Smart Home Surgery

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Smart Home Surgery

Is CEDIA worth it?

February 10, 2023 • Benjamin Davies • Season 1 • Episode 6

A CEDIA member and a non-CEDIA member debate whether CEDIA membership is worth it for your business. You’ll hear both sides of the story so that you can carefully consider whether being a CEDIA member will produce a lucrative return on investment. Investing in CEDIA is more of a time investment than it is a financial investment, and as installers, our most valuable asset is our time. So, will investing time in CEDIA bring value to your business?

We also discuss how CEDIA can improve in the future and the key gaps it’s missing - as well as the stigma around it being an old boys club.

Joining our show for this debate are two ex-colleagues with over 60 years of industry experience:

Owen Maddock, of Cinema Works - based in Bristol, who is an AWARD-winning CEDIA advocate
Jason Humphries, of Encore Home Technology; who has decided to leave the association after not seeing the added value to his business

CEDIA stands for the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. It is a global trade association for companies that specialize in the design and installation of high-performance technology solutions for the home.

What we discussed

(00:00) CEDIA Member: Owen Maddock from Cinema Works

(02:27) Non-CEDIA Member: Jason Humphreys from Encor Home Technology

(03:11) CEDIA member vs. Non-CEDIA member

(04:07) Why Owen joined CEDIA

(05:58) Is CEDIA course material any good?

(08:17) Making time for CEDIA volunteer work

(14:25) Is CEDIA an elitist old boys club?

(17:19) Does CEDIA membership guarantee quality work?

(21:41) Investing in the Denver HQ: Mistake?

(23:50) CEDIA awards

(26:31) CEDIA outreach program

(36:28) When do you stop benefitting from CEDIA?

(37:16) Is CEDIA useful if you’re busy? OR Does CEDIA clutter your schedule?

(42:44) What CEDIA needs to change

(51:13) Should you pay for CEDIA?

(55:27) Experience leaving CEDIA

(57:38) Best thing about CEDIA

(01:00:17) How CEDIA can improve in the future

(01:06:38) What would make Jason reactivate his CEDIA membership

(01:11:14) Am I a CEDIA member?

Some Pro CEDIA sentiments we discussed (more on the show):

CEDIA puts you in front of architects, designers, and property people - it gives you a foot in the door.
“the volunteer journey makes you better”
Decent training opportunities for beginner installers

Some Anti-CEDIA sentiments we discussed (more on the show):

You can be an appalling installer and a CEDIA member, membership is not an indication of quality
Not enough networking and community-building benefits
You won’t necessarily get a good return on your investment

Links

CEDIA

Connect with Owen Maddock: Cinema Works Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Jason Humphreys: Encore Home Technol

Contact the Smart Home Surgery

Send us a DM on Instagram @smarthomees
Email us at media@smarthomee.co.uk

Thanks for listening & see you on the next episode