BREAKING NEWS – 2nd Update 8/31
<<NOTE on 2nd MASSIVE Update: Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn more about a second MASSIVE list update on 8/25>>This past week brought a surprising turn of events while we were all preoccupied with preparations for the rapidly approaching CEDIA Expo 2021 show that is just about 3 weeks away in Indianapolis, IN at the Indiana Convention Center. The surprise is that some exhibitors began to pull out of the event in response to the national increase in infections resulting from the COVID-19 Delta variant.
The first to take a stand was Savant, who announced last Tuesday that they would sit out this year’s Expo in order to ensure the safety of their employees, partners, and customers in the face of the surging Delta variant. Within 48 hours, other exhibitors began to join them in making the same decision and by the end of the week, at least six major brands, all large exhibitors representing literally thousands of square feet of exhibit space, had announced or otherwise informed their dealer base that they had decided to pull out of the Expo.
See a continually updated list of companies pulling out of CEDIA Expo 2021…
Strata-gee has led the media in reporting on this development, an amazing set of circumstances the likes of which we have never before seen. Recognizing that these brands pulling out of the show was an important development that could affect the perception of the event for all of the other participants, I have circulated multiple reports as each brand reached and communicated their decision.
This Week May be a Turning Point; Strata-gee Will Build & Maintain a List
This week may turn out to be a turning point for the event overall, as rumors suggest that more defections from the show’s base of exhibitors are likely. But it can be confusing to keep straight which are just rumored to be leaving the Expo and which have actually officially announced their plans to leave the event. With that being the case, I have decided to compile a list that will be regularly updated to catalog which brands have actually chosen to withdraw from the Expo.
In the table below, you will find the companies who have exited CEDIA Expo 2021 listed in the order of the date I discovered their decision. In most cases, I have sought and obtained confirmation from the company or company-connected sources. Confirmation is in the form of a physical or electronic copy of a company statement or, in some cases, an email sent from a company email address to dealers.
I have added a story link if I have written a story specifically about the company’s decision to withdraw from the CEDIA Expo. Finally, I have added a comment column for space to add any clarifications or other information.
Check back often as new names are added. I know for a fact more companies are announcing their decision this week – perhaps many more.
Updated List of Exhibiting Companies Who Pulled Out of CEDIA Expo 2021 – (See Corrections at end of post)
| # | COMPANY NAME | DATE | (C)ONFIRMD (U)NCONFIRMD | STORY LINK | COMMENTS |
| 1 | Savant Systems | 8/10 | C | See Savant story here… | Savant was the first to announce |
| 2 | Snap One | 8/12 | C | See Snap One story here… | |
| 3 | Sound United | 8/13 | C | See Sound United story here… | |
| 4 | Sonos | 8/13 | C | See Sonos story here… | Sonos says “the risks are too high” |
| 5 | Samsung | 8/13 | C | See Samsung story here… | Confirmed via letter to dealers |
| 6 | Sony | 8/15 | C | See Sony story here… | Per my story, originally unconfirmed, now confirmed by Sony comm to dealers (& Strata-gee) on 8/16 |
| 7 | RTI/Bluestream | 8/16 | C | Via dealer email 8/13 | |
| 8 | Fortress Seating | 8/16 | C | Via dealer email 8/13 | |
| 9 | Legrand | 8/16 | C | Via dealer email | |
| 10 | AudioQuest/GoldenEar | 8/16 | C | Via dealer email | |
| 11 | Wisdom Audio | 8/16 | C | Via dealer email | |
| 12 | ProSource | 8/13 | C | Group is out, but individual dealers can make their own decision to attend | |
| 13 | Salamander Designs | 8/16 | C | Some products to be shown in partner booths | |
| 14 | Panamorph | 8/13 | C | Via email to dealers | |
| 15 | Ring | 8/16 | U | Emerald removed Ring from floorplan | |
| 16 | Harman Luxury Audio Group | 8/16 | C | Owned by Samsung who withdrew from Expo; Emerald removed from floorplan | |
| 17 | Access Networks | 8/16 | C | Owned by Snap One; Emerald removed them from the floorplan map | |
| 18 | ELK Products | 8/17 | C | H/T Jeremy Glowacki | |
| 19 | Brilliant | 8/17 | C | I have no info on this, but Emerald has removed them from the Exhibitor List and floorplan map | |
| 20 | Azione Unlimited | 8/17 | C | The group has withdrawn from Expo, but will hold its conference in later September | |
| 21 | Acoustic Innovations | 8/17 | C | Via email to reps | |
| 22 | Trinnov Audio | 8/17 | C | Confirmed with a company executive | |
| 23 | Crestron Electronics | 8/18 | C | See Crestron story here… | Via company statement & executive |
| 24 | Lutron | 8/18 | C | See Lutron story here… | Via press statement |
| 25 | Sonance | 8/18 | C | See Sonance story here… | Via company statement & executive |
| 26 | Somfy | 8/18 | C | Via company executive | |
| 27 | LG | 8/18 | C | Dropped from Exhibitor List and floorplan map | |
| 28 | URC | 8/18 | C | Via email from a company executive | |
| 29 | Pro Audio Technology/Theory | 8/18 | C | Via email from a company-associated representative | |
| 30 | Seymour-Screen Excellence | 8/18 | C | Via company email to sales reps | |
| 31 | Amplifier Technologies Inc. (ATI) | 8/18 | C | Via statement from company executive | |
| 32 | Yamaha | 8/18 | C | Via letter to dealers and company exec | |
| 33 | Poly | 8/18 | C | Removed from floorplan; email from company | |
| 34 | Procella Audio | 8/18 | C | I was notified directly by the company | |
| 35 | MantelMount | 8/19 | C | Statement from company | |
| 36 | RowOne | 8/19 | C | Via company representative | |
| 37 | Nortek | 8/19 | C | Via Email from company representative | |
| 38 | PantryOn | 8/19 | C | Via Twitter message from company; Company was a new exhibitor in The Launch Pad | |
| 39 | CinemaTech | 8/19 | C | Per email from company official | |
| 40 | ADI | 8/19 | C | Text from company executive/One of the largest distributors in the U.S. | |
| 41 | Powerhouse Alliance | 8/19 | C | Via group executive | |
| 42 | TruAudio | 8/19 | C | From company executive | |
| 43 | Colorbeam Lighting | 8/20 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 44 | Totem Acoustic | 8/20 | C | Via company email to partners; Totem is substituting participating in Tech Summits for the CEDIA Expo | |
| 45 | Schneider Electric | 8/20 | C | Via email from company representative | |
| 46 | Hunter Douglas | 8/20 | C | Via email from company representative | |
| 47 | Vanco | 8/20 | C | Via email from company representative | |
| 48 | OSD Audio/OSD Black/OSD Nero | 8/20 | C | Via email from company executives | |
| 49 | HTSN | 8/20 | C | Via email from company executives | |
