CEDIA Reports Strong Engagement and Momentum at ISE 2026

FISHERS, Ind. (27 February 2026) – CEDIA wrapped another highly successful Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show, delivering a packed program of education, networking, and industry dialogue that drew strong engagement from smart home professionals across EMEA and beyond. As co-owners of the show alongside AVIXA, CEDIA used the platform to bring the community together, spotlight future talent, and equip attendees with practical tools for business growth and technical excellence.

“ISE continues to be one of the most important touchpoints for our global community,” says Daryl Friedman, CEDIA Global President and CEO. “This year’s show reinforced CEDIA’s role at the centre of the smart home conversation by championing education, nurturing future talent, expanding industry visibility, and helping professionals navigate a rapidly changing market with clarity and confidence.”

Hands-On Learning Drives Demand

Ahead of the main conference program, CEDIA hosted a fully booked, full-day RP32: Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop on Monday, Feb. 2. The intensive, hands-on session guided participants through recommended RP32 procedures, combining expert instruction with real-world measurement exercises using professional measurement tools and software.

Attendees praised the workshop for translating complex theory into practical skills they could immediately apply in the field. Strong demand and positive feedback reflected the industry’s appetite for deeper technical training and continued focus on raising performance standards in audio system design and verification.

Conference Program Sparks Discussion

The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference brought together around 400 attendees across a multi-day program — a 60–70% increase over last year.

With over 40 expert speakers contributing sessions across AI, lighting design, networking, business strategy, wellness, social media, ethics, and recommended practices, the conference generated lively discussion and peer-to-peer exchange. Each session was designed to address practical challenges integrators face today while helping businesses prepare for the next phase of growth in an evolving technology landscape.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of practical takeaways, candid conversations, and the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders and fellow professionals.

Free Stage Program Widens Access to Insight

From Tuesday to Friday, the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage offered a continuous schedule of free sessions. The stage served as an open forum for future-focused thinking, covering emerging technologies, sustainability, AI, wellness, privacy, and business development.

The accessible format encouraged natural participation and fresh conversations, introducing new audiences to CEDIA’s educational mission while reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge-sharing within the smart home sector.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Alongside its professional education program, CEDIA used ISE 2026 as a platform to invest in the future of the industry - both by introducing young people to smart home careers and by broadening awareness of the sector among new audiences.

A key highlight was CEDIA’s involvement in the AV Careers Day, where the association welcomed eight CEDIA competition-winning students from Derby, Harlow BMAT, and London Design & Engineering UTC colleges to ISE. Designed to showcase opportunities within the smart home sector, the program gave students from engineering and health & social care pathways direct exposure to the industry through hands-on activities and guided experiences.

Nathan Jones from CEDIA member, Homeplay, shared his personal route into the field, helping students visualize alternative career pathways, while Kordz hosted a practical cabling challenge that tested real-world skills. Feedback from students and educators was overwhelmingly positive, with the experience praised for delivering meaningful career insight and highlighting the breadth of opportunity within the connected home sector.

Design Build Engagement Expands Industry Reach

CEDIA invited a handful of design build influencers to ISE this year to expand on its strategic focus to engage with interior designers and architects. Through collaboration with design-led social media creators, content captured during the event has so far reached an estimated 1.1 million followers, introducing new audiences to the possibilities of integrated home technology.

The activity focused on the intersection of design, lifestyle, and connected living, helping contextualize smart home solutions in real-world environments. By engaging design-focused communities, the initiative strengthened awareness of the industry and highlighted the growing role of technology within contemporary residential design conversations.

Annual Meeting Highlights Progress and Direction

CEDIA’s 2026 Annual Meeting, held on the Smart Home Technology Stage, drew a large audience of members in person and online via a worldwide livestream, eager to hear industry progress and priorities. The meeting was led by Amanda Wildman, Board Chairperson; Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO; Wendy Griffiths, Senior Vice President of Membership & Global Development; Matt Nimmons, Managing Director EMEA; Paul Dolenc, Vice President of Education; and Adam Keplinger, CEDIA Volunteer of the Year. The team reflected on achievements from the past year and outlined initiatives for 2026, reinforcing CEDIA’s commitment to advocacy, education, and member growth.

Community Connections Beyond the Show Floor

CEDIA’s Member Drinks Reception at the Fira’s South entrance rounded out the opening day with an opportunity for members to reconnect and strengthen industry relationships, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the association. ISE returns to Barcelona from 2–5 February 2027. More information is available at cedia.org/ISE.

About CEDIA 

CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. 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 smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org. 