Learning About Home Entertainment and Automation Will Increase Customer Service and...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Homeowners want the latest in home theaters, whole-house audio and video networks, and automated control of just about everything. But technologies change quickly and architects, home builders, and interior designers may miss out on sales opportunities and customer service improvements

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), the leading provider of residential technology education and certification, invites forward-thinking architects, home builders, and interior designers to interact with residential electronic systems contractors and discover how technology will continue to change home design and construction. The inaugural CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles(R) Forum will be held at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, February 23-25, 2006.

In addition to exclusive educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will hear from preeminent futurist Nicholas Negroponte, world-renowned architect William McDonough, and many internationally recognized professionals and technology experts.

"Electronic systems contractors share the same homeowner clients as builders, interior designers, and architects," said Utz Baldwin, the chairman of the CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles(R) Forum and owner of AD Systems in Houston. "This one-of-a-kind event from CEDIA will help all participants better meet their clients needs and build new relationships between the four home design and construction disciplines."

Call CEDIA headquarters at (800) 669-5329 or visit http://www.cedia.org/el_forum.

The CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles(R) Forum is being held immediately following the CEDIA 2006 Management Conference, which will also take place at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. (See press release, "Annual CEDIA Management Conference," December 12.)

CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,000 member companies worldwide. CEDIA members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialized field. CEDIA members include residential electronic systems contractors who have emerged as the "fourth contractor" in the building and remodeling industries alongside electrical, plumbing and HVAC professionals. For more information on CEDIA, visit the association's Web site at www.cedia.org.