| 50 | Just Add Power | 8/20 | C | Via Messenger with company president | |
| 51 | Planar | 8/20 | C | Via email from company representative | |
| 52 | THX | 8/20 | C | Via email from company representative | |
| 53 | DoorBird | 8/20 | C | Official company announcement | |
| 54 | Netgear | 8/20 | C | Via email from company executive | |
| 55 | Datacomm Electronics | 8/23 | C | Via email from company executive | |
| 56 | JVC | 8/23 | C | Via email from company executive | |
| 57 | WiSA Association | 8/23 | C | Via email from company executive | |
| 58 | Barco Residential | 8/23 | C | Email to Strata-gee from co. executive | |
| 59 | Audinate | 8/23 | C | Confirmed via industry executive | |
| 60 | Rosewater Energy | 8/23 | C | Email from company representative | |
| 61 | MSE Audio/Phase Technology | 8/23 | C | Email from company representative | |
| 62 | One FireFly | 8/23 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 63 | Stewart Filmscreen | 8/23 | C | Email to representatives | |
| 64 | Dish Network | 8/23 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 65 | Absolute Ultimate AV – Christie, Steiway Lyngdorf, DreamScreen & Lumagen | 8/24 | C | Newly deleted from exhibitor list (DFL) | |
| 66 | Caregiver Smart Solutions, Technology for Aging in Place | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 67 | ClearOne | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 68 | Cool Automation | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 69 | D&H Distributing | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 70 | Da-Lite | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 71 | D-Tools | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 72 | Dynamat Inc. | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 73 | Elemental LED | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 74 | 8/24 | C | DFL | ||
| 75 | Google Nest Pro | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 76 | Hansong Technology | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 77 | Hisense USA Corp | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 78 | Holovision | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 79 | H-P Products | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 80 | ICE Cable Systems | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 81 | Josh.ai | 8/24 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 82 | Liberty AV Solutions | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 83 | Linksys | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 84 | Living In Place Institute | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 85 | Meljae North America | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 86 | Monitoreal | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 87 | Primex | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 88 | ProjX360 | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 89 | Sanus | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 90 | Selective Design/Nakymatone | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 91 | Simply45, LLC | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 92 | Stealth Acoustics | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 93 | Storm Audio | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 94 | Structured Cable Products (SCP) | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 95 | SVS | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 96 | Vertical Cable | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 97 | Visual Comfort Group | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 98 | WAC Lighting | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 99 | Wall Smart | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 100 | Zoom | 8/24 | C | DFL | |
| 101 | Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) | 8/24 | C | Email from group executive | |
| 102 | Ideal Industries | 8/24 | C | Message from company executive | |
| 103 | Coastal Source | 8/25 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 104 | Arlington Industries | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 105 | Bang & Olufsen America | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 106 | Bluesound | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 107 | BluOS | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 108 | Crimson AV | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 109 | DALI Loudspeakers | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 110 | Dynaudio North America | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 111 | Espedeo Holdings Limited | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 112 | Hangman Products | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 113 | Lenbrook Americas | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 114 | Leon Speakers | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 115 | Lucifer Lighting Company | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 116 | MBL North America | 8/25 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 117 | Modulus Media Systems | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 118 | NAD Electronics of America | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 119 | Network Thermostat | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 120 | Oelo Lighting Solutions | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 121 | OneVision Resources | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 122 | Progressive Screens | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 123 | PSB Speakers of America | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 124 | Ram Commercial | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 125 | Secure Cable Ties | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 126 | Seura, Inc. | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 127 | SkyTechSport, Inc. | 8/25 | C | DFL | |
| 128 | Masonite | 8/25 | C | Email from company representative | |
| 129 | Blackdove | 8/26 | C | Text from company connected source | |
| 130 | Orro | 8/26 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 131 | Allterco Robotics | 8/26 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 132 | Airzone Control | 8/26 | C | Email from company executive | |
| 133 | PowerShades | 8/27 | C | Email from company representative | |
| 134 | Platinum Tools | 8/30 | C | Email from company representative | |
| 135 | Surgex | 8/31 | C | DFL | |
| 136 | Residential Tech Today | 8/31 | C | Via company executive |
Floorplan Map Showing Location of Withdrawing Brands – Floorplan Map UPDATED 8/26/2021
I am also providing an adjusted image of the floorplan map provided by Emerald and have indicated with a red “X” the booths of those companies who have announced their pullout from the event. It is important to note that these are all large exhibitors taking up thousands of square feet of exhibit space. I will attempt to keep this map updated as well.
