CEDIA EXPO once again has lived up to its reputation and proven to be the "must-go" trade show of the custom electronics industry. With an overall attendance of 17,250, CEDIA EXPO 2001 EXPLORE THE POWER was a huge success!

Association executives explain that the show has grown in popularity right alongside the growth of the entire industry. This year's EXPO's amazing growth is due to an increase in trends in the custom installation industry driven by the invasion of home theater.

According to Billilynne Keller, CEDIA Executive Director, this year's EXPO attendance is a great milestone for the association. "It is amazing to think that just twelve years ago we welcomed 800 for the first ever CEDIA EXPO," said Keller. "We were thrilled with the turn-out then, and now we stand in awe."

Early in the week, CEDIA members participated in a fun-filled day of golf on the rolling hills and treelined fairways of The Fort Golf Resort in Indianapolis, Indiana. The golf outing was a day of rest and relaxation for CEDIA members that enabled them to gear up for the active and eventful days of CEDIA EXPO 2001. Participants competed in many categories during the tournament. Winners walked away with exceptional prizes donated by their fellow CEDIA members.

Beginning Friday, September 7th, CEDIA EXPO 2001 was in full force at the Indianapolis Convention Center and RCA Dome. Jam-packed with approximately 400 exhibitors and more product launches than ever before, CEDIA EXPO 2001 was everything and anything except the ordinary.

Attendees had the opportunity to partake in CEDIA's top-ranked educational program in the industry. CEDIA almost doubled the amount of courses offered in previous EXPO's. With more than 150 educational courses taught by industry experts, attendees were able to see first-hand the very latest technologies in the custom electronics field, including ways to distribute and display entertainment, systems controls and home networking throughout the home. In addition to learning all of the aspects of custom installation, CEDIA offered Installer Level I and Level II exams for attendees to become certified installers.

Back by popular demand, a true attention-getter, the Garden of High Definition Delight III showcased the latest direct view and high definition display devices. The Garden offered attendees the chance to view the high-definition-capable display devices side-by-side.

Even the best traditions need an update. CEDIA added a new twist to the ever-popular awards banquet. After anxiously awaiting the announcement of the 2001 Electronic LifestylesTM Awards recipients, over 2,000 exhibitors and attendees enjoyed an unforgettable performance by Grammy Award winning artist Bonnie Raitt. Topping off the night, CEDIA donated $50,000 in concert proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

For those who are already curious about CEDIA EXPO 2002, CEDIA is hitting the highway and taking CEDIA EXPO 2002 EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION to Minneapolis, Minnesota September 25-29. Mark your calendar!