The 2017 Custom Integration Expo and Training

April 13, 2017

On April 5 and 6, 2017 The Custom Integration Expo and training was co-hosted by Legrand, SFM and Trends. The event featured training sessions by The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), including a session on emerging technology trends that kick started the event on April 5. Also participating were a variety of unique vendors including Cantrex, Coastal Source Canada, Distinct Distributors, JVC, Kevro, Product Solutions Group, and Techni-Contact.

With over 300 scheduled attendees, and a steady buzz on the floor the expo was a clear success. This was the 5^th custom integration expo for Legrand, and with industry focus on system integration continuing to rise they are excited about the future of the expo and the company focus on integration products.

The training session by CEDIA on the morning of April 5 on Emerging trends was highly informative, and set the stage for the event before moving on to the expo floor. The training session was led by David Meyer, the Director of Technical Curriculum at CEDIA and an industry professional with over two decades of experience. The session focused on the recent advances in home integration and jobs surrounding emerging industry 4.0 and IoT trends. With the industry rapidly changing David noted that many children today will grow up to work in job categories that don’t even exist yet and that estimates show Smart Homes will be a $60 billion business by 2020.

It was even more evident that Smart Homes are on the rise after a circuit of the expo floor and a look at the expanding integration products designed to make daily life easier. Legrand covered one end of the floor with their displays and numerous staff members highlighting several of their product lines, including integrated systems for home automation, multi-room audio, lighting controls and fully automated blinds and drapery.

Legrand’s lighting controls included products from their Wattstopper, Adorne and Vantage product lines. Wattstopper has brought together Legrand’s expertise in control sensing systems, architectural dimming, and automated lighting solutions to develop a unique platform that provides precise dimming and energy conservation. The adorne collection unites the power of integrated lighting systems and a wide selection of aesthetically pleasing switches and covers to provide a perfect fit for any décor and desired level of automation. The Intuity Home Intelligence utilizes a tablet interface and apps for use with mobile devices, allowing mobile control of lighting, comfort, security and entertainment.

Another very interesting product that one couldn’t help but stop and watch was Legrand’s Q-motion shades that come in wired or battery operated models. The battery models operate on standard D-cell batteries that can keep the shade operating for years without replacement. The shades are also fully integrated with numerous pre-set functions and mobile app controls as well as light sensors that can be set to automatically open and close to maintain desired level of lighting.

The wide array of unique products started at Legrand’s booths, but each vendor provided fresh and unique integration products and a vast well of knowledge in this ever-growing sector of the industry. One thing is clear, the Custom Integration Expo and Training is a prime location to witness and test the latest in system integration technology, and with significant focus on lighting automation you can be sure that as you walk around the expo the way will light up for you.