- InfoComm International and the National Systems Contractors Association, each of whom has been attempting to build the digital signage segments of their trade shows and conferences in recent years, announced August 18th “a cooperative effort to consolidate the leading industry events for both the professional AV and electronics systems industry.”As part of this consolidation, the 2008 NSCA Systems Integration Expo will now become part of InfoComm's annual tradeshow in Las Vegas on June 18-20, 2008. NSCA will also transfer its ownership interest in Integrated Systems Europe, a rapidly growing AV industry show in Europe, to the remaining partners, as per a separate operating agreement.
- According to Chuck Wilson, Executive Director of NSCA, "This is simply a huge deal for our industry and one we have been discussing for at least ten years. It's exciting to finally be able to say yes to the hundreds of shared exhibitors and attendees of both trade shows who have been asking for us to do this". As part of further event consolidation, InfoComm will discontinue its Executive Business Conference and become a primary sponsor of the 2008 NSCA Business Conference. The 2007 NSCA Fall Business Conference will be held as scheduled October 21-23 at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, CA.
- InfoComm Executive Director Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D. agrees. "InfoComm is thrilled to be part of this joint venture. We have collectively set aside our competition in order to promote what is in the interest of exhibitors and attendees–and that's value. With InfoComm incorporating the NSCA Systems Integration Expo into its robust tradeshow it is a win-win deal for everyone."
- The latest statistics from NSCA Systems Integration Expo indicate that over 78% of the attendees and 80% of the exhibitors plan to also participate in InfoComm. According to Wilson, "that trend has been building in this direction for the past five years."
- Beyond InfoComm 08 and ISE, a new event, NSCA TechWeek, sponsored by InfoComm, will be launched next year. This event will feature education programs from NSCA University and the InfoComm Academy and will include tabletop exhibits and manufacturer training. NSCA TechWeek, sponsored by InfoComm, will be an event exclusive to the professional AV channel and electronic systems professionals. This trade-only conference will feature education, certification programs and manufacturer training. "As systems integrators, we are very excited about the creation of an affordable venue for training technicians," said Musci. Michael Vergauwen, an InfoComm Board member and a Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota-based Audiovisual Inc. concurred, stating, "There is a huge demand for industry education and the TechWeek concept allows us to bring that education closer, and more often, to those who need it in a very affordable way." The event is being developed for technicians, installers, design and sales personnel.
- The associations will remain separate and staffing is not expected to be impacted.
- Nancy Emerson, President of NSCA, stated that "NSCA and InfoComm have created new opportunities for our members and both associations will be better positioned to serve their membership. NSCA will continue as an industry leader in education and service to members." Nancy Emerson is also Vice President of Iowa-based MTC Systems.
- At Integrated Systems Europe the change in ownership interest will not be visible to exhibitors and attendees. Mike Blackman will continue to lead his team to produce ISE in Amsterdam scheduled for January 29-31, 2008. The strong relationship between CEDIA and InfoComm will continue, as will efforts of the ISE Board and Exhibitor Advisory Committee. For more information visit www.nsca.org, or www.infocomm.org
