D-Tools Podcast #15: ‘What’s the Buzz’ about… CEDIA Expo

CEDIA Expo, the largest event serving the residential smart home professional installation industry, is just around the corner and the excitement is building as the entire industry heads to Denver from September 4-6. D-Tools is exhibiting under the theme of Ignite Growth, where it will unveil a broad array of game-changing software features for both its D-Tools Cloud and D-Tools System Integrator (SI) end-to-end software platforms, participate in multiple educational sessions, and host several celebratory activities in its Booth #3133.

Jason McGraw, Group Vice President at Emerald, the owners and operators of CEDIA Expo, joined the D-Tools “What’s the Buzz” podcast to discuss what’s on tap at the show, which will feature more than 350 exhibitors, including 50 first-time booths.

“Some people say, ‘There is nothing new at the show.’ Well, then you are not looking hard enough.” — Jason McGraw, Emerald

He notes that all the leading names in audio, video, home theater, control, lighting and security will be on hand.

“There is a lot of new product and new exhibitors. There is an all-new CEDIA education conference program… over 100 sessions.”

Busy Education at CEDIA Expo

On the education front, D-Tools will be busy. The company is involved in several sessions:

• ​

  CEDIA Panel — On Thursday, Sept. 4, from 1-2:30 PM, Jason Knott, D-Tools Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist, will join a panel in the CEDIA Education track in room MH3A at the Colorado Convention Center entitled “Maximize Efficiency with Processes: Boost Your Integration Business.” The session will review how to track key processes that drive productivity, profitability, and team accountability.

• ​

  Smart Stage Panel – On Friday, Sept. 5 at 11 AM, D-Tools CEO Randy Stearns will participate in a Smart Stage panel discussion entitled, “How Software Tools Help Integrators Run Better, More Profitable Businesses.” The discussion will touch on tools for proposal creation, drawings and documentation, service management, and lead and project pipeline management. Plus, software tools can help with billing and payments, inventory management and more.

• ​

  Manufacturer Product Training — D-Tools will present two Manufacturer Product Training sessions at the show, entitled “Get Started with D-Tools Cloud.” The sessions, which will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5 from 9-10:30 AM, will train attendees how to get up and running with D-Tools Cloud and start knocking out quotes within minutes. This 90-minute session will cover basic on-boarding, generating a quote, sharing a proposal, touching on the post-sales process like purchase and change orders, and tips and tricks to get the most out of this platform.

McGraw notes that the keynote speaker at the show is Chip Wade, an Emmy Award-winning host, designer and executive producer for networks such as HGTV, FOX, FOOD and DIY. He also provides systems integration solutions for his clients.

D-Tools Sponsors CE Pro All-Star Band

During the podcast discussion with D-Tools’ Tim Bigoness and McGraw, they discussed the Opening Night party for the show, which will feature the CE Pro All-Star Band with Bigoness on drums. This year, the band will be playing off site at a venue on Thursday, Sept. 4 from 8 PM to 11 PM at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, 2635 Welton St.

“The party is a little bit later this year, which lets you go out and get a bite to eat with your colleagues and then come over to party,” says McGraw.

D-Tools is one of the sponsors and all show attendees are invited to pick up drink tickets at the D-Tools booth #3133. To register to attend the show, go to www.cediaexpo.com.