By CEDIA - Tue, Jan 27, 2026 - News
As CEDIA announces the launch the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards, the association is reminded of the program’s impact through the words and experiences of Jason Voorhees from Cantara – a respected integration company and long-standing participant in the awards. Jason’s journey with the CEDIA Awards is a shining example of what makes this program so meaningful, not just for winners but for the entire smart home industry.
“Cantara entered the CEDIA Smart Home Awards for the first time in 2012, when the company was just five years old. Since then, we have participated every other year, earning recognition across a wide range of categories – from Best Home Cinema and Best Integrated Home to Excellence in Documentation and Experience Centre Innovation. Our diverse wins showcase the breadth of our expertise and the program’s ability to honor all facets of smart home integration.
For our team, winning these awards is more than a trophy, it’s a powerful morale booster. It’s recognition for our designers, engineers, programmers, and project managers whose precision and care elevate every project. I believe that the awards inspire teams to aim higher and take pride in their craftsmanship.
The entry process for the CEDIA Smart Home Awards is fantastic. It’s tough, with a lot of requirements, but that’s a good thing. You want to be judged well to know you’re a worthy winner. The technical rigor ensures that every submission is a true reflection of excellence. Over the years, evolving requirements like calibration documents for audio in integrated homes have pushed us to continually improve their standards and processes.
I am enthusiastic about the recent category additions. The focus on business allows companies to be recognized for the unique challenges of running an integration company, while the Excellence in Support and Maintenance category shines a light on areas that are critical to long-term client satisfaction.
My advice to newcomers is simple: Go all in! Give equal attention to essay questions, images, and technical documentation. It means something to win a CEDIA Smart Home Award, so do it. The program is designed to honor holistic excellence, and balanced, thoughtful entries stand out.
Most importantly, the CEDIA Smart Home Awards inspire everyone involved in the creation of smart homes. The recognition validates the hard work and technical precision that often goes unseen and reminds teams that their efforts matter. It gives our teams something to strive for and be proud of.
As CEDIA opens entries for the 2026 program, I encourage fellow integrators to join a community that values excellence, celebrates innovation, and inspires the industry to reach new heights. The CEDIA Smart Home Awards aren’t just a marketing exercise; they are a true recognition of the best our industry has to offer.
We’re grateful for the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, and we’re proud to be part of a community that values excellence in the way this program does.”
