Systems integrators, building and facility managers, designers, and architects serving the residential and commercial markets are increasingly taking on more projects that cross successfully between the two. With the Integrated Systems Europe event successfully promoting that convergence as a joint-venture between the two professional associations CEDIA (for the residential sector) and AVIXA (for the commercial installation sector), it's only normal that those organizations rethink the models for their respective trade shows in the US.
AVIXA had room for expansion in the corporate space, building management, communications, and even in the corporate presentation segment. In the case of CEDIA, the association's show is now managed privately by a dedicated trade show entity, which naturally wants to expand the size and scope of the event and created the Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) area. Although traditionally in the US the two markets have been very distinct, with installation companies operating in each space having different structures, the convergence of installation projects with networked and more IT-centric technologies has promoted a change.
Also, while residential integrators usually operated more at the local and regional level, a strong consolidation in the systems integration industry has encouraged a consolidation of technology suppliers and respective channel networks, expanding territories and creating pressure over who is the authorized integrator for each territory. Those specific trends have created an overlap that naturally Emerald Expositions wants to explore to grow its show.
The two CEDIA Expo and CIX shows are now promoted by Emerald as an optimal event at which to see the brands and products used in any type of installation projects, offering additional business and technology insights to guide integrators' strategies. As Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo/CIX explains, this year's list of exhibitors already reflects the result of that effort.
"Denver in September will be an Expo to remember,” says McGraw. "This show is ground zero for the innovations, partnerships, and conversations that will shape residential and commercial integration for years to come. The demands of business can pull systems integrators and designers in many directions at once. Projects, planning, and business development are the core functions of integrators and designers, so having one show where they can see everything and meet everyone is an efficient use of their time. This is why we originally co-located the CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo, and this year, we are taking it a step further with a fully combined event featuring cohesive branding, a central website and social media platforms, and a shared registration process. We’re already receiving a lot of positive feedback about the event!"
According to McGraw, more than 50% of CEDIA Expo/CIX attendees have projects in commercial domains. Couple that statistic with the emergence of the "resimercial" category (the trend to create a "home" feeling in hotels, restaurants or even offices), and the motivation becomes even more compellingly for Emerald Expositions.
“Systems integration is becoming more converged by the month,” McGraw adds. "The exhibits, education, keynotes, and panels are market-informed to reflect this convergence and provide attendees with exceptionally efficient use of time!"
Convergence Draws Excitement
Having been co-located with one another since the debut of CIX in 2023, this year the two exhibitions adopted a more unified identity. The CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) are now promoted as CEDIA Expo/CIX.
Professionals who work between both commercial and residential verticals are more than one might think. According to the annual State of the Industry report promoted by CE Pro (a publication owned and managed by Emerald Expositions), more than 50% of all integrators have projects that touch residential and commercial domains.
According to Emerald, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 will host over 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in residential and commercial integrated technology. This includes everything from audiovisual equipment, lighting solutions, networking systems, security products, and more. In addition to products, the show will also feature plenty of educational sessions run by both manufacturers and experts in the field on various topics across the business landscape.
One of the ways this is being felt in the joint CEDIA Expo/CIX is through an expansion of the range of products presented by the large video projectors and display companies. With support from the 8K Association and major brands debuting next-gen displays and projectors, such as Digital Projection, Sony, and Samsung, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 will be a proving ground for just how far the technology has come.
In luxury homes, massive 8K video walls are redefining the entertainment experience and doubling as digital art canvases. But the applications go far beyond residential: in education, retail, and corporate spaces, 8K is powering immersive learning, visualization, and dynamic signage. With razor-sharp detail and dynamic scalability, 8K is becoming an indispensable tool in the integrator’s toolkit.
Another trend is the fact that lines between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, and today’s smart homes are expected to deliver seamless tech experiences in both. Top-of-the-line brands such as Neptune TV and Sol-Lux will be showcasing industry-defining outdoor technology solutions in Denver.