Help Me Keep Current
Had your company been planning to exhibit at CEDIA Expo 2021 but now has decided to pull out over concerns of safety? Or do you know a company that has done so? PLEASE help me keep this list current by sending me copies of any announcements you’ve made or received from exhibitors withdrawing from the Expo. Please note that any identifying information is removed, so you can provide the information anonymously.
Source of MASSIVE List Update on 8/24
On Monday 8/23, Emerald released an updated Exhibitor List. I took this list, which was only about half the size of the original list (3 pages vs 6 pages) and compared the two side-by-side, line item-by-line item to identify those exhibitors that Emerald has officially removed from their original Exhibitor List.
It is those exhibitors that I have added this morning, after completing my analysis last evening. Many of them were already on my list, but we’ve added many more that were not. As you can see, my list exhibitors who pulled out of the event is now 103 exhibitors long.
I have indicated in the comments those who were added as a result of this process. If it says DFL in the comment section – that means that they were Deleted From List [of exhibitors] by Emerald.
Now that the remaining group of exhibitors is down to approximately only about 130 booths, I expect the inflow of notifications of companies deciding to pull out of the event to slow down. HOWEVER, I will continue to maintain the list and add any new exhibitors choosing to exit the event if I learn of any more of them.
[NOTE: A floorplan map update will follow}
Second MASSIVE List Update on 8/25
On Wednesday we got another update with a new Exhibitor List. A quick look at the total number of exhibitors listed showed that another 32 companies have exited the show. That means that now there are more exhibitors that have left the show than will be exhibiting.
I had assumed that the list would stabilize after last week when most exhibitors needed to ship their booths and display items to Indianapolis for the Expo. But new notifications continue to come in every day now.
Emerald’s official list of exhibitors – which still contains names of exhibitors I have confirmed are out of the Expo – contains a total of 109 exhibitors, down from 141 exhibitors on Monday. Keep in mind that total includes trade media companies, vehicle companies and other non-core booths.
CORRECTIONS
1 – Removed a duplicate listing for Poly (#33 & #91). Poly did pull out, but only once. Renumbered the list.
2 – Removed Indy Audio Labs from this listing. On the original Exhibitor List, Indy Audio Labs was listed as the exhibitor. On the new list, Indy Audio Labs disappeared as an exhibitor, but apparently was added as a renamed Acurus/Aragon. I am SORRY for any confusion. PLEASE NOTE: Indy Audio Labs IS exhibiting at CEDIA Expo 2021 as Acurus/Aragon.
3 – Modus VR was inadvertently added to the list due to a transcription error. My deepest apologies to everyone associated with the company. PLEASE NOTE: Modus VR IS exhibiting at CEDIA Expo 2021.
4 – Removed duplicate Netgear listing
5 – Removed GDC Technology from the list. Apparently, they were on the list, then they were off the list, but as of today (8/26) they are back on the Exhibitor List
I have it good authority that Nortek is out – announcing this week. Also Klipsch and SVS. Amazon/Ring will also announce this week.
LG will also be announcing their withdrawal from the show.
Weird- so far only companies that start with “S” are out.
RTI Send Out an email this morning
I’m sure many companies are hoping that Emerald will cancel the show so that they can get their money back. If the show goes on, no matter how small or how few companies or attendees go, then there are no refunds. It’s a hard call for small companies that have already spent tens of thousands of $’s. When I spoke to our guy at Emerald on Friday he confirmed that their show cancellation insurance does not pay out unless the convention center or City or State says the show cannot go on.
Snap, Savant and others are saying the decision is based on concerns about the welfare of their employees, colleagues and partners which is entirely appropriate. The implication though is that, if you do not pull-out, then you do not have your employees welfare in mind. This negative connotation is tough to deal with and will lead to others pulling out.
In the end it’s all about money. Indianapolis does not want to lose money, neither does Emerald, nor do the exhibitors. If you believe the health concerns are real, then the show should not go on.
I believe this starts with Indianapolis. They have to make the call and not allow the show to go on. This protects the people of the City and that should be their concern.
Hey Simon you are spot on! Small exhibitors like mine (ZWA) are caught between the proverbial rock & hard place; the financial hit for us to withdraw is significant. Being one of “Emerald’s Last Stands” we may be one of very few attendees.
I wonder if there is some Indianapolis city leader we can plead our case to…
If there could be an industry-wide appeal to the City for them to consider stopping the show it could not hurt. I think we would all feel better about it. Perhaps Ted could help consolidate a unified response and petition the appropriate officials?
I wouldn’t look for the city or state to mandate the cancellation of anything. The Indianapolis Indians are playing baseball games next door to the convention center every night during Expo. They have restrictions like “masks recommended in indoor spaces” and cashless concession stands.
I polled the dealers that had previously told me that they were attending and in light of all of the manufacturer cancellations 66% of them told me that they have cancelled their plans to attend.
