With an immersive show floor and a packed schedule of technical training, business strategy, and future-facing tech at this year’s CEDIA Expo, it’s tough to choose where to spend your time. To help alleviate some options paralysis, the CE Pro editorial team has reviewed the full lineup and selected the education sessions at CEDIA Expo 2025 we believe every integrator, designer, or industry stakeholder should seriously consider attending. These sessions not only tackle pressing industry issues but also offer practical takeaways you can use to strengthen your business and deliver better results for your clients.
From Network Installer to Digital Gatekeeper: Why Cybersecurity Starts With You
Thursday, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | MH 4A | 1.5 CEUs
This session from Farr Shepherd of Decypher Technologies puts cybersecurity front and center, right where it belongs in today’s smart home ecosystem. Expect a practical framework for scaling security services, protecting client networks, and transforming liability into long-term opportunity. A must-attend for any integrator deploying residential or commercial networks.
Myth Busting & Delivering: Human Centric Lighting & Wellness
Wednesday, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Room 401
With wellness lighting gaining momentum—and confusion—this session promises to separate hype from science. Led by LaDonna Eriksen of Construction Education Consortium, Bruce Clark of Kaleidolight Lighting Design, and Andy Bull of Lighting Audio Video Projects, the class explores what HCL and circadian lighting actually do, the limits of current tech, and how integrators can set realistic expectations while delivering real benefits.
Sealing the Deal: How Designers Can Work with Integrators to Sell Tech with Confidence
Friday, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Room 401
Technology is now table stakes for luxury projects, but many designers still feel unprepared to talk tech. This session is designed to bridge that gap, offering practical strategies to integrate technology into designs and partner more effectively with integrators—without sacrificing aesthetics or creative control.
Be Powerful: The growing Sector of Power Management & Storage
Thursday, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | MH 3B | 1.5 CEUs
Power is no longer just infrastructure. It’s an experience. In this session, panelists from Rosewater, Savant, APEX, and Torus Power break down why energy storage, power quality, and backup are becoming central to smart home performance. Come for the insights, stay for the real-world project strategies.
Future Technologies: The Latest from Silicon Valley
Wednesday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | MH 3B | 2.0 CEUs
Rich Green’s annual tech forecast is one of the most anticipated sessions of the show. Expect a forward-looking (and occasionally unsettling) deep dive into what’s coming next—from AI and XR to robotics and ambient computing—and how it will impact the custom integration channel in the very near future.
Empowering Independence: Technology Solutions for Aging and Accessibility
Thursday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Room 404 | 1.0 CEU
As the aging-in-place and accessibility market grows, so does the opportunity for integrators. This session led by Kyle Steel of Global Wave Integration and Linda Kafka of NeuroDesign Academy explores real-world implementations of assistive and human-centered technology that support independent living—without compromising design or dignity. Great insights for anyone working with builders or healthcare-oriented partners.
Get Hired Early: How to Change Your Firm’s Perception from Subcontractor to Technology Designer
Friday, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Room 404
Led by Amanda Wildman of TruMedia and Josh Christian of the Home Technology Association, this course speaks to the proactive integrator who wants to shift their positioning from subcontractor to strategic design partner. It’s about getting involved early, shaping conversations, and earning a seat at the table alongside architects and designers.
Lessons Learned from the Trenches
Wednesday, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | MH 3C | 1.5 CEUs
This one’s for the boots-on-the-ground crowd. A panel of veteran techs including Charles Rudolph of Geeks with Hammers and Ron Wanless of Technology Design Associates share the war stories, mistakes, and quick saves that shaped their careers. It’s an honest, insightful look at what really happens in the field, and what you can learn from it to build a stronger team and smoother operations.
How to Grow your Talent Pipeline and Expand your Workforce Development Footprint
Wednesday, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | MH 4A
With the labor shortage still a major industry issue, this session offers actionable strategies to connect with future talent through schools, job fairs, and community partnerships. Panelists from CEDIA, Lutron, and Blacksheep Engineering also provide an update on the CEDIA Foundation’s “100 Techs in 100 Days” initiative and new efforts to support the next generation of integrators.
