FAIRFAX, VA--InfoComm International and NSCA have announced 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 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."
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.
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 on the merger from SCN's editor-at-large, Dan Goldstein, visit www.systemscontractor.com/articles/publish/article_1693.shtml as well as www.infocomm.org and www.nsca.org.
