CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) is building on an already established judging panel with the announcement that Dave Mitchell from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) will join the judges for the 2008 CEDIA Awards.

In his capacity as Technical Director of what is the principal trade organisation for private sector housebuilders and the voice of the home building industry in England and Wales, Dave Mitchell’s expertise will be invaluable in assessing the 2008 contenders, particularly those for Best Multi-dwelling Installation. This category is awarded to installers who, through the integration of technology, have added value, improved marketability and boosted sales for a developer.

The news that Dave Mitchell will be joining the judging panel follows confirmation that all of the 2007 judges have renewed their commitment to the CEDIA Awards by agreeing to be involved in this year’s event. Chaired by CEDIA Chairman, Simon Williams, the existing panel consists of representatives from the worlds of interior design and architecture as well as leading technology commentators. The panel comprises: interior designer Dean Keyworth, Armstrong Keyworth, Kate Burnett, Editor, idFx; Jan Carlos Kucharek, RIBA Journal, and a trio of respected technology journalists Chris Price, Dave Murphy and Dan Goldstein.

“We are delighted to welcome Dave Mitchell to the judging panel for the 2008 CEDIA Awards.” Comments CEDIA Chairman, Simon Williams. “He joins a prestigious and influential team of individuals who are an objective and intrinsic part of the awards programme and their continued support is greatly appreciated.”

The CEDIA awards recognise and reward excellence in the custom installation industry and award winners are showcased as examples of outstanding home automation integration. The judging panel will complete their initial assessment of the applications in April. The final recipients of the CEDIA Awards 2008 will be revealed at a formal event, at a prestigious London location, in May.

With only a couple of months to go till the 20th March entry deadline, submissions are already being accepted for installations in the following categories:

• Best home cinema installation project under £20K (35,000 Euros)
• Best home cinema installation from £20K-£100K (35,000-150,000 Euros)
• Best integrated home under £100K (150,000 Euros)
• Best integrated home from £100,000 – £250,000 (150,000 – 370,000 Euros)
• Best integrated home over £250,000 (370,000 Euros)
• Best multi-dwelling installation
• Best dressed installation
• Best special project
• Best marine

The CEDIA Awards are open only to CEDIA member companies. For more information on judging criteria, timescales and an entry form, visit www.cedia.co.uk/awards or contact CEDIA : Matt Nimmons on +44 (0)1480 213744 or by e-mail at matt@cedia.co.uk