Ben Pratt's Journey to CEDIA Smart Home Awards Success

By January 2022, it was time to fully commit. I rebranded my business to White Onyx Automation, to focus on luxury performance AV installations.

I’d heard of CEIDA before but didn’t fully understand its potential until I spoke with their team. They explained what CEDIA is all about: a community of professionals dedicated to improving themselves and advancing the industry. Their insights resonated with me, and shortly after, I decided to join.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. But being a member has had a significant impact on my journey. CEDIA offers a source of reliable, vetted information - something invaluable when you’re trying to navigate the vast and often confusing world of smart home technology. In an age where you can Google anything but can’t always trust what you find, having access to CEDIA’s whitepapers, training, and resources has been a game-changer for me.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve thrown myself into learning as much as I can. I’ve taken courses on cinema design and RP22 and completed the CPD outreach course, which has allowed me to deliver presentations and share my knowledge with others. It’s been incredibly rewarding to not only gain skills but also give back to the industry that’s welcomed me.

Receiving the Best Newcomer Award at the 2024 CEDIA Smart Home Awards EMEA was an amazing moment for me. It’s a personal milestone, a pat on the back that reminds me I’m heading in the right direction. The recognition has been fulfilling in so many ways, it’s boosted my morale and motivation.

Ultimately, it’s more than just a personal win. Awards like these are essential for the industry. They set standards and encourage us all to push ourselves. Just to enter, you need to meet certain criteria, which forces you to elevate your work. Now that I’ve won this award, I feel a renewed responsibility to keep raising the bar for myself, clients, and the industry.

To anyone considering joining or even just exploring the smart home industry, my advice is to just dive straight in. It’s a fast-paced, challenging field, but with the right mindset and resources like those from CEDIA, you can achieve more than you imagine. You get out what you put in, and for anyone looking to better themselves, the opportunities are endless.

Winning this award is just the beginning for me. It’s a motivator to keep learning and delivering exceptional work. The smart home industry is growing rapidly, and I’m excited to be part of its future.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join CEDIA today and gain access to valuable courses, expert resources, and a community dedicated to your success. Explore the CEDIA Smart Home Awards and start your journey towards industry recognition. www.cedia.org/.