restaurant (Savor Gastropub). www.klydewarrenpark.org
BarBelmont and Smoke
A twofer you’ll remember, especially if you go at night, as The Belmont Hotel’s bar and its next-door-neighbor restaurant will blow you away with the nighttime view of the Dallas skyline and the sparkling food and drinks. www.belmontdallas.com
A new city is not the only thing you will be able to experience at CEDIA EXpo 2015. Here is a sneak peek at some of the courses that will be making their debut:
Stayin’ Alive in a DIY World
The emergence of the “Internet of Things” means custom integrators need to adapt to survive and thrive in this new DIY environment. The sudden and rapid adoption of DIY home automation can be looked at as a new growth opportunity for those who see it, understand it, and have the tools and the willpower to make changes!
Introduction & Pitfalls of LED Site & Landscape Illumination
This course focuses on understanding LEDs compared to other lighting types and highlights the efficiencies of light sources (watt to lumen output), content of hazardous materials, and heat generation. Included are fixture size comparisons, colors of light, color rendering index (CRI), changes to electrical systems, and how it all relates to site and landscape illumination and the technology professional.
Demystifying High-end Audio Sales
Many dealers miss out on opportunities to sell high-end systems because they aren’t adept at identifying or relating to these types of clients, or because they aren’t confident presenting the most expensive options and explaining why they cost so much. Learn how to demystify the high-end audio consumer and gain strategies for boldly presenting the “best” every time!
Stay plugged into the latest updates about expo by checking in with the CEDIA Expo Blog or following #CEDIA15 on social media. Registration for CEDIA EXPO 2015 opens on July 8 at www.cedia.net/expo.
