The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced that in 2013 it will be partnering with Diversified Exhibitions to co-sponsor the Integrate Expo in August.

The CEDIA Expo, scheduled for July on the Gold Coast, will no longer take place.

Now, the combination of CEDIA Expo and Integrate, which already partners with InfoComm, will become the signature show for professional, commercial and residential integrators in Asia Pacific.

“Collectively, CEDIA members have been expressing their vote in favour for both organisations to unite,” CEDIA Asia Pacific executive director Stephen Miller says.

“This partnership sets the stage in furthering the growth of the electronic system industry in Asia Pacific, and making the show the largest in the region.”

CEDIA Asia Pacific chairman Len Wallis says, “The importance of partnerships like this in the gloablisation of services to the industry for CEDIA is vital. We exist for our members, because of our members. This partnership opens the door to continued cooperation across the region.

“Fundamentally, this move makes sense. For our manufacturer and distributor members, the cost of exhibiting at both CEDIA Expo and Integrate was prohibitive. Having one show makes it easier for them to exhibit once to a greater number of people.

“Further, there is a growing crossover between the commercial and residential markets. More and more of our members are working in both markets. Amber Technology, Audio Products Group and Hills SVL, for example, have quite a large footprint in both markets, so one show should be a more attractive option for them.”

Expo chair Alexis Caldwell adds: “It’s quite obvious that the industry as a whole can no longer be split between residential and commercial. There is a greater crossover between the two now than ever before.

“Having a single show is a huge benefit to the entire industry and the Integrate Expo supported by InfoComm and CEDIA will be known as ‘the show to attend’ as it will provide a single platform for the professional, residential and commercial markets.

“The combination of the two shows will also expose installers to sectors of the industry they otherwise thought were out of reach. It will really help to expand their horizons and demonstrate the importance of emerging markets.”

The new Integrate Expo will take place 27-29 August in Darling Harbour, Sydney, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

CEDIA will continue to offer the same level of training and education as per previous shows, with more details being released closer to the show.