CEDIA is wrapping up what has proven to be a very busy year in advocacy of the professional smart home industry (an industry that comprises roughly 20,000 integrators according to the association). The organization has lobbied governments around the world for better recognition and educational and training opportunities, a move that many have lauded as being a step in the right direction for the industry.

U.S. Initiatives Include Broader Occupational Recognition for Integrators

In the U.S., the organization says it is seeking recognition for the technology integrator occupation at the federal level, including urging the government to establish the “Technology Integrators” occupational code and add it to the National Electrical Code updates. The organization is also preparing to contribute revisions to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), a standardized system for categorizing business establishments.

Those initiatives seek to accurately recognize and classify the professional contributions of integrators, essentially giving the industry a larger voice and presence on the national stage. It will also improve the industry’s visibility and offer a clearer representation of the work that integrators do.

CEDIA says it also lobbied Congress to pass the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, with provisions that aim to broaden the scope of qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include post-secondary training and credentialing for workers of all educational backgrounds and skill levels. The bill has advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Workforce development and continuing education are big issues for custom home integrators, as qualified technicians can be difficult to find. This can help companies upskill their technicians get them the education and training they need to progress their careers.

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CEDIA Establishes UK Committee to Improve International Advocacy

Meanwhile, CEDIA has also been active overseas, pushing the governments of Australia and New Zealand to similarly recognize “Smart Home Technology Integrator” as an official occupation.

CEDIA was successful in doing so in the UK, as “Smart Home Installer” is now officially listed on the National Careers Service website, which the organization says provides visibility and encourages new talent to explore the industry.

The organization is also in the process of establishing a UK Government Affairs Committee to improve its advocacy efforts and better engage with lawmakers. In the same vein, CEDIA joined joined TechUK, a prominent technology association, with the goal of ensuring members stay informed on key developments in the region. 

In speaking with CE Pro during an exclusive interview, President and CEO Daryl Friedman detailed multiple initiatives the association had planned for next year as well, including a consumer campaign aimed at generating greater awareness among prospective clients. Friedman himself was recently signed on for another three years as President and CEO of CEDIA, a move that was enthusiastically supported by the CEDIA board of directors, which itself added Henry Clifford and Manojkumar Soni to its 2025 team.

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