Fortress Seating withdrew last week
AudioQuest Withdrew via email to dealers This morning
It looks like Amazon/Ring is out. Their booths are showing as available.
It looks like Emerald is finally updating the floor plan.
Sorry to hear of these cancellations. CEDIA is a vital tradeshow to our industry. We are here to help even if that means virtual coverage for the exhibitors via Youtube.
It looks like Harmon Audio might be out. Their booth updated to “Available”.
Thanks for the heads up Michael!
Can Cedia survive another lost year?
CEDIA the Association will be fine. They don’t own or run the show.
Correct, but have lost Members, waning interest…
What is your involvement in advancing the success of our CEDIA industry?
I have designed, sold and installed A/V Systems since 1978….My company now for 16 years….original founding member. Only involvement now is thru Show support….and you??
You did not answer the question. What have you done to advance our CEDIA industry. You have simply looked after your self. Walking a trade show floor does not show industry commitment . Have you been involved n CEDIA education or outreach activities ? We all have to collectively row this boat. Siting on the sidelines won’t work.
Well David, Glad you have so much free time to volunteer. FYI I have attended CEDIA since 1991, taken classes, some of which I could have taught, but instead was an active participant. CEDIA got it’s birth from NSCA…In which I was also a member.
My original comment indicates that with so many of our kind going out of business/retiring/etc. Less members, less attendance, less revenue. If Emerald loses money, it effects all future shows.
In conclusion, yes I look out for myself, my family and my business. Nice pedestal you put yourself on….
Yeah but no but yeah
Not this show. Cedia the Association are unbelievably exposed to the ISE show for income.
I believe that given the low amount of committed attendance, most companies are using Covid-19/Delta variant as an excuse to drop out. Another dumb move was to have it on all weekdays, just before the Holiday weekend. How can installers attend, they work Mon-Fri and make money for their companies on those days. Looked forward to this….very disappointing.
Covid-19/Delta variant is NOT an excuse to drop out. It is a real concern to exhibitors, attendees, their employees, employers, and families..
I have received an email earlier today that AZIONE has pulled out after learning only a very small number of members, “most within driving distance”, were planning on attending at this point. As someone already suggested, the ROI from the start for this show was dubious given both the pandemic and the timing the week before the Labor Day weekend would hold attendance down. It is also fact that most dealers are slammed with work and the biggest issue facing vendors is not creating new business opportunities but keeping up with current demand. Under the current reality, it’s hard to see any possibility of a reasonable ROI, disappointing as it is to say that.
And I think the same will apply to most of the upcoming traditional audio shows like RMAF and AXPONA in October.
No real ROI implies no real reason to be there, especially when business Is good and the health risks are high.
Axpona moved their dates from October 2021 to April 22-24, 2022.
Just received the email from Harmon confirming that they are not presenting at Cedia.
I have received from very good sources that the following companies are also pulling out:
Procella Audio
Trinnov
StormAudio
Seymour-Screen Excellence
Ascendo
LG’s space is now available
Look, any money or time invested in Expo 2021 is a sunk cost. Our sympathy for the losses suffered by companies that have made deposits, incurred time and and material costs notwithstanding, it’s time to move on. There will be no useful purpose to travel to Indianapolis to stand around and talk about what should have happened. Please stop using magical thinking about making a statement by hanging in there. It’s over for this year. What is your plan for now and the future? That is what we are working on.
URC canceled a meeting I had scheduled with them, stating via email that regretfully URC has decided not to attend CEDIA this year.
Nortek and Elan backed out too.
Did you get an email? I see nothing in the trades nor press releases.
Nortek Regional Manager – emailed Aug 13 that Nortek was pulling out. Ted that is booth 2812 “elan”
I was informed that PantryOn will also be backing out of the show
Its been confirmed that PantryOn is backing out of CEDIA 2021
My two-cents
By now everyone understands that lots of vendors have pulled out of this years CEDIA EXPO. They also understand that more are to follow between now and the show…which, it appears, is going to happen in a form that NONE OF US wanted to see happen.
What would be helpful and useful information going forward would be Strata-gee compiling a list of who WILL BE at this years expo. Because, the fact is, that there will be people that will attend.. It would also be interesting to learn who has been checking in and reading this thread are still going to attend.
I have spoken to vendors, some smaller, but still active in this channel that are still going to be there…most likely in a smaller footprint, maybe not shipping the booth they originally hoped to, but otherwise will still be there. It is a dis-service to continue to stoke the flames and doom and gloom…even if this event shrinks to 1000 or 2000 integrators, it will be 4X or greater than any of the regional events that had occurred during peak pre-covid 2020…and still the largest gathering of integrators and vendors since September 2019…24 months, 104 weeks and 730 days…
I am just saying, yes, its obvious to everyone that CEDIA 2021 aint gonna be what CEDIA usually is…perhaps a re-calibration and thinking that getting a few thousand people that choose to come and network, talk, do business can be a positive outcome.
Granted, its pretty easy for me do drive 30 minutes from my home to downtown Indy and attend…and yes, I will be there…because I am aware of several people that I want to see, talk to, strategize with, project the future with that have told me that they are still coming…so, mark me down that I will be there and anybody that wants to connect with me…my calendar has opened up.
