CE Pro Podcast #164: Buzz Delano Talks on the Evolution and Future of the Smart Home Industry
Episode #164
Summary
When it comes to charting the evolution of the smart home industry, few voices carry the depth of experience and perspective that Buzz Delano does. A longtime consultant, mentor and advocate for the custom integration channel, Delano has spent more than three decades watching — and helping — the profession grow from its audiophile roots into the highly collaborative, design-driven ecosystem it is today.
In this episode of The CE Pro Podcast, recorded live at CEDIA Expo | Commercial Integrator Expo 2025 in Denver, Group Editor Dan Ferrisi sits down with Delano to explore that transformation and discuss his latest venture, Delano News Advance — a new publication designed to spotlight leadership, innovation and community across the AV and smart home industries.
From the outset, Delano frames the modern integration profession as something far richer than technology alone.
“This industry has matured,” he tells Ferrisi. “It’s become a true profession, one that connects homeowners, integrators, and the broader design and construction communities through shared goals of comfort, convenience, and creativity.”
That spirit of connection, Delano explained, lies at the core of his new platform. Through Delano News Advance, he hopes to create a space where integrators and thought leaders can share best practices, elevate the industry’s voice, and learn from one another’s experiences.
It’s an evolution, he says, that mirrors the ongoing growth of CEDIA itself — where networking, education, and exposure to cutting-edge solutions continue to drive the profession forward.
Ferrisi and Delano also reflect on how the relationship between integrators and homeowners has become increasingly collaborative, as technology blends into design and lifestyle rather than sitting apart from it. Today, Delano noted, integrators aren’t just installing products — they’re curating experiences that enhance the way people live in their homes.
And as the conversation winds down, Delano offered a hopeful view of what lies ahead. With growing alignment between integrators, builders, and designers — and with smart home technologies entering the mainstream — the profession, he says, is poised for another leap forward.
For Delano, the opportunity isn’t just in the tools or systems, but in the people driving them. “What keeps me inspired,” he said, “is watching this community continue to innovate, collaborate, and evolve.”
Listen now to hear Buzz Delano and Dan Ferrisi discuss the growth, collaboration, and creativity shaping the modern smart home industry.
Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities at CEDIA Expo.
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Summary
When it comes to charting the evolution of the smart home industry, few voices carry the depth of experience and perspective that Buzz Delano does. A longtime consultant, mentor and advocate for the custom integration channel, Delano has spent more than three decades watching — and helping — the profession grow from its audiophile roots into the highly collaborative, design-driven ecosystem it is today.
In this episode of The CE Pro Podcast, recorded live at CEDIA Expo | Commercial Integrator Expo 2025 in Denver, Group Editor Dan Ferrisi sits down with Delano to explore that transformation and discuss his latest venture, Delano News Advance — a new publication designed to spotlight leadership, innovation and community across the AV and smart home industries.
From the outset, Delano frames the modern integration profession as something far richer than technology alone.
“This industry has matured,” he tells Ferrisi. “It’s become a true profession, one that connects homeowners, integrators, and the broader design and construction communities through shared goals of comfort, convenience, and creativity.”
That spirit of connection, Delano explained, lies at the core of his new platform. Through Delano News Advance, he hopes to create a space where integrators and thought leaders can share best practices, elevate the industry’s voice, and learn from one another’s experiences.
It’s an evolution, he says, that mirrors the ongoing growth of CEDIA itself — where networking, education, and exposure to cutting-edge solutions continue to drive the profession forward.
Ferrisi and Delano also reflect on how the relationship between integrators and homeowners has become increasingly collaborative, as technology blends into design and lifestyle rather than sitting apart from it. Today, Delano noted, integrators aren’t just installing products — they’re curating experiences that enhance the way people live in their homes.
And as the conversation winds down, Delano offered a hopeful view of what lies ahead. With growing alignment between integrators, builders, and designers — and with smart home technologies entering the mainstream — the profession, he says, is poised for another leap forward.
For Delano, the opportunity isn’t just in the tools or systems, but in the people driving them. “What keeps me inspired,” he said, “is watching this community continue to innovate, collaborate, and evolve.”
Listen now to hear Buzz Delano and Dan Ferrisi discuss the growth, collaboration, and creativity shaping the modern smart home industry.
Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities at CEDIA Expo.
