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.
Smart Stage Sessions at CEDIA Expo 2026
Here’s a look at the 2026 Smart Stage sessions in some greater detail.
Beyond the Big Screen: Video Walls and the Rise of Extra-Large Displays
Exclusively sponsored by Just Video Walls, this session will take place Wednesday, September 2, from 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM and explores where these technologies make the most sense, from large living spaces and sports lounges to dedicated media environments.
Panelists will discuss installation considerations, viewing distances, and how integrators are positioning extra-large displays and video walls to create impactful video experiences that far exceed traditional televisions.
When Smart Homes Get Smarter: AI Enters the Rack
The Josh.ai and Savant co-sponsored session takes place on Wednesday, September 2, from 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM with special guest speaker Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai, and Craig Spinner, Executive Vice President of Savant.
In this session, panelists examine how AI is being applied across AV, security, and control platforms, what it means for system design and how integrators can begin preparing for homes where technology doesn’t just respond to commands but actively interprets the environment.
How Energy Management Is Reshaping the Smart Home
Exclusively sponsored by Savant, this session will take place on Wednesday, September 2 from 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
Energy management is becoming one of the biggest growth opportunities in custom integration, and this session will explore how it can create new revenue opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and position businesses for the future of the smart home.
The Outdoor Opportunity: Building One Cohesive System from Structure to Control
Exclusively sponsored by Infratech, the session on Wednesday, September 2, from 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM features all four disciplines on one stage: structure (Jennier Kimble, Senior Marketing Manager – StruXure), enclosure (Arthur James, Founder/President – Progressive Screens), comfort (Michael Conway, Director of National Accounts – Infratech), and control (Perry Fox, COO and Co Founder – Bond Home).
This session explores what a truly cohesive outdoor living system looks like, how to spec it, how to sell it and how integrators can position themselves as the professional who owns the conversation from day one.
Designing Immersive Entertainment Experiences
Kaleidescape is exclusively sponsoring the “Designing Immersive Entertainment Experiences” session on Thursday, September 3, from 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM. Moderated by Zachary Comeau, Executive Editor, CE Pro, this session will explore the secrets behind high-end home cinema and how it utilizes today’s audio and video advancements to truly “feel real,” envelop the viewer, and allow them to disappear into the action.
Panelists include Michael Kobb – Principal Engineer, User Experience, Kaleidescape; Phil Holland – Filmmaker, PHFX; Juan Reyes – 8KA Executive Director; and Rob Budde – Product Manager, JVC.
From Homes to Main Street: Scaling to Light Commercial Projects
SONOS is sponsoring “From Homes to Main Street: Scaling to Light Commercial Projects,” on Thursday, September 3 from 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM.
Restaurants, fitness studios, retail stores, and offices increasingly need the same technologies integrators already deploy in homes. This session explores how residential integrators can successfully enter light-commercial markets while avoiding common mistakes that derail early projects, and speakers include Shawn Hansson, CEO and Founder, Logic Integration, and Dan Ferrisi, Group Director of Content + Editorial, Emerald.
Why Integrators Should Take Note
“The most exciting applications of AI aren’t about replacing the expertise integrators already bring to a project,” says Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai. “They’re about making homes more intuitive, personal, and responsive, while creating new ways for integrators to deliver value to their clients. CEDIA Expo is an important place to have these conversations, share what’s working today, and help the industry understand where things are headed next.”
“The Smart Stage gives integrators the opportunity to consider the entire [home entertainment] experience, from technology and content to room design, and think about how these elements can come together to create something truly exceptional,” says Michael Kobb, Principal Engineer, User Experience, Kaleidescape.
FAQ
What is the Smart Stage?
The Smart Stage is a program of short, focused sessions held right on the CEDIA Expo show floor, where integrators can hear directly from experts between booth visits. Over three days, sessions dig into the technologies changing projects, the business shifts reshaping operations, the workforce moves driving growth and the trends defining strong work across the channel. Programming runs Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 4.
When and where will CEDIA Expo 2026 place?
CEDIA Expo will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4, 2026. To learn more about CEDIA Expo, please visit cediaexpo.com or register here.
