by
Rachel Tindall
| Jul 26, 2022
Since 2019, CEDIA and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) have hosted the Connected Technology Industry Legislative Summit. This is an industry meeting of associations and businesses with a common interest in legislative issues related to the connected technology industry.
Where It Started & Who’s Involved
The idea for the Connected Technology Industry Legislative Summit came from the increased legislative activity impacting the connected technology industry. Throughout the legislative process CEDIA, other associations, and businesses are often up against the electrical trade on licensing issues driven by the increased use of technologies like Power over Ethernet and lighting.
The ongoing debate has been who could install these technologies: electricians or integrators. The electrical trade is unified in their legislative efforts throughout the process. The connected technology industry needed a similar unity to have a greater impact on key legislation.
The Connected Technology Industry Consortium represents associations and businesses from multiple segments in the industry including:
The Main (Summit) Event
Each year CEDIA and NSCA hosts the Connected Technology Industry Legislative Summit to review the legislative sessions and prepare for the next session. Other topics covered during the 2022 the Legislative Summit include:
- The National Electrical Code®
- Integrator classification
- Workforce development, including the important work of integrators and the future work of integrators
- The size and scope of the connected technology industry
- The importance of establishing integrator as a recognized occupational classification in the next Bureau of Labor Statistics / Department of Labor revision cycle.
With the proposed changes to the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code®, participants discussed ways to educate local inspectors on the changes in technology systems related articles.
Throughout the day long meeting, discussions covered all levels of government from local, state, and federal related to the connected technology industry.
What Happens in Between?
In addition to the Legislative Summit, the consortium meets throughout the year to monitor legislative and regulatory activity related to our associations and the connected technology industry. Together we work on legislation of common interest and projects that support and grow the industry.
The annual Legislative Summit meeting allows all industry stakeholders to discuss common issues that advance the industry prior to the start of legislative sessions. For the past four years, many associations and businesses have made an effort to come together for the purpose of bringing the connected technology industry front and center. The mission to support and grow the industry was solidified at the last Legislative Summit meeting and will move the industry forward as we prepare for 2023.