The technology available for connected homes and integrated smart buildings is showing exponential growth.

Along with growth comes opportunity. Today, more than ever before, installers have the opportunity to expand their career paths and create potentially lucrative new businesses by immersing themselves in these markets.

For contractors interested in expanding their knowledge and experience, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the ideal venue. ISE is co-owned by CEDIA, the association for the home technology industry, and AVIXA, the professional association for the audiovisual trade. It is the largest audiovisual and systems integration event, not only in Europe but also worldwide.

The first ISE trade fair was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in February 2004. Since then, the annual event has grown from 120 exhibitors and 3,500 visitors to a record-breaking 14th edition, ISE 2017, which welcomed over 1,100 exhibitors and more than 73,000 visitors from the UK, Europe, and around the world through the doors of the Amsterdam RAI.

ISE is seen as a major industry launchpad for manufacturers and service providers looking to bring new products and solutions to market. The technology categories on display will encompass audio systems, televisions, displays, video walls and other screens, acoustic treatments and furniture, touch and voice control systems, lighting and lighting control, access control and security, energy management, collaboration technologies, digital signage, cables, connectors, switches, and much, much more. Essentially, if it's electronic and can be integrated and controlled within a smart home or building, then it's at ISE.

The key products and services in these fields will be pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in a smart home and giving visitors a unique opportunity to search and compare the latest and greatest products.

For the smart electrical contractor, two main areas of the fair will be the most interesting.

ise-2-wThe Residential Solutions Zone, supported by joint partner CEDIA, ensures that ISE is extremely well-positioned as a leading voice in residential solutions and home automation. Residential solutions and their associated technologies have always been a fundamental and core element of the show. The development of this category is particularly evident in the ISE Residential Solutions Zone, where attendees can discover the real-world benefits of home entertainment, building automation, and energy management systems in a residential setting.

And for contractors working on commercial properties, the Smart Building Zone is a feast of technology, solutions, and knowledge. ISE's Smart Building Zone provides a dedicated area within the exhibition space for those interested in the systems integration and AV industry segment. Visitors to this zone will find manufacturers and suppliers covering a range of technologies, including air conditioning, lighting and shutter control, security systems, heating, ventilation, monitoring, alarms, water control, energy management, metering, and audio.

But ISE is more than just products. It provides a great opportunity for smart home training and education on many topics, starting with the Smart Building Conference.

On Monday, February 5, the Smart Building Conference will explore the latest technologies and business case studies for smart offices, homes, buildings, and cities. The all-day, two-way event takes place before the opening of ISE. The 2017 edition attracted over 400 attendees, and leading speakers have already been confirmed for next year's event.

Located among the exhibition booths, three ISE Show Floor Theatres will feature four days of 30-minute presentations covering industry and technology case studies, delivered by some of the leading figures in the smart home and connected building market. This content will be found in the CEDIA Smart Building Solutions Theatre sponsored by KNX, the AVIXA Unified Communications Solutions Theatre sponsored by Crestron, and the AVIXA Commercial Solutions Theatre sponsored by Crestron.

ise-3-wTraining:
The training provided during the event helps make ISE a unique show. ISE co-owners CEDIA and AVIXA will deliver a comprehensive training program, ranging from 20-minute FlashTrack sessions to full workshops and lectures.

Ahead of the 2018 event, AVIXA has released a comprehensive education calendar for ISE 2018. Highlighting the evolving expectations of the industry, AVIXA has created four distinct tracks within its Education Program, making it easier for delegates to select sessions relevant to them. Two key sessions stand out for the electrical contractors market:

User Experience: User experience has become the primary driver of project success. This session will help you examine your work through the eyes of your end user. AVIXA's stimulating sessions will include engaging discussions, case studies, and activities to empower you to create exceptional experiences with your customers.

Emerging trends: What's new in technology, business, and user culture? Join us for these informative sessions to keep you up-to-date and stimulate your thinking as the industry evolves.

