What makes a trade show worthwhile? You could make an argument for topical educational sessions, decision-making attendees, enthusiastic and knowledgeable exhibitors, media opportunities, onsite logistics support or all of the above and you wouldn’t be wrong. You could also say forgotten nights of partying where the only thing bigger than the bar tab is the hangover and regret the next morning, and some people would agree.

Yet the value of a trade show really lies somewhere in the middle, where onsite and after-hours networking opportunities move business along and allow us to connect person-to-AV-loving-person over a beer, coffee or $3,ooo cocktail.

The best networking events bring people together in a comfortable, pressure-free atmosphere, while raising awareness and support for a worthy cause. As I will be attending my first ever InfoComm in Las Vegas this June, I decided to look into some of the peripheral events happening around the show.

The InfoComm Networking, Special Events and Awards page has all the expected highlights, including an opening keynote and reception, an international reception and a couple award ceremonies. For a noob like me, the First Timers’ Orientation and Tour is of particular interest since it promises to help maximize time spent on the show floor, an important factor to someone easily distracted by shiny objects.

Another resource for networking events is the NSCA InfoComm Networking Events page, which highlights some events specifically geared at raising awareness and support for the trade group’s educational efforts. There’s the NSCA Zone at Booth #C11536, cranking all the time, which gives attendees access to industry research, legislative resources and resources to make the most out of NSCA membership.

Two other events bringing NSCA members together at InfoComm, both in the NSCA Booth #C11536 are:

Women in AV Reception – Wednesday June 13,  3 – 4 p.m.

“This popular group on Twitter is joining NSCA to honor the accomplishments of women in the low voltage electronic systems industry. Two award recipients will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in mentoring women.”

NSCA Member Appreciation Reception – Thursday, June 14, 3 – 5 p.m.

“Enjoy drinks and the company of your fellow industry professionals to share challenges and solutions. We’ll also recognize the industry’s up-and-coming Movers & Shakers, the Lifetime Achievement Award winner and more during this casual networking opportunity where YOU are the honored guest!”

My favorite NSCA-affiliated event (and not just because client SurgeX is a sponsor) is the charity concert featuring InfoComm’s finest Drunk Unkles playing to raise money for the NSCA Education Foundation. The concert will take place on Thursday June 14th from 9 P.M. to 11 P.M. at Gilley’s Las Vegas, located in the high-energy Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. Invitations can be picked up at any of the sponsors booths on the floor. All proceeds from the concert support NCSA’s educational initiatives and the continued growth of the commercial electronic systems industry. As one who likes to quaff a few cold beverages  after working nine hours on a trade show floor who also has a a few frequently drunk uncles, this will be a fun time. Below is some footage from the 2010 performance.

There also a useful post in the InfoComm blog post called Partner Education and Networking Opportunities, which will be useful for those in search of higher education. Know of other InfoComm networking events we haven’t mentioned? Please share in the comments, especially if they include complimentary food and beverages.

@PRnick

It’s a beautiful day out, and I’ve had more coffee than ever before. I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I purchased a solid amount and hate to see it go to waste. Today will be my last day as Caster Communication’s intern. I’m not sure who will fill the gaping hole I’m leaving behind but I’m sure they will find a way to live up to the expectations. I came into Caster late January without truly understanding the PR business but I was fortunate enough to have Caster welcome me with open arms. Everyone here has been really great; I just spent about 45 minutes with Nick and Kelly receiving time-tested career and job interview advice. Makes me feel like the cliché NFL rookie who just wants to listen and be a sponge, absorb all that info and put it to good use.

Though my supervisor Nick is not fully convinced he’s imparted 15 years of PR knowledge into my four months, I feel as though I have accumulated a lot. I see it as a vital foundation to which I can really grow my PR savvy on. I completely understand the importance and power of social media now. When employed correctly and genuinely, it can be an irreplaceable marketing tool and also smooth over minor bumps in the road. I also better understand the art of pitching. Knowing who you’re reaching out to and why your client or story is relevant makes all the difference, as well as subject lines, spelling, creativity and brevity.

