CEDIA Expo is the largest tradeshow in North America for the custom integration (CI) industry. The event spans four days and multiple conferences that aim to deliver plenty of educational and networking opportunities in addition to hosting hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of live demo spaces for attendees to view, test and interact with the products growing system depth in the field.
The show also plays host to CE Pro‘s BEST Product and Home of the Year Awards.
This CEDIA Expo news hub will play host to all the awards, discussions, updates, announcements and general news surrounding the show. If you’re watching from afar or planning on keeping up to date to make the most of your show attendance, this is the hub for you.
Manufacturer Execs at CEDIA Expo 2026: The Future of Integration Is Relationships, Not Just Products
Earlier this month at CEDIA Expo 2026, five channel leaders told attendees that business is shifting from products to experiences, and from installs to relationships.
On the Smart Stage, a panel of manufacturer and distribution executives sat down to answer a deceptively simple prompt: what does custom integration look like five years from now and why.
AI on the CEDIA Expo Floor: What the Smart Home Industry Is Actually Building
It’s been a few years since the world has had access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and other advanced AI tools, and those concepts are now becoming a key feature on the CEDIA Expo show floor as manufacturers release both integrator and user AI features designed to make installation and usability as easy as possible.
AI-generated speaker and lighting designs, AI-assisted proposals, natural language programming for setup and scene creation, and of course home control were all front and center as the industry embraces AI head on.
Manufacturers Are Anticipating in a Rise in Retrofit Work for the Industry
Back in 2025, CE Pro made a prediction that, given the state of the housing market at the time, retrofits and renovations could come to occupy a much larger portion of an integrator’s workload than they already do. Cut to CEDIA Expo in 2026, and as I’m touring the booths, speaking with manufacturers on what new products they’re revealing and what new challenges they’re facing, the one word I heard the most was “retrofit.”
To clarify, new construction hasn’t disappeared as a category. What is happening based on conversations with manufacturers, however, is that it’s cooling enough such that product roadmaps are beginning to pivot to address retrofit solutions.
CEDIA Research Pegs U.S. Residential Tech Market at $33.8 Billion, With AI and Skilled Labor Defining the Year Ahead
New market analysis from CEDIA, conducted in partnership with The Farnsworth Group and presented at CEDIA Expo 2026, sizes the U.S. residential technology integration industry at $33.8 billion, a figure built from the bottom up on real, reported revenue rather than a top-down guess. Home networking, distributed audio, and lighting/shading emerge as the largest product categories, while a small population of large firms continues to capture an outsized share of industry dollars.
Inside Daisy’s CEDIA Expo Showcase Home
The day before CEDIA Expo’s show floor opened in Denver, CE Pro editors and other trade press skipped the convention center and climbed into an Uber instead, riding out to a real, lived-in home that integration firm Daisy and manufacturer ADI were using as a live demonstration of what thoughtful residential integration looks like in practice. The house — a roughly 5,700-square-foot custom build — was built on spec by Denver builder DevX and designed by Studio Shelter, the firm that handles finishes and trim for most of DevX’s projects. Daisy’s Denver office pre-wired the house before it ever went to market, then layered in a full Control4 and Snap One ecosystem after the first-time homeowners bought in at the trim phase — giving the integrator rare latitude to shape the technology from the studs out.
The Dream of a Professional Connected Bath Solution May Finally Be Here
Photo by Nick Boever
Dollar per square foot, the kitchen and bath are the two areas of the home where the most money is often spent for renovations, however, for integrators looking to break into these areas, they aren’t always the most technologically profuse spaces, which has, historically, made them a difficult segment for integrators to really own. That could all be changing, however, and quickly, as connected bath solutions made plenty of rumblings, both grand and quiet, during the recently concluded 2026 CEDIA Expo.
Forge CEO Paul Miller Commits to CEDIA Expo’s Future, Addresses Industry Speculation
Speaking ahead of a manufacturer executive roundtable on the future of the custom home and residential integration industries, Paul Miller — CEO of Forge, the parent company of CEDIA Expo and CE Pro — used his first public remarks at CEDIA Expo to directly address swirling industry speculation about the show’s future and to affirm his company’s commitment to the custom integration channel.
CEDIA Expo 2026 Wraps in Denver with Nearly 10,000 Attendees, Eyes Turn to Vegas
Another CEDIA Expo is in the books, and by the numbers, Denver delivered. The show, produced by the show’s newly formed parent company Forge, pulled in 9,653 verified attendees and more than 320 exhibiting brands over three days at the Colorado Convention Center, a solid showing that organizers are pointing to as continued evidence of the residential integration industry’s flagship event building on its momentum.
IC Realtime Wants to Use Edge AI for a Living Intelligence Platform for Home Security
Photo courtesy of IC Realtime
IC Realtime has unveiled what it’s calling Bunker, a platform built on NVIDIA’s Jetson edge-computing technology, which injects edge-AI into a home’s security system. According to IC Realtime, the platform processes visual information, identifies activity that departs from established patterns and learns the recurring rhythms of a home or property over time.
CE Pro Spots the Trends Redefining Smart Home at CEDIA Expo 2026
Several threads ran through our time on the show floor, on panels and elsewhere: AI is quietly becoming installation infrastructure rather than a gimmick; audio, lighting, and shading are merging into single physical products instead of separate trades; design and materiality have become as important as performance specs; the outdoor room is now a full-blown technology category; wellness and hydrotherapy are finally speaking the smart home’s native control protocols; retrofit has stopped being a secondary product line and started driving manufacturer roadmaps outright; networking, power, and cybersecurity are being treated as premium products in their own right; projection is holding its ground against the LED wave on the strength of a genuinely different viewing experience; and the industry’s business model is leaning harder on builder relationships and reference-quality media. Here’s what integrators need to know.
Winners of the CEDIA Smart Home Awards Americas 2026 Announced
Capping off the events of CEDIA Expo 2026, CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals and owners of the Expo, announced the winners of the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards Americas.
Reflecting the innovative and professional spirit of the smart home industry, this year had the theme of “Beyond What You See,” aiming to capture the outstanding achievements in innovation, technical excellence and design throughout the industry.
Supported by headline sponsor Lutron, category sponsor AVPro Global and sponsors DMF and Kohler, this year’s award winners were revealed in the Mile High Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center.
The 2026 Home of the Year Award Winners: Celebrating CI’s Best Projects
Every year it is a privilege and a sincere challenge to judge the CE Pro Home of the Year awards. As representatives of the best that the industry has to offer, sorting out the best from the list of applicants is no small feat, and the 2026 Home of the Year Award winners represent some truly innovative work that is being done at the bleeding edge of the industry. But after much deliberation from our panel of judges, the results are here at last.
In a show of where the industry is most focused nowadays, the Lighting & Shading as well as Design + Tech categories were some of the most competitive we’ve seen yet. Of course, Best Smart Home Project Under $1M and Best Home Theater Over $100,000 continued to be a contested battleground for applicants.
Be sure to stay tuned as we dive deeper into the details of these projects in our upcoming November/December issue in addition to uploading the winning projects (as well as runners up) onto cepro.com.
AVA OS 3.0 Adds Over 100 New Features to Systems
AVA has announced the release of the AVA OS 3.0, the biggest evolution of its professional smart home control platform since AVA OS debuted at CEDIA Expo 2023. Launching September 15, AVA OS 3.0 brings more than 100 new tools, features, integrations, and improvements, led by a new visual Custom UI Builder, Dynamic Keypad customization, 31 languages, Crestron Home and Philips Hue compatibility, KNX general availability as well as new ways to back up, restore, and expand projects.
Every capability will come as a free software update for compatible AVA systems, including those already installed.
Innovation is There If You Tap Into It: CEDIA Expo Keynote
Duncan Wardle knows a little bit about innovation and creativity after spending almost six years leading those departments for none other than Disney before starting his own consulting business dedicated to those two traits in 2017. Here’s hoping the audience for his CEDIA Expo keynote were paying close attention to him.
In an energetic presentation that saw audience member interviewing each other and pretending to create some pretty unique businesses as well as drawing portraits while maintaining eye contact with their partners, among other things, Wardle dismissed the typical excuses that people use for stalled or nonexistent innovation.
