During the third day of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, I sat down with CEDIA Global CEO Daryl Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation about the show’s energy, the technology themes shaping the channel, and where the industry is headed. The discussion took place in the back of a shuttle van between appointments—a fitting snapshot of how packed and fast-moving this year’s event has been.
Friedman described the week as invigorating, fueled by steady crowds, strong engagement, and the sheer volume of conversations with integrators. Across the show floor, several trends stood out. Technologies historically reserved for high-end projects are becoming increasingly accessible, aging-in-place solutions are gaining momentum, and artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded into products rather than treated as a standalone business tool. The shift illustrates how quickly AI is moving from concept to core functionality in the home.
Education emerged as one of the show’s biggest successes. Integrator-driven programming consistently filled classrooms, covering business operations, profitability, project management, technical disciplines, and future-focused technology topics. Attendance reinforced the industry’s appetite for practical training and continued professional development.
Workforce development remained a major theme, with CEDIA detailing progress on initiatives designed to attract new talent and remove barriers to entry. Early participation signals growing interest from young professionals and career-changers, a promising sign for integrators facing ongoing labor shortages.
Another clear thread throughout the show was the strengthening relationship between integrators and the design community. Research unveiled during a town hall with NKBA highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges, while designer-oriented sessions and programming underscored a shared commitment to closer collaboration.
Looking ahead, Friedman expects robotics to emerge as a major discussion point next year as costs fall and residential use cases expand. Broader exhibitor diversity, increased representation across demographics, and steady market consolidation all indicate an industry continuing to evolve in meaningful ways.