Also a bit humbling, but valuable: my writing was corrected just about every time. Enough to make me understand that writing does get better with practice and finding your voice is one of the greatest challenges for any writer. Like Bill Belichick says, you can always improve. I really like that mindset, that I can always improve. It keeps me driven, keeps that edge on me.

I really didn’t know what to expect when I came here. Maybe I would be addressing mass audiences every week or fighting off hounding reporters by saying “My client can’t comment on that as of now.” None of these things occurred but I’ll leave the door open for those situations just in case. I’ve had fun though. It’s a nice friendly environment where hard work is expected, but with a certain calmness about it. Of course this can always be interrupted by some lively dogs or groans of frustration. But hey, a lot of PR is about constant communication, so I didn’t expect it to be the most serene job in the world.

So what’s next? It’s time to enter that great big post apocalyptic world that is life after graduation. Lots of people seem to think I should be worried, unsure, scared even. Maybe it’s ignorance but I just don’t feel these things. I see a buffet. What shall I dive into first? Do I dare fill up two plates at once? I don’t know the answer to these questions quite yet but I just hope I still have room for dessert.

Modern kitchens have a way to go until food replicators and self-cleaning countertops become the standard in our homes, but until then, kitchen technology advancements with tablets and smartphones are as cutting edge as it gets. Many of these developments take the form of apps. Before we delve into the details of Control4’s new smart appliance app, we’ve included a few of our other favorite apps for those wielding more than just spatulas in the kitchen.

iPhone:

Foodily – content curator from many different cooking and food sites
How to Cook Everything – Assembled by NY Times columnist, lots of great visuals
The Better Bacon Book – dedicated to smoky swine, ‘nuff said

Droid:

Recipe Search – Easily categorized, expansive selections
Calorie Counter – Great for those seeking to lose weight
KnowledgeBook: Cooking – Measurement conversions, obscure cooking terms and more make this a valuable kitchen app

While these kitchen apps are incredibly useful for getting information, they don’t actually control anything or provide any sort of technological innovation. As kitchen appliances progress, however, so too will our ability to interact with them. The newest example is the Control4 Smart Appliance App and Smart Appliance Module, developed by Card Access for Sub-Zero, Inc., and Wolf Appliance, Inc., the industry leaders in premium refrigeration and cooking equipment.

The Smart Appliance Module is engineered by Card Access using their high-performance wireless networking design capabilities combined with Control4 ZigBee® PRO mesh networking. Their unique combination of superior radio design, firmware and Control4® driver capabilities enables the Smart Appliance Module to easily and completely integrate into a Control4 system and enhance functionality of select Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. All new Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator models and Wolf E-Series wall ovens are manufactured to accommodate the aftermarket installation of the new Smart Appliance Module.  Existing models must be outfitted with the Module after receiving an update from a Sub-Zero and Wolf factory-certified service technician. The Smart Appliance App is downloadable for free to any Control4 system to allow homeowners to manage energy, create actionable alerts, and review appliance diagnostics.

Some of the functions the new Control4 Smart Appliance App can manage:

• Increase ice production prior to entertaining
• Save energy in vacation mode
• Text alerts when oven pre-heats or water filters expire
• Sabbath mode for religious observances
• Provide diagnostic efficiency and enhanced service support for connected appliances
• Provide Error Codes and alerts if any maintenance is needed, which the customer can then provide directly to Sub-Zero Wolf factory certified service.
• Send/receive general service requests which results in faster diagnosis and response time

While currently only available with specific Sub Zero and Wolf models, the Smart Appliance App and Smart Appliance Module for Control4® systems are now available through the Control4 dealer network.

Our tablets and smartphones can’t quite fry an egg or empty the dishwasher yet, but re-filling the ice tray and increasing energy savings are great steps towards a more tech-savvy kitchen of the future.