CEDIA Global President and CEO Daryl Friedman with CEDIA Executive Committee. Seated L-R CEDIA Board Chairperson Alex Capecelatro, Friedman. Standing L-R Amanda Wildman, David Weinstein, Jen Mallett and Jamie Briesemeister
FISHERS, Ind. (March 18, 2024) – CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals™, has announced the extension of Daryl Friedman’s contract as its Global President and CEO. Friedman’s initial term, set to expire late this year, has been extended through the end of 2027, underscoring his and the Board’s dedication to CEDIA’s stability and continuity.
"Daryl's contract renewal as CEDIA's Global President and CEO is a testament to his outstanding leadership," said Alex Capecelatro, Chairperson of the CEDIA Board of Directors. "I am personally thrilled to continue working as Chair alongside Daryl, and I look forward to our ongoing collaboration in advancing CEDIA's mission and serving our members."
Friedman first began his role as CEDIA’s Global President and CEO on Nov. 29, 2021. Before plotting a vision for the association, Friedman set out on a global “listening tour” to understand both internal and external challenges and member needs. His people-first mentality has since shaped various initiatives association wide, ultimately steering CEDIA in the direction of stability and growth.
Foremost, his strategic financial decisions helped guide CEDIA out of the pandemic, achieving profitability for the association again for the first time in nearly five years. CEDIA has also experienced record-breaking new membership acquisition rates, with CEDIA members now represented in over 80 countries. Member engagement has also been particularly noteworthy across programs including the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, the RP22 Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice, and CEDIA NextGen Smart Home Career Toolkit.
In Friedman’s pursuit to bring forward CEDIA’s “best kept secret,” advocacy efforts have expanded significantly. The association organized its first in-person lobby day at the Michigan State Capitol, filed comments on behalf of integrators to the FCC, and launched the inaugural CEDIA Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill. Simultaneously, Friedman has continued to emphasize CEDIA's position to adjacent trades, nurturing relationships with builders, designers, and architects.
Friedman’s fresh ideas have also enhanced member experiences at key events like CEDIA Expo and ISE, which have become pivotal platforms for galvanizing the smart home community. At CEDIA Expo, he introduced the annual CEDIA Town Hall to delve deeper into pressing industry topics like advocacy and workforce development, the AI symposium as an industry-wide collaborative partnership, and the CEDIA Executive Club for industry CEOs to elevate the sector. At ISE, he conceived the Smart Home Technology Stage, broadcasted the CEDIA Annual Meeting enabling all members globally to participate, and initiated focus groups with designers to gather valuable industry insights.
Following Friedman’s travels to meet members around the world, CEDIA launched a new ambassador program, empowering members to serve as advocates for the industry in their local communities. Digitally, CEDIA is implementing an upgraded SEO strategy to ensure more end users are encouraged to use CEDIA integrators. These efforts will help amplify CEDIA's message and reach a broader audience, driving greater awareness and engagement.
"Daryl's unwavering passion for the industry shines through in his proven track record and forward-thinking plans,” said Amanda Wildman, Vice Chairperson of the CEDIA Board of Directors. “He is keen to listen to members and share fresh ideas – all while fortifying CEDIA’s existing initiatives. I am filled with optimism for the promising journey ahead as we embark on the next phase of CEDIA under his guidance."
To learn more about Friedman’s background, visit the CEDIA staff page. Friedman can be reached directly via email at ceo@cedia.org.
About CEDIA
CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of technology integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org.