The Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) is ramping up its educational efforts in Canada. The organization has partnered with Salon Son & Image (SSI), a trade show in Montreal, to offer a host of courses for both installers and complementary trades.

The courses will be tailored toward entry-to-mid-level installers, but there will also be a selection of sessions aimed at architects, builders, interior designers, and other trades that work closely with custom installers. These will include general topics meant to educate attendees about trends in audio/video, and opportunities to develop synergistic relationships with custom integrators that will ultimately benefit clients on both sides. Laura Moorhouse, the Canadian Liaison for CEDIA, says that, for the first time, several of the courses will be offered in both French and English. Set to take place on the Saturday of the show, these include Home Theatre Design and Construction; Lighting Control; and Hiding Technology. Another general-topic course taking place that day (English-only) is Top Ten Technology Trends. Each course is $10. Moorhouse notes that, provided there's room, anyone can sit in, including custom enthusiasts who simply want to ramp up their knowledge; or those looking to get into the business.

Custom integration companies are encouraged to invite companies they work with (or hope to work with) to attend the courses. Moorhouse says CEDIA is also actively pursuing these folks. On the Thursday evening (March 25), a "mix & mingle" cocktail night will take place, allowing the B2B and CEDIA members to get acquainted with one another.

Installer training will be offered for the Electronic Systems Designer (ESD) and Electronic Systems Technician (EST) colleges. The Wednesday-Friday courses are tailored toward installers with 1-2 years of experience who want to upgrade their skills. They range from Retrofit Installations, to the Principles of IP Networking, to the Fundamentals of Distributed Audio Systems. but there will also be courses covering general topics for industry members, like understanding "green" technology and programs. Installers will also have the opportunity to take two exams: The Canadian EST II exam, and the EST 111 exam pre-test assessment.

"The trade show aspect is a new element for us this year," explains Jamie Riley, Director of Public Relations & Marketing at CEDIA. "We'll start with courses the day before the show officially opens, then continue throughout the show dates."

Rooms are set to accommodate up to 50 or 60 people. Those wishing to attend any of the courses (include the Saturday general-topic fare) are advised to pre-register.

SSI takes place from March 25-28, 2010 at the Montreal Hilton Bonaventure in Montreal, QC.
CEDIA has upwards of 15 course events scheduled throughout Canada in 2010 thus far, including a cross-Canada tour with ADI; events in Western Canada with Staub Electronics; and participation in AVAD's Eastern and Western Canada exhibit events.

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