Now is the time to clear up miscommunication between home building professionals and finally understand what each side of the table is looking for in a partner. For the third consecutive year, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association offers its Electronic Lifestyles Forum — an event that puts members of four home building associations in one location with the goal of understanding what each professional is looking for and how to collaborate on a higher level. This year the Forum is held in Dallas on April 30-May 2.

The American Institute of Architects, the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Society of Interior Designers are working with CEDIA to open the lines of communication between these groups. “We wanted to create an event where we could come together to talk about the challenges we face individually and collectively — figure out ways to work together moving forward,” says Peter Cook, CCD, CCI, president of Automation Design and Entertainment, and chair for the CEDIA Forum event.

“Technology is more a part of today’s lifestyles and we want to move that technology into the design of the home. We don’t want to alter design, but integrate with it,” Cook says. “We have a venue for a hands-on view for our partners; they can see the technology and design aspects of technology live.”

Cook adds there are three reasons to attend the forum. “One, it’s a great networking event. It’s an opportunity to sit around with the best and the brightest — to get a better feel of what they offer. Second, there’s outstanding training available; and, three, it will enlighten [professionals] for their marketing efforts moving forward. It’s a better way to build in [technology] systems to make the project more successful,” he says.

Because this is the event’s third year, it’s gaining great momentum in the industry and is growing in both attendees and programs. New this year is a home tour that will occur on the last day of the conference. “The home tour shows how a good collaborative effort is a win-win for all involved,” Cook says. Attendees interested in the home tour can register online at cedia.org/elforum.

Continuing this year is the Experts Panel Closing Lunch. On this panel, one member from each association will discuss topics important to their industry and how they are moving forward. This occurs on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.