Ten keen Digital Media learners were invited to take part in the CEDIA tech summit held at Design Business Centre, where they had the opportunity to network with leading smart technology companies, enjoyed insightful talks from industry professionals and finished off the day with a tour of Ideaworks London Experience Centre.
CEDIA are the global membership association that serve the smart home technology industry with the mission ‘to connect, empower, and champion home technology professionals and businesses that enrich our lives.' The CEDIA Tech Summits are one-day events showcasing upcoming technology and future trends in the home technology industry.
Ideaworks is a leading smart technology innovator with services in using Light, Shade, Audio, Video and IT to ‘create spaces that are amazing inside yet beautifully simple to use.’ Their services are extensive and continually expanding ranging from laser lighting set ups on yachts to sound systems and home cinemas.
The day began with networking opportunities where learners walked and talked to different employers from different leading companies. As well developing insight into a fascinating industry and engaging in meaningful conversations, learners also enjoyed collecting various company branded freebies!
The first talk learners attended was given by Sam- Assistant System Designer for Ideaworks. Sam began by sharing his vocational background and how it led into his current career. He highlighted some of the amazing projects Ideaworks have undertaken across the world and then went onto outline key areas involved in the smart home and technology project process: he discussed sales, creative design, technical design, project management, logistics, engineering, research and development and operations. Sam discussed these fascinating roles in detail and explained how they work together to create amazing results. Learners gained insight into skills required for various job roles that they may have not previously known were required in the smart home and technology industry.
Following this talk, learners enjoyed an interactive talk from Sales Manager Jason from Snap One. Jason discussed how smart technology can drive healthy and green living. He shared how the industry has progressed to become more lifestyle orientated in order to meet the demands of customers who wish to incorporate technology into their lives for a healthier and more sustainable existence. Jason discussed how smart technology can help improve customers sleep, reduce clutter, improve security, and address any individual needs they may have. As this talk was presented for other industry professionals wishing to market and deliver smart solutions to potential customers, our learners enjoyed a unique opportunity to receive information from the perspective of being in the industry.
After a delicious lunch provided by CEDIA, learners were treated to a trip to Ideaworks London experience centre where they had the opportunity to experience first-hand the smart home technologies discussed at the summit. Showroom Manager Zoe took our learners on a tour through the innovative office space. Learners experienced the amazing ways Ideaworks use smart technology to revolutionise living spaces. Zoe showcased and discussed materials from leading fabric designers that are incorporated into audio technology, so the sound systems are hidden from view yet still sound amazing. She invited learners to experience home cinema with rotating a round sofa, different sound systems screens and monitors. Learners also tried out Ideaworks created technology Turn and MeSh that enable customers to operate smart home technology from one device. Perhaps the most mind blowing of all technologies, learners sat and stood in awe in indoor spaces with light panels that imitated sunlight!
This trip offered our learners amazing insight into such an exciting industry. Through the talk given by Sam and Tour given by Zoe, learners could experience the passion of Ideaworks employees and experience amazing smart home technology. Thank you to Steve from Baker Dearing Trust and Aneta from CEDIA who facilitated such an enjoyable trip!
‘The event yesterday was really good as we had the opportunity to network and talk to people in the smart technology industry and learn more things about the industry that you would never know!’ Rosie, year 12 Digital Media learner.
