Takeaways
- CEDIA’s new research division will be headed by Ryan Bardach.
- Division’s initial findings will be presented at the CEDIA Town Hall during CEDIA Expo 2026.
- Inaugural research will look into brand preferences, revenue trends and overall market size, among other topics.
CEDIA has announced the launch of an in-house research division with initial findings from the 2026 US Smart Home Technology Market Assessment to be presented during the 5th annual CEDIA Town Hall at CEDIA Expo 2026. The session will also preview upcoming research initiatives and outline CEDIA’s long-term strategy for its newly established research function, led by newly appointed Director of Research, Ryan Bardach.
The new division represents a significant evolution of CEDIA’s offerings within the industry, especially as it comes following the formation of a dedicated design/build outreach division at the association.
Behind CEDIA’s new research division
Initial research conducted by the division will investigate brand preferences, revenue trends, overall market size, projected industry growth and interest in AI adoption.
Much in the same vein as D-Tools or CE Pro’s own research, the findings from CEDIA aim to provide value to both integrators and manufacturers. At its core, CEDIA states that its research is meant to offer actionable intelligence that can directly inform pricing, service offerings and long-term business strategy for companies and firms.
Leading the division, Bardach will help build and lead CEDIA’s new global research function establishing CEDIA as the trusted source of market intelligence for the professional smart home channel. He will also be responsible for increasing the value and utility of CEDIA research for members and other key audiences such as adjacent industries and media.
Who is Ryan Bardach?
Bardach brings extensive experience in the market research industry. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, including private equity firms, B2C and B2B retail organizations, and companies in the energy and utilities sector.
His expertise spans both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with a focus on market assessments, voice-of-customer research, brand sentiment analysis, employee engagement, and long-term tracking studies.
His professional background is equally diverse, with experience in the military, telecommunications, and operations management.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and history from Indiana University, as well as a market research certification from the University of Georgia.
The push for channel insights
Given the niche nature of the custom integration (CI) channel, data insight into the inner workings and priorities of its businesses remains scarce, and consequently, highly valuable.
For years, CE Pro has conducted its own research into the different business segments of the industry through reader surveys in the form of its Deep Dives, while more recently, D-Tools has begun consolidating data collected from its business platform as a means of highlighting day-to-day business insights for its partners and users.
Other firms, like Parks Associates, service the broader smart home industry, but don’t quite dig into the details of CI.
In this sparse landscape, however, more information allows the industry to paint a more consistent picture, with the introduction of CEDIA’s research into the fold providing an opportunity for greater insight into an industry gaining recognition among the trades and other industries.
“CEDIA has always been a trusted voice for the industry, and this new research division allows us to take that even further,” said CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman.
“By investing in our own data and insights, we’re equipping integrators and trade suppliers with the knowledge they need to stay competitive and make informed business decisions.”
Where to catch CEDIA’s inaugural research
The CEDIA Town Hall: State of the Industry will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Mile High Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center during CEDIA Expo 2026. The session is free to attend and is open to both CEDIA members and non-members. Register today for CEDIA Expo 2026 to get these insights and more.
