CE Pro Podcast #162: Nice’s Paul Williams on CEDIA and Advocacy
Episode #162
Summary
In this episode of the CE Pro Podcast, Paul Williams, Managing Director of Home Management Solutions at Nice, discusses his recent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as part of CEDIA’s second annual Smart Home Day. The conversation focuses on why direct engagement with lawmakers is essential for the continued growth and innovation of the smart home industry.
Williams outlines several key policy issues raised during meetings with Congressional staff, including the need for tariff relief on specific imported products, support for the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor production, and backing for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which expands 529 savings plans to cover trade school and certification programs.
He also emphasizes the importance of educating policymakers about the real-world benefits of smart home technology—such as energy efficiency, security, accessibility, and aging in place—and the challenges integrators and manufacturers face when legislation fails to account for industry-specific concerns.
The episode underscores how industry-led advocacy efforts are not only elevating the profile of home technology professionals but also shaping future discussions around emerging topics like artificial intelligence and data privacy. Williams encourages broader participation from integrators and manufacturers to ensure the industry’s voice is heard as regulations continue to evolve.
Williams also discusses several recent innovations from the smart home device manufacturer, such as video doorbells, new home management software, an AI voice assistant, and more.
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Summary
In this episode of the CE Pro Podcast, Paul Williams, Managing Director of Home Management Solutions at Nice, discusses his recent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as part of CEDIA’s second annual Smart Home Day. The conversation focuses on why direct engagement with lawmakers is essential for the continued growth and innovation of the smart home industry.
Williams outlines several key policy issues raised during meetings with Congressional staff, including the need for tariff relief on specific imported products, support for the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor production, and backing for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which expands 529 savings plans to cover trade school and certification programs.
He also emphasizes the importance of educating policymakers about the real-world benefits of smart home technology—such as energy efficiency, security, accessibility, and aging in place—and the challenges integrators and manufacturers face when legislation fails to account for industry-specific concerns.
The episode underscores how industry-led advocacy efforts are not only elevating the profile of home technology professionals but also shaping future discussions around emerging topics like artificial intelligence and data privacy. Williams encourages broader participation from integrators and manufacturers to ensure the industry’s voice is heard as regulations continue to evolve.
Williams also discusses several recent innovations from the smart home device manufacturer, such as video doorbells, new home management software, an AI voice assistant, and more.
