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.
“We want every design-build professional at CEDIA Expo 2026 to walk away with actionable insights, new industry relationships, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible,” said Douglas Weinstein, Editor-in-Chief of Technology Designer Magazine regarding the decision.
Taking place at CEDIA Expo annually, the Day of Discovery is an annual fixture of the show, allowing design-build professionals to get a curated look at many of the technologies the custom integration (CI) channel has on offer. For CEDIA Expo 2026 the Day of Discovery will expand to two full days of programming taking place September 2 – 3.
What’s in store for Day of Discovery 2026
Anyone can join the Day of Discovery activity by purchasing a by purchasing a Day of Discovery pass, which grants access to:
- Four curated CEDIA Design Build Track education sessions,
- Guided show floor tours beginning on both days at 1:30 p.m.,
- And exclusive access to the Technology Designer Magazine luncheon.
Participation is not restricted to profession. Architects, builders, designers, property developers, and system integrators are all welcome to participate in the Day of Discovery activities. The luncheon itself is free. However, seats are limited and do require registration with Technology Designer Magazine ahead of time, in addition to attendees needing a CEDIA Expo pass.
The luncheon itself will focus on a case study of The Phoenix House and how the Integrated Design Process (IDP) helped to rebuild the house into an award-winning performance home using intelligent building practices and smart home technology.
Weinstein will host the exploration alongside Architect Nick Bray, Builder Todd Best, Interior Designer Josephina Serra, and Technology Consultant Mike Freedman in a conversation about the design-build process and how the trades worked together on the home.
CEDIA free Design-Build education sessions schedule at a glance
In addition to the luncheon, Discovery Pass holders will be able to attend four free CEDIA Design Build education sessions over the course of two days. Here’s a quick rundown of the sessions on offer.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | “Invisible Innovation: Integrating Hidden Technology into Design”
Out of sight, but never out of impact. This session explores how cutting-edge solutions like hidden speakers, motorized lifts, architectural lighting, and concealed screens can disappear seamlessly into even the most elegant interiors.
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | “Om, Sweet Om: Designing Wellness Rooms with Intention”
Wellness spaces are increasingly requested in high-end residential projects. This session moves beyond aesthetics to address the technology, acoustics, climate, and human-centered design principles that make wellness rooms truly transformative.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | “Principles of Great Outdoor Entertainment Design & Installation”
Outdoor spaces are now fully integrated extensions of the home. This session covers immersive audio, landscape lighting, Wi-Fi coverage, all-weather displays, and everything needed to design and deliver exceptional outdoor entertainment environments.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | “Dreamhouse Team: Real-World Design–Build Partnerships”
Two established designer–integrator teams examine how their collaborations hold up under real project pressure — from design intent and rack location compromises to network planning and late-stage changes that affect both form and function.
Exhibit hall tours
The curated, guided exhibit hall tours on both days, beginning at 1:30 p.m., are designed to connect design-build professionals with the latest product innovations across intelligent lighting, energy management, designed to disappear technology, automated window treatments, and more.
Attendees must register directly with Technology Designer Magazine to participate in the guided tours.
What’s in it for integrators
Despite being primarily catered towards the design-build industry, the Day of Discovery has plenty on offer for integrators as well, giving them an opportunity to not only connect and network with design-build professionals but also get a better understanding of how their solutions can pair with architectural and design practices.
The luncheon offers a unique look at an emerging type of luxury residential property—the performance home— and how an integrator’s solutions play an integral role in developing these properties. The guided tour also offers a unique look into what technologies might be of most interest to design-build partners.
Day of Discovery registration
Registration for Day of Discovery 2026 is now open, with the Day of Discovery Pass being free for all Architects, Designers, and Builders. Registration for Day of Discovery must be done with Technology Designer Magazine while registration for CEDIA Expo must be done through the CEDIA Expo website.