2026 BEST Award Winners Announced at CEDIA Expo
Every year, the BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards seek out the best and most innovative products the professional channel has to offer at CEDIA Expo, and for 2026, there’s plenty of innovation to be had across the industry.
All entries were judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages and benefits to the installer and announced at CEDIA Expo 2026. As such, many of the BEST Award winners for 2026 are truly meant to represent the bleeding edge of the industry.
So without further ado, let’s get into the winners.
Ring Introduces Dome Cam 4K for Businesses of All Sizes
Ring today introduced Dome Cam 4K, a new security camera that the company says in a blog post “brings professional quality performance to small and mid-sized businesses and residential environments, while giving the professional installers who serve them a flexible new tool in their portfolio.”
The Ring Dome Cam 4K “represents our continued commitment to the professional channel: delivering devices purpose-built for custom installation with the performance that commercial and residential environments demand,” according to the blog post.
MOTORYSE Launches Retrofit Shading Brand at CEDIA Expo 2026
Central to MOTORYSE’s lineup is the HemBar Motor, which, contrary to how most retrofit solutions position their motor, is placed at the bottom of the shade. According to MOTORYSE, by positioning the motor at the bottom of the shade, battery charging and motor servicing no longer require a ladder or hassle.
ULTIMA is Magnetar’s Big Bet on Physical Media in Luxury Audio
Photo courtesy of Magnetar
Magnetar has announced the debut of ULTIMA, a luxury media transport featuring a dedicated DC power stage. Engineered as a pure reference source, ULTIMA—according to Magnetar—is designed to perform one function without compromise: preserve source integrity from disc to display or external processor for home theater and audio.
ULTIMA is built on Magnetar’s MKII platform supporting a swathe of formats including UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD and much more alongside supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Klipsch’s RP-500PM is an Out-of-the-Box Stereo System with Plenty Expansion Options
Image courtesy of Klipsch
The RP-500PM features Klipsch’s new high-density axial Tractrix horn tweeter with upgraded BMC material to reduce resonance, flush-mounted to the cabinet to minimize wave breakup and measurably improve off-axis response for a wider sweet spot.
A 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer is added to deliver powerful low-frequency performance and deep bass, despite the speaker’s compact design. Built-in amplifiers are matched to each driver to maximize performance, eliminating the need for an external receiver.
A dedicated subwoofer output is also included in the event a listener desires more bass performance out of the system.
Klipsch Unveils More Details About Upcoming Reference Signature Series
While at CEDIA Expo 2026, Klipsch revealed more information about its upcoming Reference Signature Series following their initial preview at CES 2026. Along with the new details, Klipsch will be holding invite-only demonstrations of the new lineup while at CEDIA Expo, offering attendees to the show a First Listen ahead of the series’ global launch in winter.
Sonance Unveils James Natural Collection, an On-Wall Speaker Line Built to Match Samsung Frame TVs
Sonance has introduced the James by Sonance Natural Collection, a line of on-wall speakers and a matching subwoofer built around wood finishes and sizing designed to align with popular lifestyle televisions. The announcement during CEDIA Expo 2026 expands the James by Sonance product line with hardware the company says is meant to be seen rather than hidden.
Unlike Sonance’s in-wall and in-ceiling lines, which are engineered to disappear into architecture, the Natural Collection is positioned as visible, room-facing audio. The speakers are handcrafted in Minden, Nevada, and are offered in five finishes: Modern Brown and Modern Teak in genuine wood veneer, and Modern White, Black, and Sand Gold in painted wood.
New Products CEDIA Expo 2026, Booth by Booth
Whether you’re planning your path through the show in advance or flipping through this after the fact to jog your memory on what you saw, consider this your floor map in narrative form: a booth-by-booth account of what’s new, matched to the order you’ll actually encounter it at CEDIA Expo 2026.
Blackwire’s Latest Driver Lets You Stream Ring Footage from Control4 Touchscreens
The new pro driver allows Ring Video devices to integrate directly with Control4 T4 and T5 touchscreens, allowing homeowners to view live Ring video feeds and manage events natively from their wall-mounted interfaces. These feeds can also be displayed directly on the Core controller’s HDMI output allowing automations to display who is at the door.
The driver also turns Ring doorbells and cameras into instant automation triggers within the Control4 OS. Integrators can program lighting scenes, audio alerts, shade movements and more to activate instantly upon motion detection or doorbell presses.
Kaleidescape Now Has a 246TB Movie Server
Housed in the same compact chassis as the Strato K movie player, Terra Prime 246TB is precision-crafted from black anodized aluminum to complement Kaleidescape Strato movie players.
It combines high capacity with fast movie downloads and local storage for uninterrupted playback. For larger installations, it can serve up to 25 simultaneous playback zones, making it ideal for luxury residences and yachts.
KEF Expands Into Outdoor Audio with New Speakers, Subwoofers and KASA Amplifiers
KEF is expanding its architectural audio portfolio outdoors with the introduction of a new collection of landscape speakers, bollards and subwoofers, along with a family of KASA network DSP amplifiers designed for both indoor and outdoor systems.
Announced Sept. 1, the KEF Outdoor Collection marks the first time the company has brought its Uni-Q driver technology to a dedicated outdoor speaker. The lineup is designed for residential outdoor entertainment areas as well as larger commercial and hospitality applications.
Neptune’s Colossal dvLED Takes Outdoor Entertainment to New Scales of Luxury
Image courtesy of Neptune
Neptune has officially launched its All-in-One Outdoor dvLED Solution, a fully integrated, large-format display platform for high-end outdoor environments. Available in 108-, 136-, and 163-inch sizes with 1080p resolution, the system is engineered to transform patios, poolside lounges, and rooftop terraces into screening-room-caliber viewing spaces.
Select Shelly Relays and Sensors Now Work on Brilliant NextGen’s Platform
Shelly Group has announced an official integration with Brilliant NextGen, with the first two Shelly sensors—the Shelly Bluetooth Motion and Shelly Bluetooth Door/Window—along with the Shelly Bluetooth-to-WiFi gateway and Shelly relay lineup, now being fully integrated with the Brilliant platform and available to every Brilliant user.
The integration will also extend to the Shelly relay lineup, allowing Brilliant users to control and automate everything from switches, outlets and appliances to low-voltage devices, pumps, motors and just about any wired electrical item found within the home.
Sonos Unveils Sonos 27 Operating System, Adds AI Voice Control and Two New Ultra-Series Products
Sonos is arriving at CEDIA Expo with its broadest lineup of announcements in some time: Sonos 27, the newest version of the software platform that runs its speaker ecosystem; two new flagship consumer products in the Beam Ultra soundbar and Sonos Ace Ultra headphones; a new lineup of multi-functional portable speakers; and Amp Multi, a professional multizone streaming amplifier built specifically for the custom integration channel. Sonos frames the announcements as the next step in a two-decade effort to build a dedicated “audio operating system” for the home — one that now extends more directly into the professional installation market.
Josh.ai Launches AI-Powered Automation Tool for Installers (and So Much More)
With the launch of ProStudio, Josh.ai adds an installation-focused automation tool alongside an upgraded DevSuite for integrators to build custom, one-off drivers.
The 2026 CE Pro Women to Watch
This is the third year that CE Pro has run the Women to Watch feature, recognizing the women that are making an impact and changing the future of this unique industry.
Take a look at the leadership teams of some of the largest manufacturers and integration firms in this industry. Most of this information is publicly available on a company’s website. Most are disproportionately occupied by men, yet they serve households equally made up of men and women—both use and control their homes, adjust lighting, immerse themselves in TV and movies, enjoy music, and hang out in the backyard. Women make up the majority of home purchasing and home furnishing decisions in the U.S., so to only serve, market to, and design for one half of that decision-making power isn’t just a bad look—it’s leaving money on the table.
And that mismatch matters more than it might seem. This isn’t just an internal staffing issue—it’s a sales problem hiding in plain sight. Women aren’t a niche audience for this industry; they’re the primary decision-makers for the homes it sells into. An industry that’s disproportionately built, marketed, and led by men is trying to sell into a purchasing decision that women disproportionately make. That’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a structural mismatch between who’s selling and who’s buying.
