It’s hard not to be captivated by this industry. Every year, I’m reminded why so many of us fall in love with the world of custom integration. At its heart, this field is about more than just the latest gadgets. It’s about remarkable technology that entertains, immerses, and genuinely supports people in their daily lives. That spirit was on full display at the recent CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo in Denver, where the energy in the room was as inspiring as the innovations being showcased.
The demonstrations this year pushed boundaries like never before. From immersive audio systems that enveloped you in three-dimensional soundscapes, to lighting and shading solutions that dynamically responded to a touch or even the time of day, each exhibit emphasized not only technical excellence but also the real-world experiences these technologies enable.
Supportive services including new software, streamlined installation tools and enhanced technical assistance were equally prominent, giving integrators confidence that they could deliver these experiences consistently for their clients. If it’s software you want to learn about, check out our deep dive research report into the software tools serving this industry.
The same innovation was clear in our Home of the Year and BEST Product award winners. Those winners have been announced on our site, and you’ll learn more about them in the November/December issue of CE Pro. Judging these awards is genuinely one of the highlights of my year.
I admit, I’m the kind of person who can spend an evening scrolling through Zillow, pushing the price filter to its limits just to peek inside a stunning home. Evaluating Home of the Year projects evokes that same sense of awe. Every project is a testament to the creativity, technical diligence, and collaboration our channel embodies. The BEST Product Awards program, in particular, showcases how rapidly our industry is evolving, always searching for the next idea or solution that will raise the bar for everyone.
As we look ahead, Senior Editor Nick Boever and I remain deeply committed to CE Pro’s mission. While CE Pro and our industry experienced transition this year, our commitment to the CI community is stronger than ever. Our enthusiasm for this market, and our belief in collaboration and progress, is the driving force behind everything we do.
To our readers, customers, partners, and the entire CI ecosystem, we are here to support you every step of the way. We invite you to share your stories, ideas, and feedback. Reach out to me any time. Thank you, as always, for your trust, partnership, and unwavering passion for this industry. Let’s keep building the future together.