And please, anyone reading this thread, mark yourself such that others know they can meet with you in Indianapolis at some point during CEDIA 2021
As I was called out myself many years ago, “it is easier to be a critic than it is to be a playwright”
Ted, please start leveraging your contacts and list who is still exhibiting and what movers and shakers in this industry still plan on being in Indianapolis for a day or two during CEDIA 2021…or as Ted has requested, please share the names of Vendors that are still going to exhibit and be available to meet with.
Tom Doherty
Hi Tom,
Thanks for weighing in…we haven’t seen you around here in a very long time.
Let me offer a couple of comments, and then I certainly have some good news for you. First:
“It is a dis-service to continue to stoke the flames and doom and gloom…”
Reporting on what is undoubtedly, to any objective observer, the biggest story of the year is hardly “stoking the flames and doom and gloom” or – even worse – “a dis-service.” It is what an independent news service does. I’ve worked very hard in assembling this list and especially in policing it and keeping it accurate.
This show melting down is a singularly unique – perhaps even epic – event, the likes of which we’ve never seen. It is an important story and NOT reporting on it would not prevent it from happening.
Your comment reflects your outlook, but would you be surprised to learn that others have a different perspective? I’ve received dozens of communications of thanks for compiling and sharing this important information. Those planning to attend have a right to know and have been frustrated by the lack of reporting on this important topic. They desire the ability to make an informed decision as to whether to attend or not.
Whether I accurately report a record number of new Expo exhibitors (yes, I have reported that in the past) or a record number of Expo desertions to me is the same thing – accurate data. That is what Strata-gee strives to do.
Secondly, to correct what I assume to be an honest mistake in your comment: “…or as Ted has requested, please share the names of Vendors that are still going to exhibit…” I did not make such a request. I am specifically – for the purposes of this post at least – seeking any and all information on exhibitors who have decided to cancel their attendance at the CEDIA Expo 2021.
As far as your wish for a list of those who are exhibiting, good news! Such a list exists at: https://cedia.a2zinc.net/CEDIA2021/Public/exhibitors.aspx?ID=30131&_ga=2.29464575.1717857981.1629040354-1668579387.1628007984
It is maintained by Emerald Expositions and contains a list of all the exhibitors scheduled to display at the Expo. They have even updated it to remove those who are leaving.
Finally, I will give some consideration to your recommendation of a separate piece on highlighting some of the remaining exhibitors for those choosing to attend, which I suspect will likely be locals like yourself.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts…
Ted
Well-said, Ted. Well-reported news by nature should preclude bellyaching and advice-giving. I’ve come to rely on your timely and accurate reporting, and agree that you take great pains to be objective and report it as it plays. You regularly get scoops before TWICE, etc., and much of the news you report (including the big CEDIA news this week) is so timely, people can make informed decisions from it.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Electro for your electrifying comments!
Much appreciated!!
Ted
That’s an interesting and valid point of view from your side. We all know and appreciate your contributions to this space, Tom, and value what you have to say.
However, another perfectly valid viewpoint is that of the little guys that put a ton of cash, most of what they had for all of 2021, and now are seeing attendance collapse because these big names aren’t going. We’re paying retail for what has become a wholesale event – a fire sale event, if you’re fair.
Listen, we all get it – Emerald won’t cancel if the insurance isn’t going to pay and it doesn’t matter how much it hurts the small exhibitors. The idiotic suggestions they tried to sweeten the pot to stay – same cost to exhibit NEXT year, “bonus points,” and whatever – it’s insulting. They would have been better off to not even try that. If they ACTUALLY cared, they’d have said “if you need to pull out, we’ll count what you paid towards next year.”
Now, instead, we all have to see how much money we can save if we don’t ship a booth, get a refund on flights, don’t ship promos, don’t put people up in hotels. Compared to the big guys who can write this off, the rest of us have our nards in a bear trap.
When it comes time to spend on ads next year, we’re going to think about what happens this year.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/news
Agreed.
We got word yesterday that Cinema Tech is also backing out.
Emerald, short and sweet, simply step up to the plate and CANCEL… Spending good money, time and resources for a show expecting <2,000 attendees with <100 exhibitors is not worth it to the exhibitors nor the attendees.
Emerald is being greedy….
I am dismayed but not surprised by some of the posts here.
The last few decades have seen “news” media in America turn into a massive PR game, with little serious investigative or confrontational work when faced with disingenuous or deflective statements from public or corporate entities; in the US, Strata-gee is the only media outlet that realistically views the CE industry and searches for facts needed to make important business decisions.
If that is reporting “doom and gloom”, well—personally, I like knowing if my health or business are being placed at risk. Ignoring such risks has put us in the situation where we are today, facing a massive rebound in COVID, catastrophic climate change, manufacturing infrastructure severely crippled by once-expedient outsourcing….and on, and on.
I appreciate knowing the stuff that others don’t want reported. If all you want is a list of who is still in at CEDIA, their website will oblige you.
Meanwhile: at this stage, are such shows worth the risk, or even offer reasonable ROI? I’ve been involved in the production of audio shows in the past and am grateful I’m not there now. All I ask is that everyone think beyond their inclinations—and remember the days when public health concerns were foremost .
Very well said, Bill
Thank you.
I often feel like a pariah/Jeremiah.
Affirmation is appreciated.
Anyone hear anything regarding CEDIA classes and their instructors?
Hi Sean… As far as I know, CEDIA is planning to conduct something like 100 classes. I’m not aware of any announcement to the contrary. Although in view of the last week or so of news, it would be in their best interest to make some kind of statement as to their plans…
There are over 150 classes
https://cediaexpo.com/show/schedule/?ID=30108&_ga=2.262973004.116644010.1629326424-1103310205.1626712467
50+ will be available On Demand and do not require you to be there in-person.