JVC Reveals Low-Profile Ceiling Projector Mount Custom-Built for D-ILA Line
Photo courtesy of JVC
JVC has announced a collaboration with Engage Engineering, a California-based engineering and manufacturing specializing in optical and electronic products to produce a new ceiling mount for its D-ILA projector lineup. Beginning September 1, 2026, the DLA-NZ800, DLA-NZ900, DLA-RS3200, and DLA-RS4200 will include this projector mount (the Engage JVC CM-Pro) at no additional charge.
Somfy’s Zigbee 3.0 Shades Will Soon Have Native Control4 Integration
Somfy has announced a native Control4 integration for its Zigbee 3.0 shade motor portfolio at CEDIA Expo 2026, expected to be available in Q1 2027. The integration brings compatible Somfy Zigbee 3.0 motors natively into the Control4 ecosystem, eliminating the need for external shading hubs, bridges or integration interfaces.
NextLevel Acoustics Looks to Bring Back the Magic of Discovering New Demo Material
Image courtesy of NextLevel Acoustics
NextLevel Acoustics has a throwback planned for CEDIA Expo with the release of a new immersive audio demo called “Beyond the Room.” Produced by Nick Matzke from Bayview Audio, the demonstration was created to showcase the movement, dynamics, impact and scale of today’s high-performance home cinema systems, while also paying homage to the experience of CEDIA Expos of old.
According to NextLevel, “Beyond the Room” aims to capture the experience of discovering new demo material at the show, taking it back to the showroom and having something exciting to put in front of customers. This time around, however, the experience has been reimagined for a new generation of listeners to discover the excitement of the classic demo disc.
Origin Acoustics Builds Its Largest CEDIA Expo Booth Yet, Trading Product Walls for Four Lived-In Rooms
Origin Acoustics is going bigger, and more experiential, with its presence at CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver. The architectural audio manufacturer says Booth #2523 is its largest and most immersive booth to date, built around four fully furnished environments rather than a conventional product showcase.
Instead of lining shelves with speakers, Origin has constructed a kitchen, dining room, living room, and outdoor space, each intended to illustrate a distinct way homeowners listen to audio in daily life. Live audio demonstrations and custom video content run throughout each room, with the company positioning the setup as a way to show integrators and dealers how its products perform in real-world context rather than on a spec sheet.
Theory Audio Design Unveils High-Output p9 Pendant Loudspeaker
Image courtesy of Theory Audio Design
Theory Audio Design has a new loudspeaker to add to its collection, and attendees to CEDIA Expo 2026 will get an exclusive opportunity to see it first-hand. The p9 is a high-output, 9-inch pendant loudspeaker which, according to Theory CEO Paul Hales, punches well above its compact size.
“Those who are amazed by our current in-ceiling, pendant, and bollard loudspeakers will be absolutely floored when they experience the p9,” says Paul Hales, CEO of Theory Audio Design.
“The sound quality we get from the p9, a surprisingly slender pendant loudspeaker, rivals the sound of some large, expensive high-end floor-standing speakers in resolution, accuracy, and even bandwidth. You have to hear it to believe it.”
TriMesh Aims to Give Integrators Critical Insight into the 2.4 GHz Band
Image courtesy of Shade Innovations (SI)
Shade Innovations is pulling back the curtains on its new Wireless TriMesh platform, a professional-grade Zigbee control platform engineered to deliver greater reliability, visibility, and control across large-scale motorized shade networks. According to Ryan Gustafson, Founder and CEO of Shade Innovations, TriMesh can be equated to essentially a new piece of infrastructure for the connected home, specifically for the 2.4 GHz communication band.
“For too long, integrators have been troubleshooting the most crowded spectrum in the home essentially blind, relying on a phone app and a prayer,” said Ryan Gustafson, Founder and CEO of Shade Innovations.
“TriMesh™ changes that, delivering real-time spectrum health, live mesh mapping, and true diagnostics, with the resiliency to prevent costly truck rolls and network rebuilds.”
Salamander, Loewe, Cabasse Come Together on Shared Design Philosophy for Luxury AV
Salamander Designs has announced a new collaboration with Loewe Technologies and Cabasse, which the trio is calling Luxury Entertainment Reimagined. The companies will showcase this new partnership while at CEDIA Expo 2026, giving attendees an opportunity to see the new designs in person for the first time.
SKYWORTH Reveals the Next Generation of Canvas Art TVs
Photo courtesy of SKYWORTH
SKYWORTH has announced the debut of the C2 Canvas Art TV, taking the technology from the original Canvas Elite Art TV and refining it down to a smaller footprint to fit in more locations throughout the house. The newest addition to the lineup will be available in 55-, 65- and 75-inch models.
In addition to the new Canvas C2, the Canvas Art line is being updated to include the C1 available in 75-, 55-, and 65-inch models.
CEDIA Expo Prepares Custom Integrators for Next Five Years
Underscoring its function as the singular forum for ideas, innovations and insights in the North America custom integration market, CEDIA Expo 2026 will present “What Every Integrator Needs to Know About the Next Five Years” on the Smart Stage in the Exhibit Hall at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The C-suite panel, which will be moderated by Dan Ferrisi, group editor of CE Pro and Commercial Integrator, features Nick Berry, CEO, of Origin Acoustics; Michael Short, global vice president of marketing operations & residential, of Crestron; Matt Kamp, vice president, product management, of ADI Global; Melissa Andresko, chief corporate brand ambassador, of Lutron; and Kathleen Thomas, head of custom integration sales, for Sony Electronics.
Origin Acoustics Goes Big for CEDIA 2026: Towers, Wedges, and a Mystery Product Await
Origin Acoustics is heading into CEDIA Expo 2026 with a broad slate of new hardware, rolling out additions across loudspeakers, subwoofers, amplification, and video-integration accessories. The Las Vegas-based manufacturer, known for architectural audio aimed at luxury residential and commercial installs, says the releases are meant to give integrators more design flexibility — whether that means concealing a speaker in a wall or ceiling or, in some cases, making it a visible design element in the room.
AWALL Partners with XGIMI for XWALL: A New Dealer-First Home Theater Brand for CI
Image courtesy of XGIMI
AWALL LLC has announced a strategic partnership with XGMI, forming XWALL by XGIMI—a premium home entertainment brand for U.S. markets. The brand, and its first flagship product, will make their public debut on September 1 at CEDIA Expo 2026 Booth 3327.
The partnership is led on the AWALL side by Steven Shulman, a custom-install veteran, as Chief Executive Officer of AWALL and founder of AWOL Vision and Michael Yanoff, President of AWALL. As co-founder of XWALL by XGIMI, AWALL will serve as the brand’s exclusive U.S. sales and service partner, leading dealer recruitment, training, and channel programs nationwide.
SurgeX Brings Updated CONNECT Platform, FortaGrid UPS to CEDIA Expo 2026
SurgeX will use CEDIA Expo 2026 to highlight updates spanning remote power management, backup power and its dealer experience, led by a refreshed SurgeX CONNECT cloud platform and the PowerVar FortaGrid three-phase rackmount UPS.
The company, part of AMETEK Power Quality Solutions, will exhibit in Booth #1308. The additions build on SurgeX’s power protection and management portfolio while giving integrators more tools to monitor power conditions and manage installed systems remotely.
JVC to Demo D-ILA 8K Home Theater Technologies at CEDIA Expo 2026
JVC Projectors, Home Theater, has announced it will showcase its latest D-ILA home theater projection technologies at CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver, Colorado, September 2 – 4, at Booth 3511.
JVC’s booth will feature two immersive theater demonstrations featuring the flagship DLA-NZ900 and DLA-NZ800 8K D-ILA projectors, highlighting the performance of 8K projection for cinematic entertainment and responsive native 4K/120p for large-screen gaming.
Lutron Expands Free Integrator Training at CEDIA Expo 2026
Lutron is expanding its educational presence at CEDIA Expo 2026 with more than 20 free Manufacturer Product Training (MPT) sessions covering intelligent lighting, shading, HomeWorks, RadioRA 3, system design and sales strategies.
The expanded schedule is part of a broader push by Lutron to increase its presence at the show, including bringing more trainers, engineers, sales personnel and marketing staff to Denver.
KEF Announces Official Control Drivers for Crestron Home
After some big product launches earlier this year, KEF has a special announcement for the integrators in the room with the release of certified KEF drivers through the Crestron Driver Portal. These new drivers allow KEF speakers to integrate seamlessly into the Crestron Home platform.
The drivers will be available to integrators in October 2026.
Manufacturer Product Training Returns to CEDIA Expo With 90-Plus Sessions
CEDIA Expo 2026 attendees will have access to more than 90 free Manufacturer Product Training (MPT) sessions covering technologies including audio, video, lighting control, networking, shading, security and energy management.
The sessions, hosted by exhibiting manufacturers, are designed to provide integrators and their teams with hands-on product experience, technical instruction and installation guidance that can be applied to projects after the show.
CEDIA to Reveal 2026 Smart Home Market Data at CEDIA Expo
CEDIA will unveil findings from its 2026 U.S. Professional Smart Home Market Analysis during a Town Hall at CEDIA Expo, giving attendees an early look at data on the state of the residential technology industry.
The CEDIA Town Hall, sponsored by Sony, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Mile High Ballroom. The event is free for CEDIA members and nonmembers.
DoorBird to Preview Upcoming D31 5G at CEDIA Expo 2026
Image courtesy of DoorBird
DoorBird is making its return to CEDIA Expo 2026 next week, with the company revealing what it has in store for attendees at Booth 1328. Highlights are to include the D22 IP Door Station—making its debut at the show—alongside new indoor stations, the upcoming D31 5G and DoorBird’s 3D Configurator tool.
“At CEDIA, we are not just introducing new products. We are showing how DoorBird can solve access challenges across an entire property portfolio,” said Sascha Keller, Founder and CEO of DoorBird.
Calm Tech Institute Introduces Framework for More ‘Human-Centered’ Systems
Image courtesy of the Calm Tech Institute
As someone who got their start covering the custom integration industry during the wellness craze of the pandemic, its been interesting to see how this category has evolved past initial hyperfixation. To that end, I’m fascinated by the Calm Tech Institute’s recent announcement that it will be introducing the Calm Tech Certified Partner Program at CEDIA Expo 2026, because, by all accounts, it looks to be a framework for building more human-centered technology systems a la something like the WELL building standard, though likely far less stringent and costly to put together.
JVC’s Jamie Pasley Receives 2026 Women in Consumer Technology Legacy Award
JVC Home Theater Projectors General Manager Jamie Pasley has been named a recipient of the Women in Consumer Technology (WiCT) 2026 Legacy Award, recognizing her career and contributions to the consumer electronics industry.
Pasley serves as general manager of JVC’s Home Theater Projector and Custom Installation business within the Visual Systems Division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation. The WiCT Legacy Award recognizes industry professionals for their impact through leadership, innovation, service and mentorship.
Miss Out on Seeing the Artafex 1 at Lightapalooza? Here’s Your Next Chance
If you missed seeing the 1-inch marvel that is DMF Lighting’s Artafex 1 at Lightapalooza, CEDIA Expo 2026 may be your next best bet. At Booth 2106, DMF Lighting will be showing off its latest lighting innovation alongside the latest outdoor and landscape lighting solutions from its sister brand HK Lighting.
ASCENDO is Introducing an All-New Speaker Technology for Immersive Cinema
Image courtesy of ASCENDO
Immersive audio fans rejoice, because ASCENDO has a new speaker coming out custom built for home theaters. The Panoramic Surface On-Wall is an entirely new loudspeaker from the company designed around a proprietary full-range composite radiating surface technology, and integrators will be able to see it first at CEDIA Expo 2026, Sound Room 10.
According to ASCENDO, the composite radiating surface technology the Panoramic Surface uses its engineered specifically to deliver wide-area sound coverage with minimal visual impact, allowing the loudspeaker to behave less like a conventional loudspeaker at high frequencies and more like a controlled acoustic surface.
Chowmainsoft Introduces Google Home and Google TV Integrations for Control4
Chowmainsoft has expanded the capabilities of Control4 with the release of two new integrations for Google products, bringing Google Home and Google Cast audio devices together with Google TV media players and streaming devices within the Control4 ecosystem.
Are These First-Time CEDIA Expo Exhibitors the Next Big Thing in Custom Integration?
Every year, CEDIA Expo draws a wave of new exhibitors eager to introduce their products to the custom integration channel for the first time, and this year’s crop reflects just how far the industry’s definition of “smart home” has stretched. From micro-LED video walls and network-native shading motors to AI-powered sleep systems and a home companion robot, these companies are betting that CEDIA Expo’s dealer and integrator audience is the right one to help scale their technology.
It’s worth paying attention to this list. Plenty of categories that are now considered pillars of the custom integration business — whole-home audio, networked lighting control, motorized shading itself — started the same way: as an unfamiliar name on a new exhibitor’s badge, pitching integrators on a product they hadn’t yet found a place for in a proposal.
DistributorConnect.io Aims to be the First App- and ERP-Agnostic Distribution Platform
DistributorConnect.io is a new software platform heading to CEDIA Expo 2026, and its focus rests on a persistent headache in the trades: the disconnect between a contractor’s invoice and estimate app and the separate distributor portals they must log into to get pricing, availability to create quotes and place orders.
Now, integrations solving these sorts of issues have been made over the years. However, DistributorConnect says it’s doing so by allegedly being the first platform built to be fully App and ERP agnostic.
What this means is that rather than being locked to a specific invoice and estimate software, ERP or distributor ecosystem, users on DistributorConnect can connect to whatever software their business already runs with the platform acting as the adhesive between the two ends of the transaction.
From Invisible Speakers to Folding TVs: A Look at What Stealth Acoustics Has for CEDIA Expo
Stealth Acoustics has always been known for its invisible speaker technology, but this year, the company is switching up its playbook. In sitting down with CE Pro Senior Editor Nick Boever, Mark Cichowski, Director of Business Development at Stealth Acoustics, said that the company has a whole slew of new product categories it’s announcing at the show, and in keeping with the company’s design philosophy, they look sleek as hell. Tune into the discussion to hear more about the other products Stealth is bringing to the show, as well as the company’s new design services expected to launch soon.
Your Session-by-Session Guide to the CEDIA Expo 2026 Smart Stage
From left to right: Zachary Comeau, Executive Editor of CE Pro; Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA; Chris Whitley, Executive Director of Ellipsys; Hank Alexander, Director of Oasys, Nationwide Marketing Group; Jon Robbins, Executive Director of HTSA; Jim Pearce, President of ProSource; and Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of Azione, during the “State of the Industry” panel at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. Image/Emerald
If there’s one place on the show floor where you can feel the pulse of the custom integration industry, it’s the Smart Stage. Curated by CE Pro, CEDIA Expo staff and CEDIA, this year’s lineup pulls together the integrators, manufacturers and analysts who are actually shaping where the business is headed — from AI in the rack to the next generation of talent walking through the door. Every session is free and open right on the Exhibit Hall floor in the Colorado Convention Center, so there’s no excuse not to build your schedule around it.
Here’s why each session on the Smart Stage deserves a spot on your CEDIA Expo 2026 calendar.
Devialet Returns to CEDIA Expo in 2026 with Phantom Ultimate Custom
Devialet is returning to CEDIA Expo for the first time in five years as the French audio manufacturer expands its presence in the custom integration channel.
In an interview with CE Pro, Rodrigo Arrambide, GM Americas at Devialet, said the company will showcase its Phantom Ultimate Custom lineup, including a CI-focused version incorporating Dante and Audio-over-IP capabilities. The updates are designed to address feedback from integrators and make the distinctive Phantom platform easier to deploy in professional projects.
OneVision Offers New Partners Up to $1,500 to Attend CEDIA Expo 2026
OneVision is launching a promotion aimed at helping more integration professionals attend CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver. Integrators that sign a new service agreement with OneVision by Aug. 28 will receive one complimentary CEDIA Expo 2026 pass along with reimbursement of up to $1,500 for travel and lodging expenses.
Savant Unveils More Details About Its Forthcoming AI Assistant
Photo courtesy of Savant
Savant is officially taking the wraps off its AI assistant, which the company plans to soon introduce through a subscription, though the exact time frame has not yet been given. The assistant has been in development for several years, according to Savant, with a limited demonstration being offered at Lightapalooza earlier this year.
The Savant AI assistant will be showcased at CEDIA Expo 2026 alongside the new Savant OS 12 coming this fall, GE Proseo Lighting & Shades and Savant’s expanding energy management portfolio. Alongside this announcement, Savant has also stated it will be rolling out new dealer programs which it will also highlight at the show.
From Video Walls to AI in the Home: Here’s a Peak at the 2026 Smart Stage Sessions
Photo by 2025 PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
More information is coming out about the Smart Stage sessions taking place at CEDIA Expo 2026, and as the countdown to the show approaches single digits, CE Pro is looking at some of the programming that’ll be running from Wednesday, Sept. 2 to Friday, Sept. 4. You can find the entire lineup of Smart Stage programming for 2026 available here.
Topics being covered at the Smart Stage this year include the rising trend of video walls, how AI is making its way into the smart home, building cohesive outdoor systems and how integrators can take their residential skillset and translate it into lite commercial projects.
From the Minds of the $1 Million Theater Comes a More Scalable System to SR10
Photo courtesy of Rise Media Strategy
Last year, CEDIA Expo attendees were treated to what might have been one of the most luxurious theater demos hosted at the show in a while. Well, the minds behind that demo are returning to CEDIA Expo 2026, only instead of trying to push the upper limits of cost with their cinema this time around, they’re highlighting scalable system design.
The member companies of last year’s ultra-high-end $1M+ private cinema—ASCENDO, AcustiMOD, Christie, madVR Labs, Moovia, Seymour-Screen Excellence and StormAudio—will be showcasing this new scalable theater build in Sound Room 10 (SR10) during the Expo, with the goal of showing how engineering philosophies that define flagship private cinemas can be applied to projects of varying sizes, room types and investment levels.
D-Tools Cloud Now Features Dynamic Pricing for Blackwire Designs Following Integration
Blackwire Designs is now natively supported inside D-Tools Cloud following D-Tools’s major Release #100. The live integration is active as of the release, meaning shared dealers can access specific pricing and catalog updates directly within the D-Tools platform.
CEDIA Announces 2026 Lifetime Award and Fellow Recipients
Image courtesy of CEDIA
Every year, CEDIA likes to recognize individuals who have helped shape both the organization and the wider professional smart home industry through its Lifetime Achievement Award and Fellows program. For 2026, CEDIA is celebrating three of its members for careers defined by innovation, leadership, and long-standing service.
Peter Lyngdorf has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award (LTA), and Dave Tkachuk and Gordon van Zuiden have been named this year’s Fellows.
Lunar Walls Is About to Shake Up Low-Cost MicroLED
CE Pro has learned that Lunar Walls, the MicroLED brand from Just Video Walls, is preparing a major announcement in the coming weeks — one aimed squarely at a segment integrators say has grown increasingly transactional.
Vanco Expands Beale Street Audio Line with Two Surface-Mount Speakers
The W65V-BSC speaker in horizontal configuration. Photo courtesy of Vanco
Vanco International LLC has expanded the popular Beale Street Audio lineup with two new indoor/outdoor surface-mount speakers. The 6.5-inch W65V-BSC and 8-inch W80V-BSC combine a rugged, weatherproof design with flexible power configurations and a streamlined profile, offering integrators a solution for both commercial and residential.
Revamped Destination Outdoors to Offer ‘Journey’ Through Outdoor Living Spaces
Photo by PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
Destination Outdoors 2026 is looking to be the most ambitious yet, as CEDIA Expo showrunners have revealed this year’s activation will span 22,000 square feet, encompassing a series of connected residential spaces to highlight how indoor systems and control can flow into these outdoor environments.
“Destination Outdoors has always been about inspiring the industry to think differently about outdoor living. This year, we’re taking that vision further through our collaboration with Lutron and their Native by Design approach by demonstrating how intelligent lighting can extend seamlessly from inside the home into the landscape,” said Franco D’Ascanio, Coastal Source founder & CEO.
Just Video Walls Wants to Deliver OLED-Level Picture at microLED Scale
Photo courtesy of Just Video Walls
Just Video Walls (JVW) is introducing an all-new platform for its microLED displays called Absolute Black, with one interesting goal: to deliver OLED-quality picture performance at the scale, brightness and flexibility of a microLED video wall. As described by JVW, the foundation of Absolute Black begins with its proprietary ultra-dark phosphor surface. Combined with LEDs occupying approximately one-tenth the visible surface area of conventional microLED designs, Absolute Black aims to create more true black space between pixels.
The result, JVW says, is deeper perceived blacks, greater image depth and a display surface that visually disappears as content takes over.
Blackwire Partners Take the Spotlight in Company’s CEDIA Expo Strategy
Modern smart homes and commercial AV systems have become increasingly network dependent, with a home’s wireless network surpassing control systems in terms of breadth and importance, according to forthcoming research as part of the CE Pro Networking & Control Deep Dive.
It’s for that reason Blackwire Designs is putting some of its most recent partners center stage with representatives from RUCKUS, Island and Dylan Innovations joining the Blackwire team at CEDIA Expo 2026, Booth 4311.
Kordz to Showcase New R.4 Rack and Marine Cable at CEDIA Expo 2026
Kordz has announced it will be showcasing its R.4 48Gbps Rack and Marine Passive HDMI Cable at CEDIA Expo 2026, September 1-4, in Denver, Colo. Engineered specifically for mission-critical rack and marine applications, the R.4 represents the latest evolution of the company’s high-performance, installation-friendly HDMI portfolio.
Built as the successor to Kordz’ R.3 18Gbps HDMI Cable, Kordz states the R.4 supports the full 48Gbps data rate, enabling transmission of uncompressed 8K video and the complete HDMI 2.1 feature set, including eARC, VRR and QMS.
Quantum Media Systems XDR5-8K Video Wall Builds on Its Integrator Support
Photos courtesy of Quantum Media Systems
Quantum Media Systems (QMS) has announced it will be returning to CEDIA Expo 2026 with the new XDR5-8K, its next-generation video wall system purpose-built for luxury residential environments. CEDIA Expo attendees can experience the XDR5-8K in Room 201, where Quantum will present an immersive home cinema demonstration featuring native 8K content delivered by Kaleidescape’s new 8K media player, the Strato K.
Surrounding the visuals will be TPI Aerospace’s Movement immersive audio system, engineered specifically for direct-view LED displays. Together, the company says the technologies will demonstrate how reference-quality image and sound can converge to faithfully reproduce content as filmmakers intended.
Where to Catch Lumagen’s 9.4.6 Dolby Atmos Home Theater Demo at CEDIA Expo 2026
Photo by PWP Event Photographers
Theater demos are a mainstay at CEDIA Expo, and 2026 will be no exception as Lumagen, alongside other heavy hitters like Christie and Storm Audio, will be collaborating on a 9.4.6 Dolby Atmos theater demo intended to build upon Lumagen’s “Paragons of Home Cinema” demonstration from last year. Here’s what’s going into the demo, as well as where show attendees can find it at the Colorado Convention Center.
DreamWall Announces Entry into CI Channel at CEDIA Expo 2026
Photo courtesy of DreamWall
DreamWall is set to make its official entrance into the custom integration (CI) channel at CEDIA Expo 2026, showcasing the Elite Series Platinum P0.7. According to the company, the Elite Series Platinum P0.7 represents DreamWall’s most advanced home theater display, being engineered for luxury residential and commercial AV applications.
Launched in 2025 by the founder and former owner/CEO of WAVE Electronics, Gary Wermuth, DreamWall specializes in large-scale, direct-view video wall systems leveraging Chip-on-Board (COB) design within its proprietary CooLED architecture.
Hundreds of New Products Anticipated to Debut at CEDIA Expo 2026
With less than a month until the opening of CEDIA Expo 2026, news has already started to roll in regarding product launches appearing at the show. Still, many brands are warming up for their biggest announcements while at the show, with new releases spanning audio, video, lighting, security, control, networking, home theater as well as anything and everything related to the professionally installed smart home.
Platinum Tools Fiber Optic Inspection Scope
Platinum Tools has announced it will be featuring its new Fiber Optic Inspection Scope during CEDIA Expo 2026, held in Denver from Sept. 2-4 at the Colorado Convention Center, booth #1123. Now shipping, the PT-SCOPE-200 is a portable, wired or Wi-Fi-enabled fiber inspection microscope designed for professionals who demand precision, convenience, and speed in the field.
Unique Lighting Partners with CEDIA to Bring Outdoor Lighting Resources to Dealers
Unique Lighting Systems, a division of The Toro Company, has announced a new CEDIA Partner Program that provides training, design services and field support to help integrators launch and grow an outdoor lighting business.
The program also gives dealers access to Unique Lighting Systems’ line of products, including its HUB low-voltage wiring system, Inspira Series and Odyssey Series fixtures, and its SMRT Logic home automation platform.
Lutron Launches Palladiom Drapery Line
Photos courtesy of Lutron
Drapery continues to catch the attention of the custom integration (CI) channel, as Lutron Electronics has launched an all-new set of drapes for its Palladiom line. Marking a global product launch, Palladiom drapery is an exposed-rod solution that carries the design language of the Palladiom family into decorative drapery applications.
CEDIA Announces Smart Home Awards Finalists for Americas Region 2026
CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, has officially announced the finalists for the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards for the Americas region. With categories recognizing excellence in integration, business and professional contribution, the CEDIA Smart Home Awards provide a platform for companies of all sizes to be celebrated.
Whether pushing boundaries with first-time entries or returning to showcase continued evolution, these finalists exemplify the ingenuity and dedication at the heart of the CEDIA community.
Dendo Systems to Debut PoE Drapery Motor at CEDIA Expo 2026
Photo courtesy of Dendo Systems
Dendo Systems has announced what it’s calling the world’s first Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) motor for drapery, and it’s set to debut at the 2026 CEDIA Expo (Launchpad Booth #3246).
“We believe that CEDIA Expo is the perfect setting for Dendo Systems as it brings together the integrators, technology partners, and manufacturers for whom our RENKEI Platform was specifically developed,” says Yi Liu, director of Dendo Systems Pty Ltd. “Our primary goal is to introduce our brand and gather direct feedback to best build the support and distribution structure required for the market.”
The new motor forms part of the company’s broader RENKEI Platform, which brings direct Ethernet power, control and real-time position feedback to motorized roller shades and draperies.
Screen Innovation’s 360 Projection Now Comes Supported by KAOS
Image courtesy of Screen Innovations
Screen Innovations (SI) has a new heavy-duty projection screen coming to market, combining its proprietary dual-sided 360 optic with the KAOS Onyx Retention System. The new product, being called the KAOS 360 Rear-Pro Projection Screen, aims to be one of the most durable (and flexible) outdoor projection screens in the industry.
“We put the 360 optic outdoors years ago and our dealers loved it but there was one major problem, even a stiff breeze would move the screen so much you had distortion and loss of image focus,” said Ryan Gustafson, Founder and CEO of Screen Innovations. “Since that day we have been trying to find a way to solve this problem to allow the ultimate big screen experience outdoors again, KAOS is exactly that giving dealers the ultimate flexibility in seating location and projector placement!”
CEDIA Expo Continues to Grow Out Its Offerings for 2026 Outing
Photo by PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
CEDIA Expo 2026 is growing in both scale and reach, with over 300 brands exhibiting, more than 65 new-to-show exhibitors and over 50 lighting exhibitors. The event serves as the gathering point for manufacturers, integrators, designers, distributors and technology professionals shaping the future of connected living.
As AI, automation, energy management, networking, lighting, entertainment and security technologies continue to converge, the show remains a central platform for the residential integration community. The expansion reflects steady investment from brands that see the residential market as a priority.
What Josh.ai is Bringing to Play With at CEDIA Expo 2026
Josh.ai is arriving at CEDIA Expo with one of its biggest product showcases yet, featuring new hardware, software and dealer-focused tools designed to improve both the homeowner experience and the integrator workflow. CEO Alex Capecelatro says the company builds toward two major launch events each year, making CEDIA Expo the stage for months of development across multiple product categories.
Leading the showcase is Josh Edge, the company’s handheld remote that combines physical buttons with customizable controls. Capecelatro says the remote has quickly gained traction among dealers and gives attendees an opportunity to experience Josh.ai beyond voice control through interactive demonstrations.
Nightscaping Previews Forthcoming Design Studio
Nightscaping is launching a new tiered support program called Design Studio, giving dealers access to award-winning lighting design expertise, client-ready presentation materials, bill of materials support, budget guidance, and optional installation management.
Kaleidescape Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation Ahead of Major CEDIA Expo Presence
As Kaleidescape celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company is looking both backward at a quarter century of innovation and forward to what it believes is the next evolution of premium home entertainment.
During a conversation with CE Pro Executive Editor Zachary Comeau, Kaleidescape Chairman and CEO Tayloe Stansbury previewed the company’s largest-ever CEDIA Expo presence, highlighted the launch of the new Strato K movie player, and discussed how new technologies like 4K Cinematic are raising the bar for immersive home cinema.
Platinum Tools to Showcase Several of its Newest Solutions During CEDIA Expo 2026
Platinum Tools will showcase several new solutions during CEDIA Expo 2026, held in Denver from Sept. 2-4 at the Colorado Convention Center, booth #1123. The PT-OTDR-100 mini OTDR tester, HPH J-Hooks, ezEX-RJ45 termination systems, PoE Tester and PTS PRO Crimp Tool will be on-hand for attendees during the show.
Celebrating CI Industry Excellence
2025 PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
The custom integration (CI) industry is defined by innovation, execution and the ability to transform technology into meaningful experiences, and one of the most substantial ways these qualities are recognized within the year are through the industry’s many awards.
Many of these awards are presented at CEDIA Expo each September with the show being the singular destination for North American residential systems integration professionals looking to share their work, build lasting connections and stay ahead of the swiftly adapting industry.
Together, they represent some of the most anticipated moments at CEDIA Expo, showcasing the products, projects, and people driving the industry forward. The awards provide exhibitors and professionals with valuable recognition from respected industry judges and experts while highlighting the innovation and creativity shaping the future of CI.
Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Re-Engineers a Consumer Classic for the CI Channel
Photo courtesy of Devialet
Devialet has announced a new speaker line designed specifically for the custom integration market: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI. Available in two models, the flagship 108 dB and the compact 98 dB, Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI connects natively to Audinate Dante and Audio over IP networks and will be debuting this year at CEDIA Expo 2026 at the Colorado Convention Center.
According to the company, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI has been re-engineered from the network up for luxury multiroom, private home theater and large-scale commercial installations.
WAC Group/AiSPIRE to Introduce Advanced Lighting and Connectivity Technologies at CEDIA Expo 2026
WAC Group/AiSPIRE will be appearing at booth #1323 at CEDIA Expo 2026 with its latest in advanced lighting and connectivity technologies, including new Configuration Tools and Visualizers that enable Integrators to work better, faster, and more efficiently with their clients.
From Startup to 40 Locations: How CEDIA Expo Helped Shape Daisy’s Growth
Hagan Kappler (left) stands with Kim Lyznicki (right). Photo provided by Daisy
For Hagan Kappler, CEO of Daisy, CEDIA Expo isn’t just another industry trade show. It’s part of the company’s origin story.
From meeting the company’s first franchise partner on the show floor to introducing customers to the latest smart home technologies, Kappler says the annual event has played a meaningful role in Daisy’s growth. As CEDIA Expo returns this September, she reflected on the networking opportunities, technology discoveries and business milestones that continue to bring the company back.
Come With a Plan: Michelle Ferlauto on Getting the Most from CEDIA Expo
The COO of SoundVision, a custom integration firm based in the Carolinas, Ferlauto isn’t necessarily concerned about what’s flashy or new at the show. Instead, her question is much more practical and strategic: Is SoundVision keeping pace with an industry that won’t wait?
“A question that comes up every time we go is, ‘Are we behind?’” Ferlauto acknowledges. “Nobody wants to be yesterday’s audio video. No one wants to be last year’s lighting provider. Nobody wants to move backward.”
IMCCA to Host AI Lab for Integrators at CEDIA Expo 2026
CEDIA Expo announced it is partnering with the Interactive Multimedia & Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA) to host the AI Lab focused on deploying AI in real-world integration scenarios at CEDIA Expo 2026, taking place this September in Denver.
