CEDIA Expo 2021 Stages Successful Event Bolstered by Expanded Influencer Program

October 8, 2021

CEDIA Expo, the leading trade event in smart home technology, joined the list of other shows that returned to an in-person format this year, pulling off a safe and impactful event that was amplified by a successful influencer program. 

Held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Sept. 1-3, CEDIA Expo 2021, produced by Emerald, brought residential technology integrators, designers and trade professionals together face-to-face for the first time in two years to connect and discuss topics within the industry. 

“For the return of this year’s in-person show, we selected a powerful group of smart home and integrated technology influencers to join our network and help spread the word about the great content, news and show insights at CEDIA Expo 2021,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president of CEDIA Expo and KBIS.

The expanded CEDIA Expo influencer network was designed to bring enthusiastic and impactful industry experts to the forefront of the show experience and leverage their expertise to expand its audience and amplify show programming and CEDIA offerings on social media and in the community at large, not only at for the expo but year-round. Representing a broad spectrum of industry experience, the influencer network encompasses professionals such as technology integrators, product development experts and brand representatives.

Cedia ExpoThe influencer program was soft-launched in the period leading into the 2020 show, which pivoted to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading into the 2021 show experience, CEDIA leveraged its existing group and invited some strategic additions to the table. Though many of the influencers were unable to attend the show, they were all able to provide support pre-show by driving registration and helping to build momentum for the show.

The influencer network was highly engaged during the show, participating in testimonial videos as well as social sharing, and CEDIA placed several of them into its Smart Stage and Innovation Hub programming, as well as its Virtual Media Tour.

Overall, the influencer network was a positive new program that has been added to the show, according to McGraw, and CEDIA continues to have several influential industry professionals reaching out to participate in 2022. 

The program has also been beneficial for influencers.

“Being part of this group gives me greater access to the home technology community, and I get insider access to the newest technology and events,” said Jiles McCoy, CEDIA Expo influencer and founder and operator of Fanatics Media. “The relationships that result from being a part of this group will help propel my business forward while supporting the brands and technologies I love.”

CEDIA Expo 2021 by the Numbers

Cedia ExpoThis year’s show hosted 82 exhibitors and 1,400 attendees, with 42% being final decision makers holding the title of president, owner, partner or CEO. The CEDIA Expo Matchmaking app facilitated connections before, during and after the show.

“Although this was not the show we had originally planned, we adjusted and came together to put on a solid event.” McGraw said. “While all of our community was not able to participate with us this year, we were pleased to stage a safe event that was meaningful and informative for those who participated.” 

He added, “This year’s show provided the first opportunity in two years for attendees and exhibitors to spend quality time building relationships face to face.”

The expo delivered a combination of on-site and on-demand programming, and the combined Smart Stage/Innovation Hub featured dozens of talks, case studies and thought leadership programming.

CEDIA Expo 2021 highlights included:

  • Representatives from strategic partner IMCCA spoke about the emerging and growing work-from-home technology segment.
     
  • CE Pro presented their product and project awards recognizing Spatial Inc. for their real-time, interactive, immersive audio solution and Blackdove for their digital art system.
     
  • CEDIA’s keynote speaker Poppy Crum, PhD, chief scientist at Dolby Laboratories, spoke on the topic of storytelling and the role our brains play in connecting, differently.
     
  • The TechStarter program celebrated innovator Guard Dog as the 2021 TechStarter winner. 

CEDIA Expo 2022 will take place in Dallas, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The exact venue will be announced in 2022. 

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact