Hi guys and gals,

Well there are only a few days before the start of the show and I wanted to know if any of you have any tips or advice for someone who has never been to the EXPO.

Where to party? Where to go for the best drinks? How do you stay awake for all the classes? How can you see everything in a short time? Where are all the women at?

On another note for those of us who have been to many CEDIA events, any funny stories that you could share with us? This is the best time of the year for the custom industry so lets get it started right!!!

Cresnut,
Are you a dealer for Elan or Speakercraft?

I do not sell Elan, but I have sold Speakercraft in the past. Right now I am using Sonance and Triad for the distributed audio speakers and I am also looking into the new Polk audio in wall speakers due to the ability to have them IP addressable.

How about yourself?

I was asking because I have a extra ticket to the Speakercraft party on thursday night. My wife is not going this year, so I was going to offer the extra to someone like yourself, who has not been to one. You do not have to be a speakercraft dealer to go.
I have Elan, Crestron (commercial) and Russound. I use RBH for many projects as well. I am not that familiatr with the Sonance line, but I have always liked the Triad product line.
I want to take a look at the IP speaker from Polk too. I bet next year they will multiply 10 times.

I like to party at the Slippery Noodle (more than one blues band ), I am always on the lookout for the best drinks, which mostly come from the Primer parties from different companies from 5:00->, Lots of expresso and starbucks to stay awake, I have seen most everything I want to see in Indy, but I can never see enough good lookin' women :).

There are several very nice clubs out bear the airport... Harem House is one of em..... Couple other as well.. ;-)

Best CEDIA Parties Runco, Monster, SpeakerCraft, and AMX They are MUCH toned down from years past, but still the best..... If your not a dealer, find someone who is, Or become one....

Thanks GotGame,

I really do appreciate the very nice gesture. I have been attending the Expo’s for longer than I can remember. I had started the thread for those that had not attended before, but thank you anyway.

This is a great example of why I love this industry, the PEOPLE! This is a great industry and I am very proud to be involved in it. Thank you very much fine sir and I hope I run into you at the Slippery Noodle!

hey cresnut,
this will be my first trip to cedia and to be honest i dont have a clue what to look for or what to sign up for i have been a installer for about 7 years now our area is very virgin to whole house automation as i am also. would really be grateful for any advice.my store manager and myself are going and have no idea what to look for in order to make the most of the trip. we are dealers for hai,elan,lutron,runco,sony,klispch and integra. any suggestions?

I feel that the show is very large. It is impossible to see everything, go to every class, and attend every manufactures class.
A good approach to take may be to start out with some goals. These goals should reflect your company’s business plan for the next couple years.

For example if your plan calls for or you have clients asking for more digital audio video solutions then I would tailor your itinerary to attend the classes on TCP/IP and try and take all the multimedia sessions that you can. I would also make sure to make appointments with some of the latest AV distribution manufactures. In my opinion you would want to schedule at least 30-60 minutes with Crestron and or AMX. I would also make stops at the companies you currently do business with such as Elan, Runco, and Sony. Next I would plan on stops with some of the up and coming companies such as Kalidescape, and NetStreams.

Another note should be to dress casual and make sure you have very comfortable shoes as you will be on a cement floor for long hours at a time. When you get to the show check your class times as sometimes the classes move and or canceled. The show guides are printed well in advance.
Another tip is going to the events such as the Speakercraft party on Thursday night. Make the most of your time here, and ask a lot of questions!

Another easy trap that some guys fall into is spending a whole lot of time with your current manufactures and reps. DON’T DO THIS. Sure spend a little time with them, let the rep buy you a coke, but you see these guys all the time! They can demo to you and you can talk to them about the product all the time!!!! So spend the vast majority of your time at the show with manufactures and reps that you don’t usually see. I know this is a tuff rule as it is always fun to see and joke with those guys you know well, BUT I am serious spend most of your time with the guys you don’t already know. Even if you don’t ever buy equipment from these other manufactures at the very least you will make yourself more aware of the other products available and how to show the difference when you are in a competitive bid against them. Who knows you may come to find out that the other product is actually better/cheaper/easier.

Good luck, have fun and maybe we will run into you at the show!!!

Take care.

here's the best tip I can give...

this applies to all conventions, not just CEDIA

When you go to the titty bar, sit next to the stage, and don't get table dances...

Those girls on the stage all have herpes, AIDS, a husband, and 4 kids at home.

They just want your money, they don't give a rat's ass about you.

The alcohol is overpriced, and the waitress will expect a 20% tip. Anything less is uncivilized.

Nope, get those lap dances, they're way better....


Can't hold those things against them, can you? Hell, we have a wife at home, a bad case of the flu and will prolly throw up on them at some time in the evening....You gotta give till it hurts....


That's okay, we just want to see their boobies, it seems like a fair trade.....


Well, we are usually fried, to stupid to know we're being overcharged, and will tip way to much, so I'd imagine we're considered way more than civilized....lol