Hosted by Kevin Kieller and David Maldow, known as the ‘AI Chefs,’ the AI Lab will give attendees a practical, interactive look at how AI can be applied across integration workflows. Focusing on popular AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, lab conversations will compare AI agents and services, evaluate audio, microphone and video capabilities, explore prompting workflows and AI-generated image creation and demonstrate how different platforms align with specific business and customer use cases. Featuring side-by-side comparisons, live demonstrations and practical guidance, AI Lab will be open for attendees to stop by at the IMCCA Lab in Booth 1101.
WALL-SMART: See the Smart Home Technology You’re Not Supposed to Notice at CEDIA Expo
Looking to CEDIA Expo 2026, Galia Ben-Dor, co-CEO and founder of WALL-SMART, says the company will be presenting its newest flush wall mounts for the latest touchscreen technologies from Crestron, Savant, and Control4. For over a decade, the company has provided integrators with custom mounting solutions for devices shortly after their release by top global brands, and it will bring that same speed-to-market to the show floor.
CEDIA to Host First North American RP32 Workshop at CEDIA Expo 2026
CEDIA will host the RP32: Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop for the first time in North America as part of the CEDIA Education Conference at CEDIA Expo 2026. The Association for Smart Home Professionals is bringing the full-day course to a broader audience of integrators looking to strengthen their technical skills. It marks the debut of hands-on RP32 training in the region.
Three industry experts will lead the RP32 Workshop, each bringing hands-on integration experience to the room. The instructors are Adam Pelz, owner and president of Bespoke Cinemas; Matt Poes, owner of Poes Acoustics; and Tom Dellicompagni, owner of Dellicompagni. Their combined background spans acoustics, cinema design and system verification across residential and commercial work.
Why Top Smart Home Manufacturers Keep Betting Big on CEDIA Expo 2026
Why do the biggest names in custom integration continue to make CEDIA Expo their biggest event of the year?
In this special CE Pro Podcast, Executive Editor Zachary Comeau sits down with CEDIA Expo leadership and two leading manufacturers to explore what attendees can expect at CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver.
Joining the conversation are Jason McGraw, Group Vice President of CEDIA Expo; Brian Pagel, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Emerald; Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai; and Nick Berry, CEO of Origin Acoustics. Together, they discuss why in-person events remain essential for the custom integration industry despite the rise of AI-powered tools and digital communication.
Meet Koko, the Home Robot Coming to the CEDIA Channel
Photo courtesy of Homebot One
With all this talk of robotics at shows like CES, it was only a matter of time before a home robot built for the CI channel showed up at CEDIA Expo. It looks like 2026 is the year, as Homebot One, Inc., an embodied AI and home robotics company that includes members and collaborators with backgrounds from companies like Meta, Tesla and robotics-related AI platforms, announced plans for its first major industry trade show debut at CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) 2026 taking place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on September 1-4.
At the event, Homebot One will showcase its flagship AI home companion robot “Koko” and present its long-term vision for embodied AI, intelligent home memory systems and next-generation human-centered robotics. Prior CEDIA Expo, Homebot One will be launching a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in July – August 2026.
Lutron Opens 2026 North American Excellence Awards for Entry
The Lutron Excellence Awards are back for 2026, with Lutron announcing it is now accepting entries for its North American segment through 11:59 PM EST, Friday, July 17th.
Winners of the North American competition will be announced at the 2026 CEDIA Expo in Denver, Colorado. International winners will be recognized at the 2027 Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) tradeshow in Barcelona, Spain.
Kaleidescape Launches Strato K 8K Movie Player
Photo courtesy of Kaleidescape
Kaleidescape has announced the Strato K, a new flagship movie player capable of playing 8K content and introducing a new video format the company calls 4K Cinematic.
According to Kaleidescape, the Strato K is designed to deliver higher-fidelity video playback through increased processing power, enabling support for both native 8K content and a new 4K Cinematic mode that features full chroma reproduction of up to 4:4:4 and higher bitrates than traditional 4K formats. Kaleidescape also says the Strato K is the first movie player to receive certification from the 8K Association, meeting performance and interoperability requirements established by the organization’s Technical Working Group.
Josh.ai Officially Releases AI X OS
Image courtesy of Josh.ai
Josh.ai has officially launched AI X OS, following what the company says has been a successful early access program. The early access was open to Josh.ai dealers to provide feedback and learn about the evolving user experience.
Broadly speaking, the launch of AI X OS expands the integration of AI across Josh’s control ecosystem, adding new capabilities to device control, interface customization and automation capabilities. The new OS introduces a reimagined home page—customizable for each client—alongside a new navigation bar and reimagined voice interface. There’s also a means of accessing any active music or video session from anywhere in the Josh app to resume viewing or listening in other areas of the home.
While novel now, the ability for homeowners to tailor their control and automation system experiences to their own custom needs through intuitive interactions will likely become a mandatory feature across all control platforms as time moves on.
URC Now Accepting Entries for 12th Annual Unsurpassed Awards
URC is now seeking entries for its 12th annual Unsurpassed Awards. In URC’s own words, “the annual competition celebrates excellence, innovative system design, and outstanding programming creativity among systems integration professionals.”
The awards program recognizes the best and most unique residential and commercial installations featuring URC technology.
The Case for a Home Integration Professional
Image courtesy of CEDIA Expo
Rising energy costs, the widespread increase in work from home (WFH) and the rise in subscription-based entertainment, among much more, are changing how much time Americans are spending in and around the home. As such, many are saying that the profession of “home integrator” has become as important as a plumber, electrician or HVAC technician.
The role of a home integration professional has evolved considerably in recent years from audio-visual systems integration to now also include security systems and access control integration, IT/WIFI optimization, shading systems, lighting, backup energy and more.
The areas within home featuring technology addressable by these professionals have extended beyond a home theater in luxury homes to now include outdoor entertainment areas, multi-use zones, home offices, bedrooms, home gyms and garages, with the homes serviced having broadened to new demographic groups and new neighborhoods.
ZION to Make Its North American Debut at CEDIA Expo 2026
The ZION Horizon Series. Images courtesy of ZION
ZION is making its big debut at CEDIA Expo 2026. After having struck a distribution deal with Selective Design in February 2026, the company will be making its first in-person appearance at a North American tradeshow September 1 – 4 in Denver, Colorado, showcasing its outdoor microLED video walls.
It’s one of two major European display manufacturers that have made the crossover into U.S. markets so far this year (the other being Loewe, though they happen to focus more on OLED TVs, in addition to other luxury electronics).
CE Pro Podcast: Inside CEDIA Expo 2026 Education: AI, Lighting, Wellness & the Future of Smart Homes
As the custom integration industry continues to evolve beyond traditional AV installation, CEDIA Expo 2026’s education program is placing a major emphasis on AI, lighting and shading, cybersecurity, wellness, design-build collaboration, and operational maturity.
In a recent conversation with CE Pro Executive Editor Zachary Comeau, CEDIA Senior Conference Strategy Manager Evan West and Vice President of Education & Training Paul Dolenc outlined how this year’s conference programming reflects an industry that is becoming increasingly consultative, collaborative, and technically sophisticated.
Former Disney Executive Duncan Wardle to Deliver CEDIA Expo 2026 Keynote
Image/CEDIA
CEDIA has announced that former Disney executive Duncan Wardle will deliver the keynote presentation at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 on Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. in the Mile High Ballroom.
According to CEDIA, Wardle’s keynote will focus on innovation, creativity and design thinking, with an emphasis on how custom integration businesses can adapt to evolving technologies and changing client expectations in an increasingly AI-driven market.
Designers, Architects More Frequently Turn to CEDIA Expo/CIX for Understanding CI
New research from the NKBA and CEDIA is putting to form the disconnect between design-build professionals and custom integrators today. Rather than being a disconnect in the understanding of core functions, however, it’s a disconnect on where the other can be found when needed on a project.
The findings highlight that more than one-third (35%) of NKBA members report needing an integrator but not knowing who to engage. This is occurring as 68% of members say demand for integrated technology, from lighting to automation to wellness systems, is increasing in their projects.
