Coming up on September 5-9 in sunny San Diego, California, CEDIA 2017 is the biggest and best event of the technology integration calendar. There is a lot to offer everyone in attendance but we think that there are a few things that a trip to CEDIA would not be complete without. Whether this is your first trip to CEDIA, like me, or you’re a seasoned CEDIA pro, follow this guide to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.

1. Come check out the new One Firefly booth and meet the team

Located in the exhibit hall at booth 702, right between Amazon and the Mercedes Benz Van booths, we will have a lot of new products and services to show off. Our team will be on hand to walk you through our website models, content marketing services, new print product options, and to discuss how One Firefly can work with your team to help scale your business in your target verticals. As one of the newest members of the One Firefly team, I’m excited to meet our current and future clients so be sure to stop by and say hi!

One Firefly has also teamed up with some other great companies to make the most of the booth space. At booth 702, you can also learn about ways to improve your visibility into the success of your business through Vital Mgmt’s Bi4Ci software.

And while Crestron won’t be in attendance at CEDIA this year, Crestron dealers can still get their fix by visiting Troy Morgan and the PanTech Design team. PanTech Design will be showcasing their ADAPT software, which is proven to simplify the process of programming Crestron systems and cut programming time by at least 50 percent.

As far as booths outside of 702 are concerned? I’m definitely planning on heading over to sonnen at booth 2838. Their approach to solar energy systems is just plain awesome, and it’s a great example of the type of innovative product you’d expect to find at CEDIA.

2. Attend the Queen of Hearts Benefit Concert

One of the top nighttime events of this year’s CEDIA week is sure to be the Queen of Hearts Benefit Concert. Come on out to Humphrey’s Concerts on the Bay on September 7th at 6:30pm for a night full of great music courtesy of Creedence Forever, cold drinks, and beautiful views all in the name of good cause. All proceeds of this benefit concert will go towards the efforts of GenerateHope, a nonprofit dedicated to reversing the trauma caused by the sex-trafficking industry and to provide services for those affected by it. For more information and to pick up tickets for the event, visit the Queen of Hearts website.

3. Learn something!

CEDIA will hold more than 150 training courses this year, covering everything from how to solve sticking points associated with systems integration to creating effective RMR through client care plans.

And if you’d like to brush up on marketing best practices, there is a lot to learn from our CEO and Founder, Ron Callis. He’s doing multiple sessions throughout the week with topics including “Beginner’s Guide to SEO,” “30 Website Must-Haves,” and “Wash, Rinse, Repeat: Standardizing the Design and Engineering Process.” Make sure to fit these programs into your schedule to learn about the newest best practices in SEO, web design and the design and engineering process to help make your business as successful as it can be.

4. Get certified

With multiple certification exams on offer at this year’s CEDIA event, you can leave with more than the memories of a few fun days in San Diego. CEDIA is the perfect time to add to your company's list of credentials and expertise so that you better serve your clients. For more information on the certification exams on offer, visit the CEDIA training site.

5. Enjoy The Gaslight

San Diego’s premier nightlife district just happens to be right outside the exhibition hall. There is no better place or time to make new friends than over a finely crafted cocktail or one of San Diego’s fine craft beers in The Gaslight. Remember, CEDIA is about more than training, keynotes, and getting to know the newest technologies on offer. Make sure to find some time for some fun and revelry with your newest industry friends and develop friendships that can last a lifetime.

Did we miss an exciting event at CEDIA 2017? Let us know in the comments!