By Richard Litofsky, Co-founder and CEO of MadVR - Wed, Mar 4, 2026 - Awards, Blog
The CEDIA Smart Home Awards have become a fixture in the industry calendar, serving as a beacon for innovation and excellence. For manufacturers and distributors, the manufacturer-specific categories offer a unique opportunity to connect with the community, boost team morale, and drive business growth.
We have participated in the CEDIA Smart Home Awards since our journey with CEDIA started in 2020 and have been lucky enough to take home three trophies thus far.
The Power of Recognition
Having founded the company in 2019, we thought that entering the awards program would be a great way to integrate more with the CEDIA community and help get our brand name and products out there.
We were lucky enough to win Best New Hardware Product in 2020, which was incredibly exciting for us as a new company. This was the COVID year when the ceremony was virtual, but despite the lack of an in-person celebration, the impact on our team and the company’s visibility was profound.
The shift from regional to global recognition in the manufacturer categories of the CEDIA Smart Home Awards has been transformative for our brand. Our products are now available in over 50 countries, so knowing that as a finalist or winner, we are announced at all three CEDIA ceremonies – Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA – is great for enhancing our visibility to all our customers. This global reach is crucial for both brand development and market education.
Team Morale and Shared Achievement
One of the less tangible, but perhaps most valuable, aspects of participating in the CEDIA Smart Home Awards is the effect on our internal culture. Since the beginning, the awards have been a source of pride and motivation for my team.
We all love what we do at MadVR. Every single person in the company is dedicated to home cinema – it's a hobby first, and a job, second. This external recognition goes a long way in cementing our message and highlighting what we've all accomplished together.
The award win in 2025 was extra special as I had three of my top team members with me for the ceremony. As we were waiting for our category to be announced, one of my colleagues turned to me and said, ‘If we win, you go up there without us.’ I immediately told him that we were there as a team and I was not going to go onto stage without all of them. It was a moment for us all to celebrate together.
Streamlined Entry Process
Regarding the awards entry process, I find it to be generally straightforward – the requirements for the submissions are what you’d expect for a product category. With regards to the judging phase, I appreciate having the opportunity to present to the judges via online meetings, as it provides us with preparation time.
For those new to the CEDIA Awards or considering entering for the first time, it’s an opportunity for meaningful recognition. Winning awards not only brings attention to your work but also signals to the industry that your team is performing at a high level.
Why Enter?
For those who are new to the CEDIA Smart Home Awards or who are considering entering for the first time this year, it’s an opportunity for meaningful recognition. It provides a source of company pride and signals to the industry that your team is performing at a high level. Success at the CEDIA Smart Home Awards encourages peers to take notice and strive for excellence.
With three award wins under our belts, we now head into the 2026 program with the aim of winning our fourth CEDIA Smart Home Award.
For more information on the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, as well as access to the Awards Toolkit, visit www.cedia.org/awards.