Perhaps they can make all of them On-Demand to help people make the right choice for themselves.
Here’s a simpler class listing showing the in-person and on-demand split.
https://cedia.net/docs/default-source/education-events-documents/ced_expo_grid_073021.pdf?sfvrsn=474b2b02_4
There may be classes that were scheduled for in-person but with an instructor that now can’t go. They’ve been given the option to pre-record and have their class available on-demand instead. The adaptability is really good.
As for learners not able to go to Indy there is an on-demand only training pass available at a much lower price, for self-paced throughout September.
Thanks, that list is helpful – Our crew is signed up for quite a few classes this trip.
Still waiting to see…
Our sister industry of 12v integrators just rescheduled their equivalent of CEDIA “Knowledgefest”, which was originally scheduled for 8/27-8/29 in Dallas to December after JVC/Kenwood and Kicker announced that they were pulling out. Not a bad idea.
Let’s face it……..There are two fronts here. Those companies who truly care about their employees and those (most of the later) because they are worried about attendance. One could argue that both sides have validity. It is my opinion that at some point cancellation is inevitable. If for nothing else it is the right thing to do. No companies should bare the brunt of the pain and no attendees should be put in a potential health risk. End of story. On another note great job of keeping us informed Ted! Kudos on an excellent job!
Way to sum it up Al! And thanks for the Kudos!
Ted
Colorbeam Lighting has also pulled out.
Totem Acoustic can be added to the list. They do plan on participating in the Tech Summits.
JVC, Hisense, Totem Acoustics, Structured Cable Products (SCP), ICE Cable, Cool Automation, ProjX360, Hunter Douglas, D&H and likely a few more have all been removed from the CEDIA list of participating exhibitors.
JVC (pro and consumer)?
Just Add Power is out according to an email to Reps from Taft Stricklin this morning.
WAC / Aispire Lighting is out- email sent from Patrick Laidlaw to us Reps yesterday.
Just received an email from DoorBird. They are not attending either.
DoorBird WILL NOT ATTEND CEDIA 2021
We were looking forward to attending the upcoming CEDIA Expo, to connect with you – our valued Partners – and show you our latest product offerings, including the 3D Configurator and the D1812 Hybrid Upgrade that was launched earlier this year.
The recent news about the COVID Delta variant compelled us to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of attending a large, in-person event at this time. We are very saddened to announce that we will no longer be attending the CEDIA Expo this year.
This was a very difficult decision and we understand it will be disappointing for many, including us. Our highest priority is keeping our employees, partners and families safe. With this decision we are trying to help minimize any factors that may negatively impact our industry and businesses.
With that being said, we are looking forward to seeing you all at CEDIA 2022!
Just received emails from Doorbird and JVC as well.
Doorbird just bowed out. We received an email from them.
Just got an email from Doorbird, they are pulling out
Will someone just be humane and put The CEDIA Expo out of it’s misery.
I can’t help but believe that if CEDIA had not sold the show rights to Emerald the farce would be over by now.
Nice Job Ted keeping us informed! All the while we as an industry watch the paint dry. Just sad that no one at Emerald will make a call.
Thanks Fred…and thanks for reading!
Ted
just got the cancel notice from Doorbird
Door Bird just emailed us they are out.
Emerald can easily tell City of Indy that you need to cancel the show so I can claim my insurance to refund. I won’t bring any other shows to your city if you refused to.
The city can’t cancel the CEDIA show and then let other events go on. Like the baseball games next door. This situation requires a corporation that has some sense of fairness and concern for things other than money. I understand that Emerald has been loosing money for a while, but that is no excuse for not doing what is right.
To me it is very unfair to the remaining small vendors, paying the same booth fees for less than 2,000 (maybe much less) attendees as they would have paid for more than 25,000. I guess the old thought – you pays your money and you takes your chances applies here. Just not right.
I also do not think Ted’s list is in anyway the real total of factories not going. That is not Ted’s fault (great job Ted) I am sure many are waiting with the thought – what do we have to loose if we wait to announce. All the while wishing for a cancelation.
It is just sad to watch.
While I agree with Fred to a point………
The baseball game is outside while Cedia is an indoor event. My thought is that most of the attendees of the baseball games are pretty much local; while Cedia is a national event drawing people from all over the country. From a COVID standpoint both are problematic, but Cedia potentially could spread COVID to all corners of the country.
Cedia needs to be cancelled. It’s the right thing to do not only for the health of all involved, but also for the fairness of all involved.
I agree with Al on cancelation..
,
However, just not feasible to ask a city to cancel one show to help the promoters collect their show insurance. Which when you break it down is exactly what you are suggesting. As far as people coming from all over the country – I am sure that more people come into Indy each day than the meager crowd that CEDIA will draw in the current iteration. Of course having them all congregate in one hall could lead to a super spreader event. I hope not for the physical health of the industry.
As I suggested I don’t think we know the real final tally on withdrawals by vendors or dealers. Of course we will never really know.
I was looking over the remaining booths. I wonder how Ram, Chevrolet and other non industry vendors will feel when they show up to set up their booth. I suspect they know nothing of what has been going on.
All of that said, I could care less how it is canceled – it just needs to be stopped. Stop this ridiculous folly.
