We’re back in the office, and the dust has finally settled from CEDIA. Now, between calls, emails and new systems being shipped, I am officially taking a moment to stop and reflect on CEDIA 2011. Here are my takeaways–I’ll call them the three P’s:

Power: It’s all about your Backplane: For years I have seen doubt in integrators’ minds regarding the adaptation of enterprise-grade networks in the automated residence. While there are many reasons why an enterprise-grade network is the only network for an automated residence, I can tell you that the proof is in the pudding: the 2960S 48-port access switch we placed at the Savant booth was running at an average of 70% processing power for the entire 72-hour show. While this is impressive, it is also impressive that we actually know this figure. This is one of many features unique to enterprise-grade networks.

Prowess: During my ESD070 classes (a near sellout!) 157 integrators sat down with me for three hours to review the core elements of true enterprise network design. Many asked about the so-called “invasion” of IT people into the AV space. What I can tell you today is that you, the Integrator, is best positioned to sell the network. This is because you are the one creating the (OSI Model) Layer 1 cabling infrastructure, and you are the one that’s installing the complex system on top of the network. You may as well install the network itself and own the project. But this can only be accomplished with technical prowess and education. Once this is done, you can take the fight back to the IT guys, and we’ll handle the rest.

People: Our industry is filled with innovative and exciting people. There is a tendency in all of us to sometimes take things we see for granted. On Saturday, during the few minutes I was able to set-aside my role as an exhibitor and walk the show as an attendee, I found myself taking for granted that all the demos I saw worked flawlessly. What I had forgotten was the countless hours spent working with our partners in the weeks leading up to the show to create networks for the booths we supported this year, and all the hours spent by our partners installing, programming and tuning the hundreds of products on top of those networks. For me, the most beautiful thing is seeing a system come to life. Yes, a great network is good to have, but the ultimate experience is one that touches the senses and creates an emotional response. That’s what our industry is all about.