CE Pro, Commercial Integrator, and CEDIA Expo/CIX have partnered to launch a new virtual event designed to help integrators evaluate the newest companies entering the custom installation channel. Each year at the show, CE Pro and Commercial Integrator editors spend much of their time on the CEDIA Expo/CIX floor tracking first-time exhibitors and identifying early signals about where the industry is heading. With more than 50 new exhibitors this year alone, even experienced attendees found it challenging to explore every aisle and understand which new brands may meaningfully impact their work.
CEDIA Expo/CIX PitchFest: New Exhibitors Take the Stage brings that discovery process directly to integrators. This two-day virtual program provides a curated, time-efficient look at new exhibitors and the technologies that could shape 2026 project planning. The collaboration among CE Pro, Commercial Integrator, and CEDIA Expo/CIX ensures the event combines editorial insight, industry expertise, and the momentum of the Expo platform.
What PitchFest Offers
Across two afternoons—December 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST—several first-time CEDIA Expo/CIX exhibitors will deliver focused three- to five-minute presentations explaining what their technology does, who it is built for, and how it fits into real-world integration work. Presentations are supported by live audience voting and evaluation from CE Pro Executive Editor Zachary Comeau, Michelle Ferlauto of SoundVision, and Andres Klein of Maxicon. Dan Ferrisi, Group Director of Content + Editorial, Industrial + Tech, Emerald, will moderate.
Participating newcomers include Jet Living Products, Deako, Dio Technologies, BTX Window Automation, Cogent 360, and others.
PitchFest is structured to help integrators quickly identify emerging manufacturers and solutions entering the CI channel. It offers a streamlined view into new tools and technologies that may support design and installation needs. It highlights early-stage product approaches that could influence business strategy heading into 2026. Attendees will also receive exclusive promotional codes and early-access opportunities from participating brands.
Day 1: What to expect on December 16
- Event welcome and judging panel introduction from CE Pro, Commercial Integrator, and CEDIA Expo/CIX.
- Several exhibitor presentations.
- Live audience voting to determine the Day 1 finalist.
- A brief preview of Day 2.
Day 2: What to expect on December 17
- A recap of Day 1 and an overview of the Day 2 format.
- Several additional exhibitor presentations.
- Live audience voting to determine the Day 2 finalist and overall champion.
- Winner announcement and a short look ahead to CEDIA Expo 2026.
Why PitchFest Matters
PitchFest brings together the strengths of CE Pro, Commercial Integrator, and CEDIA Expo/CIX to highlight innovation that often gets lost in the pace of the show floor. It gives integrators a structured, efficient way to stay informed on new categories and trends. It offers a head start on evaluating the newest technologies entering the market. It supports emerging companies investing in the CI channel. And it provides opportunities to connect with exhibitors, peers, and industry leaders in a focused format.
Register Today
CEDIA Expo/CIX PitchFest: New Exhibitors Take the Stage is a high-value opportunity for integrators to see where new innovation is coming from, influence the competition through live voting, and receive exclusive discount codes for participating brands’ highlighted products. Register today to secure your spot and gain a direct look at the next wave of solutions entering the residential and commercial integration space.