I did read on FaceBook a post from one company talking about how they are going to go to Expo no matter what and have a party morning, noon and night…..good luck with that attitude. Lose one friend to COVID and you have a bit more respect for what we all face.
Not to suck up to Ted – but thanks for the quality reporting on this situation and the industry at large. I don’t always agree with you but I always know you are presenting the facts and showing them fairly.
You are most welcome Fred! It’s OK that you don’t always agree with me…life would get pretty boring if we all agreed all of the time!
Ted
The following week GenCon is scheduled for the same venue. They are having to cap the attendance at 35,000 people per day. At this point there have been no cancellations or any major talk about cancellations. GenCon is board gaming convention and like CEDIA will have attendee from all around the country participate. If the city cancelled CEDIA, then they would have to cancel GenCon too. Cancellation is entirely up to Emerald.
CEDIA has updated the floor plan for the show. https://cedia.a2zinc.net/CEDIA2021/Public/eventmap.aspx?shMode=E&_ga=2.146542128.584530081.1629641224-1988137714.1628619258
Thanks Coleen! I actually ran across this (stealthily, it wasn’t entirely public then) on Friday.
Marc, being of an “older” generation, I had no idea what GenCon was. So I Googled it. I found two interesting things in articles, one in the local Indy newspaper the other from the GenCon President this past Friday.
GenCon was postponed for six weeks due to the pandemic- the new date is September 16-18 – in the same convention center as Expo. – will require Masks at all times, May only allow vaccinated people depending on health reports. The capacity will be reduced by 60%
Wonder if Emerald had been pro active if some vendor and attendee concerns may have been averted?
At this point Emerald just needs to be a good corporate citizen and do the right thing. They will not but they should.
https://gencon.blog/2021/08/06/august-health-and-safety-update/?fbclid=IwAR2eestUkkUErlMyn5KfFOFqetraQo1yX9CWgw9UqYa40YcxOQbjrIDl0dk
The new floorplan changes everything. Without a bunch of blue booths, we’re significantly more motivated to attend and help provide an attraction for the 450 attendees that will pull in from the area around the expo. Plus, those darn bonus points – gotta have ’em!
Sarcasm aside, changing the floorplan and the map was the last straw. We’re not announcing anything officially because there’s no need to offer any courtesy to a tradeshow that’s offering us no consideration.
We’ll remember when it’s time to plan next year’s tradeshows. We’ll remember when it is time to renew our CEDIA membership. We’ll remember whenever someone mentions advertising in CE Pro. Seriously, the guys at Residential Tech Today and Residential Systems are so much easier to work with, anyway, why would we keep advertising with a company that just wants to stick it to us?
To everyone still going, don’t worry – we think the lines will still be pretty easy at the food court that they’re keeping.
They just hike the food court price, I went to Superzoo show last week and it cost $9 for a soda.
Putting the “theater” into home theater, huh?
ATI Is out. Dealer Email this morning
Thanks! Got them on the list…
Ted
any more updates since last Friday ?
Just posted a new update.
Ted
Thanks Ted, the updates are appreciated but Emerald is not being 100% informative as to vendors previously pulled out or newly notified.
One Firefly has been out for a week..
Hi Steve,
You are correct. I just confirmed and added One FireFly to the list, as well as several other companies.
Thanks!
Ted
DFL stands for? I may have missed that info, but…
Deleted From [exhibitor] List
I doubt the ROI was any good at the last audio show I attended, THE Show in Long Beach, CA. AXPONA was cancelled in the Chicago area, but concerts are happening in Indiana that were cancelled last year and I don’t see any moves to cancel events in that state.
I’m certainly thinking about the safety of RMAF, Colorado is seeing increasing numbers of a Delta plus variant AY.3. And I’m not scheduled for my booster until November.
Just to clarify what other shows in the same building are doing to make their attendees safer. The following statement re COVID r was released for GenCon, the show that was rescheduled for Sept. 16-19, 2 weeks after CEDIA.
“To further enhance the health and safety of everyone at Gen Con it’s time to make some changes to our previously announced plan. In sum: It’s time to mask up.
Mask wearing will be required in all indoor and crowded outdoor Gen Con spaces. You must be wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth while attending Gen Con Indy unless you are actively eating or drinking. Accordingly, we are dropping the option to show proof of vaccination to forgo wearing a mask at Gen Con.
Speaking of vaccination, we anticipate that everyone 12 and older at Gen Con will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and over 90% of you have indicated in survey responses that you already are. Our staff is 100% vaccinated and we’re firm believers in the value and importance of vaccination. If you are one of the few folks in our community who can get vaccinated but haven’t yet — it’s not too late! Make an appointment now so you can join us in September with the full protection these great vaccines provide.
Many of you have also asked about making vaccinations mandatory for Gen Con attendees. While we’re not announcing such a policy here yet, we are working with local health officials and may do so at any time prior to the convention. You may have seen other conventions moving forward with proof of vaccination policies; many of these are based on state or local mandates, which provide legal grounds for requiring vaccinations. While we fully support vaccination requirements, we must do so with the backing of our legal and health safety partners in order to move forward. ”
It clearly shows that the show’s management are fully aware that appropriate measures are a MUST in order to have all attendees protected. I think if CEDIA management would have taken a similar stance on COVID, a number of exhibitor and attendee cancellations would have been drastically lower.
Hi I am with IDEAL Industries. We will be pulling out and not attending CEDIA 2021. Thank you for the informative updates on the show.
