CE Pro November/December 2024 - 69
INTEGRATOR INSIDER
Channel
A Woman's Perspective
on CEDIA Expo 2024
AS THE dust settled on
another CEDIA Expo, it's
been clear to me that 2024
marked a pivotal year for
our industry. As a woman
integrator in leadership,
I found this year's expo
particularly enlightening,
offering a unique reflection
of where we stand and
where we're headed.
The dominant theme
was artificial intelligence
(AI). A lot of the technology
showcased this year had an
AI component, signaling a
major shift in our approach
to home integration.
My standout product was
Portal.io's new AI capability
tool designed to streamline
the proposal and scope
of work writing process.
This allows integrators
to walk through a client's
home, record video, and
verbally describe desired
installations. The AI then
generates a comprehensive
scope of work and proposal,
including product details,
revolutionizing our
workflow, saving time and
improving accuracy.
Another significant
takeaway was the
continued importance
of buying groups.
Organizations like HTSA,
ProSource, and Azione
Unlimited maintained a
strong presence, providing
valuable opportunities.
cepro.com
Innovative Technologies &
Trends: Beyond AI, several
other things caught my
attention. The continued
evolution of smart home
integration, advancements
in energy management
systems, and the growing
focus on user experience
design all point to an
exciting future.
One trend that stood
out was the increasing
and integration company
attendees.
We saw far more women
in business attire or
company-branded clothing
showing product knowledge
and industry expertise,
rather than " booth
babes. " The difference was
particularly noticeable
and welcome. While a few
holdouts remained, they
seemed out of place in an
" We saw far more women in
business attire or companybranded
clothing showing
product knowledge and industry
expertise ... the difference was
noticeable and welcome.' "
importance of social media
presence. Many attendees
approached my team to
discuss our approach to
strategy and content,
highlighting the value of
digital marketing and brand
building.
Observations on Diversity
& Inclusion: This year's
expo seemed smaller
compared with previous
years, but what it lacked in
size made up for in quality
of content and diversity of
participation. There was
a noticeable increase in
women's participation, both
as vendor representatives
environment increasingly
focused on professionalism
and expertise.
This shift is significant, as
it brings fresh perspectives
to balance the maledominated
field.
Being a woman in this
industry can be challenging
because you can feel out
of place. This sentiment
is widely shared among
my industry colleagues,
underscoring the ongoing
need for greater inclusivity
and awareness.
The Role of Mentorship &
Networking: As a woman in
leadership, I've experienced
firsthand the importance of
mentorship and networking
in our industry. Not only
do we share knowledge,
but we can impact career
development, confidencebuilding,
and fostering
valuable connections.
The Women in CI
Luncheon continues
to exemplify this by
showcasing speakers
like Sylvia Acevedo, who
offered insightful takeaways
including " Failure is the first
attempt at learning " and
" The first person you have
to convince you can do
something is YOU. " I look
forward to this part of the
expo every year, and this
year did not disappoint!
My advice to women in
this industry is simple: push
forward. Engage in events,
join buying groups, run for
boards of directors, and
aim for leadership roles.
Seek out mentorship
opportunities, whether
through formal programs
like the Wave of Influence
or informal connections
within your organization.
Remember, your expertise
and determination are your
greatest assets in shaping
your career and the future
of our industry.
AMANDA CRIGAR is Vice
President of Acoustic Design
Systems in Las Vegas.
November/December 2024 CE Pro | 69
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http://www.cepro.com
CE Pro November/December 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CE Pro November/December 2024
CE Pro November/December 2024 - Intro
CE Pro November/December 2024 - Cover1
CE Pro November/December 2024 - Cover2
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 1
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 2
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 3
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 4
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 5
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 6
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 7
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 8
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 9
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 10
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 11
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 12
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 13
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 14
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 15
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 16
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 17
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 18
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 19
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 20
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 21
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CE Pro November/December 2024 - 32
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 33
CE Pro November/December 2024 - 34
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CE Pro November/December 2024 - Cover3
CE Pro November/December 2024 - Cover4
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