During the past few days several organisations have told SHN that the idea of CEDIA running a consumer show appeals as "they have the capability to pull together vendors other associations and CEDIA members".

Ian Lowe Marketing Manager at Sony Australia said "The idea of CEDIA running an industry event is great but the Fox Studio venue does not work. Several vendors have been there but don't want to go back". The former venue for the Australian CES show the exhibition halls at Fox Studios have low ceilings and are airless creating a closed in environment. One option being considered by the CEDIA board is an event that alternates between Sydney and Melbourne with the event kicking off in Melbourne as opposed to Sydney.

David Small a CEDIA board member said" For several years a few exhibiters at CEDIA's trade expo have sort to either add a public day to the expo, or allow the public to attend on one set day.  Both the board and the majority of exhibiters, voted to keep the Surfer Paradise Expo as an educational trade only event.  During the past few years our trade expo has gone ahead in leaps and the CEDIA board is now in a position to consider adding a public show to our roster" he said.He added "Feedback from members on less than ideal results with other shows has added to the impetus for the idea but was not the cause. The first step was to investigate venues and times and to gather feedback from members on the level of interest in exhibiting or supporting this endeavour."

Small added "At this week's board meeting we gave approval for CEDIA management to take this to the next level of investigation.  No final decision has been made. Once the board is satisfied we can do a public show of similar or better standard than the trade event has become, the timing is right, our members and exhibiters want CEDIA to do a final decision will be made by early in 2006".