From 4K/8K outdoor-rated displays to directional speakers, weatherproof AV, landscape lighting, and smart grills, CEDIA Expo/CIX will showcase the whole ecosystem of outdoor innovation. Whether for entertaining, relaxing, or enhancing curb appeal, outdoor spaces are becoming high-performance zones. Even outdoor appliances like pizza ovens, grills, and fire features are being networked into the broader control ecosystem, and integrators are stepping in to bring it all together.
The Garage Goes Fully Connected
Once overlooked, the garage is becoming one of the most integrated spaces in the modern home — and in light commercial settings too. EVs now sync with home networks, launch lighting scenes, and interface with energy management systems. At the same time, garages are transforming into private gyms, workshops, and remote studios, requiring robust automation, connectivity, and security. At this year’s show, integrators will find technology that ties doors, HVAC, lighting, and surveillance into broader home and business automation from companies like Lutron, Graber, and Airzone.
At CEDIA Expo/CIX, attendees can expect to see smart fixtures and human-centric lighting to advanced shading and control protocols that serve both form and function. These systems are being specified for luxury homes, hospitality venues, workspaces, and wellness environments, giving integrators and designers new tools to shape the experience of a space.
Security has become a must-have in both residential and commercial installations — and it’s growing smarter, sleeker, and more integrated by the day. From discreet sensors and access control to video analytics and automation triggers, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 will feature security solutions designed to function quietly in the background while providing robust protection. Exhibitors include Allegion, HoloVision, and Ring. These systems are increasingly tied into AV, lighting, and HVAC controls, offering seamless safety for homes, MDUs, retail shops, and boutique offices alike.
And Let’s Not Forget Sound
Premium audio remains a cornerstone of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. Hi-Fi listening rooms, vinyl experiences, and immersive theaters will demonstrate how top-tier sound elevates any space, residential or commercial.
This year's show highlights both innovation and pure listening joy with many top brands, such as Yamaha, Harman, and L-Acoustics offering hands-on demonstrations in sound rooms on the show floor or in dedicated demo rooms. New exhibitors joining this year's event include Kii Audio, Brane Audio, Mag Audio, and NextLevel Acoustics, among more than fifty new brands, from large global companies to mid-sized PE-backed enterprises, and VC-backed startups.
"At this year's show, Kii Audio will demonstrate how our fully active, DSP-driven Kii SEVEN systems deliver pinpoint accuracy, effortless room adaptation, and plug-and-play integration — helping dealers accelerate sales, streamline install workflows, and exceed client expectations," explains JB Lierre, International Sales & Business Development Director, Kii Audio.
Going far beyond the exhibit floor layout, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 promises to be a comprehensive showcase for companies exploring the synergies in residential and commercial systems integration. Harman Luxury Audio will have offerings from Revel, Mark Levinson, JBL Synthesis, and Arcam on display at Booth 2512, just as Samsung will showcase its range of UHD televisions, projectors, and playback technologies.
Likewise, ADI and Snap One underscore the essence of integration and the multiplier effect when brands come together to make the whole greater than the sum of parts. Show-goers at CEDIA Expo/CIX can look forward to offerings from ADI and Snap One’s varied product lines, including Access Networks, Control4, episode, OVRC, Pakedge, Sunbrite, Triad, and Wirepath, among its many other brands at Booth 1512 in Denver.
Nice is also a booth that will feature multiple leading technologies, including audio, energy management, shading, security, lighting, and smart home that constitute category-defining solutions from its 2GIG, ELAN, Furman, Gefen, Linear, Panamax, Proficient, and SpeakerCraft among its other brands.
Legrand AV is similarly comprehensive in its range of technologies, products, and brands, including Chief, Connectrac, C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, On-Q, Sanus, Vaddio, and Vantage, in addition to Legrand shading solutions.
CEDIA Expo/CIX attendees are also encouraged to attend the CEDIA Education Conference program, running concurrently from September 3-5. Developed and curated by the CEDIA Association, the program features expert-led sessions across multiple tracks, offering practical insights, visionary technology, and business intelligence to help attendees thrive at every stage of their career.
www.cediaexpo.com