Thanks Jeff, very much appreciated!
I have added Ideal to the list…
Ted
I find it ironic that the current fee for a non CEDIA member to register for the Expo only, no training pass, is $225. On site fee will be $300.
Just FYI- Poly is listed twice in your new list.
Hi Poppy,
The duplicate has been removed.
THANKS!
Ted
Hi Ted, however you’re getting the DFL list is incorrect. Modus VR has not pulled out, and I suspect many of the others you’ve listed haven’t pulled out, either. Emerald is actively rearranging things in their system, so it may be that you happened to look at the exhibitor list at the wrong time.
Hi Ken,
You are correct…there was an error there. It is corrected. Sorry about that!
Ted
Costal Source sent an email to dealers this afternoon – they are out.
Suppose CEDIA gave a show and no one came……
How about a list of who’s actually left?
It’s painful to watch this.
Al, that’s here (as Colleen had posted above):
https://cedia.a2zinc.net/CEDIA2021/Public/eventmap.aspx?shMode=E&_ga=2.29700342.811505746.1629525461-396107826.1629410814
When the map comes up, click on Exhibitor List, top left.
Leon Speakers – out – email to us dealers this afternoon
From Corey Reaves
Director of Sales – Central U.S.
Airzone Control
Good afternoon,
I wanted to let you know as of today we have decided to pull out of the Cedia Conference. Everyone we are partnering with as for as manufacturers and IT companies have pulled out, and it made no sense for our company to put our employees at risk.
Looks like Jeremy will have his own show at this point.
I reread his Facebook post about partying morning, noon and night….arrogance has no limit I guess. You would think with his personal loss earlier this year he would have more concern/compassion for his employees and customers.….
What a Dickhead thing to say!
What loss he had this year?
His wife passed away. Not sure why. They had just gotten married last fall.
I have always respected him – a self made man – a serious reader and about 85% of the time I can see his logic for decisions he makes. I never supported his life style but to each his own.
This one is just not a good decision for his company or employees.
Please remove GDC Technology (Booth 3133) from this list. They were accidently put on (as not attending), but they are still attending CEDIA. They sent a press release today about attending, and we verified with them directly after seeing them on this page.
They had temporarily removed themselves from the CEDIA exhibitor list while updating their profile. You guys must have grabbed the list at that moment. Honest mistake.
Hi Jerry,
Can you get me a copy of their press release? I did not get a copy.
THANKS!
Ted
This was emailed today to ProjectorCentral by Severtson.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Visit-GDC—Severtson-Screens-at-CEDIA-2021.html?soid=1114332327767&aid=1qH0W6JLNSU
Jerry,
OK, they have been removed from the list.
THANKS!
Ted
Hi Jerry,
I also restored their booth on my master floorplan map.
Ted
Soundavo pulled out as well
I was REALLY looking forward to going, but at the last minute I have decided NOT to attend out of the obligatory “Abundance of Caution”.. I simply won’t risk my health and that of my family on a bet. Yes, fully vax’d, but not willing to risk the chance of drawing the short straw. I’ve had that happen on a health matter once and don’t relish the thought of that happening again.
That said, I WILL be teaching two courses live and remotely, as well as well as doing a live panel discussion on ATC 3.0. These are for those who are attending, and CEDIA informs me that if you get a training pass you will be able to view the recordings for a month. Not quite the same as donning “THE Jacket” and appearing in person, but will at least be there in spirit.
Damn, I even bought a new tie with the REAL “Sarnoff Labs Test Pattern”. It stays in the wrapper until next year when we will hopefully be able to meet in person. Everyone please stay well!
Hi Mike, sounds like a good call. I’d far prefer to see you remotely than not see you at all!. Be safe and stay well.
I have to agree. Michael. Last Wednesday made the same decision, mainly because of medical reasons and the fact that there is no mask requirement at the show, and whether you are vaccinated or not, you don’t need to wear one. All it takes is just that one person…Look at New Zealand today. One case of Covid variant started the whole country on a lockdown again, with daily cases growing at an alarming rate. . I can’t afford to take the chance to catch even a cold.
I just wish more people would get vaccinated to stop all the mutations which will continue to develop as the virus finds new unprotected hosts. So may unvaccinated people now wish they would not have been so stubborn as they are gasping for air!!…To everyone that is going, please stay safe, and keep your family safe when you get back home…..I’ve seen this thing up close and personal, and it’s a killer.
Can anyone post some show floor pics?
Thank you Ted for providing a very valuable resource about the CEDIA vendors that pulled out before the show. It really helped Projector Central make an informed decision on if we should have attended the show or not.
You did such a great job with CEDIA, can you please start an article about Infocomm in Florida which takes place the last week of October. I heard yesterday from Panasonic directly that they pulled out of the show. I don’t know if there is a public statement or not from them.
The show floor is dead.
https://youtu.be/5nKrMJQb-CA
I was there running the Elmo booth. It was our first CEDIA with a new product from our 100 year old company (CVAS single room control system). Despite all the vendors that pulled out, we decided to soldier on. And we were so glad we did! The people that took the time and the risk to show up on the show floor were decision makers. Serious buyers. We had a terrific show with lots of leads! We will be back next year in Dallas for sure. And for all of the vendors that pulled out? You missed a decent show.
Thank you for all the updates. We kept a close eye on your list. We didn’t know what to expect, but it far exceeded our expectations.
Rick,
Thanks for your perspective. I’m glad the event worked well for you.
Ted