AVIXA will also partner with three professional organizations to host two engaging conferences at ISE 2018. The End User Conference with Owen Ellis of AV User Group will examine real-world projects and delve into value creation by focusing on customer experiences. AVIXA's Higher Education Conference with SCHOMS and EUNIS will explore innovative design in learning and collaboration spaces. These conferences will evaluate real-world examples and discuss key lessons learned, as well as delve into industry trends that are truly at the forefront of AV design.

The contractor note sessions include a "4K Troubleshooting and Calibration" workshop, which aims to provide integrators with the knowledge to successfully troubleshoot problems with a video distribution service, as well as the basics of 4K display calibration.

Similarly, "Using sound insulation: where and why?" will be valuable for installers to understand the business opportunities surrounding sound insulation systems for open offices and workspaces.

For contractors working in the residential space, CEDIA offers an extensive four-day training program focused on providing educational excellence for home automation technology professionals.

With over 40 sessions planned for the show, contractors of varying experience will find workshops that can enhance their skills and business opportunities.

Technology highlights in CEDIA's educational program include sessions on acoustic treatment, high-resolution audio, lighting control, video displays, and control systems.

Key sessions for residential electrical contractors include "Rack Construction and Wiring Fundamentals," which will present the benefits of following a clear structural plan when building a rack, aiming to eliminate any future connectivity issues. "Smart Home as a Service" will also provide excellent tips to ensure you deliver a smart home for your client, rather than just a collection of connected devices.

One area of ​​particular interest is lighting control. Two CEDIA sessions will focus on this topic, offering a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of lighting control protocols, components, and planning for the installation of such a system.

The open KNX protocol is an extremely powerful and flexible tool for contractors to use. The "How to Design a Reliable and Stable KNX System" guide will promote best practices when working with KNX technology, as well as the integration of third-party systems.

Exhibitors:
Leading manufacturers from around the world use ISE as the perfect opportunity to showcase their latest and greatest solutions. The KNX Association booth, located in the Smart Buildings hall, will host leading manufacturers of KNX-certified products, providing complete home or building control.

Continuing its strong partnership with ISE, Crestron will once again showcase a wide range of solutions for residential and commercial applications in Hall 2. Of particular interest to savvy installers will be Crestron's new automated shade system, Crestron Shades. With easy installation and maximum impact for end users, these innovations are sure to become go-to products for installers.

Lighting control experts such as Philips Dynalite, Lutron, and Control4 will be showcasing the latest innovations and systems currently transforming the lighting industry. Whether your lighting control is part of a larger system or a single-room solution with mobile apps, ISE 2018 exhibitors will have the answers. The industry's lighting controls segment is demonstrating strong growth, with over 20 new exhibitors listing in this particular market.

With a variety of content, products, education, and solutions available, it's clear why a visit to ISE next February should be a must for the savvy installer.

Therefore, make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and take full advantage of the training offered by traveling to Amsterdam. For more details about Integrated Systems Europe and to reserve your place on the training courses available in the program, visit www.iseurope.org

About Integrated Systems Europe:
Launched in 2004, ISE is the world’s largest trade show for AV and electronics industry professionals. ISE 2018 will take place from February 6–9, 2018, and is expected to attract more than 1,200 exhibitors and over 75,000 registered attendees to its venue at the Amsterdam RAI. The event is a joint venture of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) and AVIXA®. For more information, please visit: www.iseurope.org

 
About CEDIA®:
CEDIA members provide technology solutions that enable people to experience life's best moments from the comfort of their own homes. Life lived better at home. CEDIA is the international trade association and central point of contact for 3,500 member companies representing all facets of the ever-evolving technology market. Follow @CEDIA_EMEA on Twitter, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CEDIA.EMEA , or join the CEDIA EMEA group on LinkedIn.

About AVIXA:
AVIXA™ is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association™, producer of InfoComm trade shows worldwide, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 5,400 members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, distributors and resellers, consultants, programmers, live event companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver results for end users. AVIXA is a professional collaboration hub, information and community center, and the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Additional information is available at www.avixa.org