An Open Letter From CEDIA’s Global President & CEO Daryl Friedman
Daryl Friedman speaking at the annual CEDIA Town Hall, CEDIA Expo 2025. Photo by PWP Studio Photogrophy
CEDIA’s Global President and CEO Daryl Friedman last week wrote an open letter to the CEDIA community, reflecting on his impending retirement, the organization’s planned education initiatives and advocacy, and news regarding the parent company of CEDIA Expo/CIX and CE Pro.
Here is Friedman’s letter in full.
Day of Discovery 2026 Now to Span Two Full Days
The full details for this year’s Day of Discovery have officially been released, and according to Technology Designer Magazine, the organizers of the program, this year’s outing is set to have a significant expansion. In a first for the Day of Discovery, architects, designers and builders will all be able to join in for free in a move that Technology Designer says is meant to remove any barriers to participation for the design-build community.
Submissions for the 2026 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards Are Now Open
Submissions are now open for the 2026 Home of the Year Awards, so if you have a project you think might represent the best the custom integration (CI) industry has to offer, now’s the time to showcase your handiwork and seize the opportunity to have your work seen by partners and peers alike on the grand stage of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026.
This year’s expanded categories span three core areas—Spaces, Functions, and Features—giving integrators more opportunities to showcase their work across the full scope of modern projects. Whether you’ve delivered a multimillion-dollar smart home, engineered a rock-solid infrastructure backbone or created a seamless, intuitive user experience, there’s a category built to recognize that achievement.
CEDIA Research Division to Present First Findings at 2026 Town Hall
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.
How the CE Pro Editors Help Curate the Smart Stage
From left to right: Zachary Comeau, Executive Editor of CE Pro; Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA; Chris Whitley, Executive Director of Ellipsys; Hank Alexander, Director of Oasys, Nationwide Marketing Group; Jon Robbins, Executive Director of HTSA; Jim Pearce, President of ProSource; and Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of Azione, during the “State of the Industry” panel at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. Image/Emerald
As the executive editor of CE Pro, one of my chief duties come CEDIA Expo season (which, if you haven’t noticed, is starting early this year) is to develop content for the Smart Stage. For the unaccustomed, the Smart Stage is the show floor forum to discuss trends, new technologies, industry initiatives, highlight innovative products, showcase the most outstanding projects in the industry, and highlight the people that make a difference in our unique industry.
In many ways, the Smart Stage sessions are a product of the CE Pro and CEDIA Expo/CIX staff simply listening to all of you. Our days are spent having conversations with and interviewing integrators, manufacturers, industry groups, distributors, and more about just what they’re seeing and hearing on the ground. Those conversations inform our content decisions, and we bring that same process to the Smart Stage.
2026 CE Pro BEST Product Awards Now Accepting Submissions
Submissions for the 2026 BEST Product Awards have officially opened, with early bird pricing now active. CE Pro‘s BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards is the most prestigious award program for the professional AV and smart home installation market, recognizing the best technologies, products, and services for the custom integration (CI) industry.
Does your product solve problems and make work easier for installers? Then this is the program for you!
What Brings an Interior Designer to a CI Tradeshow?
Image: EmeraldX/2025 PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
As smart home technology becomes a more integral part of residential and multi-family design, events like CEDIA Expo/CIX are drawing increased interest from interior designers looking to better understand how these systems fit into their projects. For interior designer Natasa Obradovic, the show represents an opportunity to connect design intent with rapidly evolving technology.
“I was initially introduced to CEDIA Expo/CIX through NKBA and KBIS and attended out of curiosity, but it quickly became clear that it is an essential resource for expanding my knowledge as a designer,” Obradovic says.
Battle of the Bands Added to CEDIA Expo’s Opening Night Party
The CE Pro All-Star Band (performing here at CEDIA Expo 2025) will be headlining the new Battle of the Bands competition on Sept. 2, 2026.
CEDIA Expo/CIX is shaking up its usual Opening Party formula, introducing an all-new Battle of the Bands competition and CE Pro All-Star Band performance that aims to infuse fresh energy into the entire CEDIA Expo/CIX experience.
This special event will feature live performances from industry bands, culminating in a crowd-selected Battle of the Bands champion. Then, the CE Pro All-Star Band will bring us home as the evening’s headliner.
A New Education Track for the 2026 CEDIA Conference
For 2026 the CEDIA Education Conference will host six tracks centered around modern-day business challenges and functions as well as emerging topics and trends.
“We’ve built the 2026 CEDIA Education Conference to reflect the diversity of our industry,” said Paul Dolenc, Vice President of Education at CEDIA. “Whether your focus is technical excellence, business growth, or design collaboration, you will be sure to find targeted, high-impact learning in the halls of the Colorado Convention Center.”
CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 Registration Opens
Photo courtesy of Emerald
This year, CEDIA Expo will be adjusting its schedule to accommodate Labor Day weekend to give attendees more flexibility to enjoy the holiday. As such, the Exhibit Hall will be open from Wednesday, September 2nd, through Friday, September 4th.
The show is expected to bring in over 300 exhibiting brands across lighting, security, audio, video, smart home technology and design. Twenty dedicated Sound Rooms have already been confirmed, with product demonstrations and in-depth Manufacturer Product Training sessions planned as well, creating what showrunners are describing as “a highly practical environment for learning, product evaluation and connection.”
All the New Updates to CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 Integrators Need to Know
The CEDIA Expo/CIX team (of which CE Pro is a part) is working hard to make the 2026 edition of the event the best in recent memory, and they’re introducing a series of updates aimed at improving attendee flexibility, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing engagement across both the residential and commercial integration markets.
There are several important changes that attendees won’t want to miss, so make sure you’re in the know.
Home Security is Becoming a Category Integrators Can’t Ignore
Image by metamorworks – stock.adobe.com
Security is a fast-growing segment of custom integration (CI) not commonly talked about due to the unique technology and nuances within the systems that have allowed it to stand as its own separate business outside of the smart home, though, in recent years, client interest in security systems has seen in become more ubiquitous on projects.
Homeowners increasingly expect security to be fully integrated into their smart home ecosystems. Cameras, doorbells, environmental sensors and access control systems are now expected to work seamlessly with automation platforms, and those platform providers are ensuring just that, interweaving security functionality into core smart home aspects.
What Caught the CE Pro Editors’ Attention on the Smart Stage
The full Smart Stage schedule for CEDIA Expo 2026 is now live with the official programming for the stage highlighting sessions surrounding AI-enhanced control platforms, device protection on the home grid and scaling a light commercial business model, in addition to a new awards series being introduced to this year’s show.
Beyond core educational programming and business strategy, the 2026 Smart Stage also will play host to the BEST and Home of the Year awards, however, this year, the show is introducing a new series of booth awards aimed at highlighting the most creative and visually impressive exhibits presented on this year’s show floor.
We’re Calling It: AI is Going to Be Everywhere at CEDIA Expo 2026
Sonance CEO Ari Supran talks shop on AI tools for business at a smart stage session in 2025 that saw standing room only for crowds interested in learning more. Photo courtesy of Brand Definition
AI’s continued profusion of the professional smart home is getting a substantial nod as CEDIA Expo, the largest North American tradeshow for the channel, has announced more educational and hands-on opportunities to see AI in action will be present at the 2026 edition of the show.
“AI is clearly one of the biggest forces shaping the future of smart homes and integrated technology, and it will be a major focus of programming at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo and CIX.
The Design/Tech Trends Driving Business in 2026
Technology is fast incorporating itself as an integral component of residential and commercial design, greatly accelerating adoption of “integrated design” philosophies on projects.
“Smart technology has entered the next phase of adoption,” McGraw adds. “Whether it’s new build or retrofits, home and business owners now expect enhanced connectivity and control. This expectation underpins each of these significant trends we’re seeing in 2026.”
American Homes Set to Declare Energy Independence
Image created by Gemini
Energy independence for homes really hit its stride in 2025, becoming a more tangible reality (and desire) from homeowners. From smart monitoring services helping shape consumption behaviors to smart energy management systems helping run net-zero homes, innovations in energy and power are reshaping what a home can do.
For context, when we say “energy independence,” we’re talking about a home’s ability to produce, manage and store its own energy in a way that minimizes dependence on the electrical grid, ideally allowing it to disconnect from the grid entirely, but those remain rare cases.
