CEDIA Education Conference Schedule
The Education Conference at CEDIA Expo/CIX is curated by CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals.
The 2026 conference program includes sessions in these tracks:
Business: From branding and marketing to succession planning and showroom strategies, these sessions are designed to help you grow and scale smarter.
Design/Build: Explore how technology complements architecture and design—from outdoor living innovations to lessons learned from iconic residential projects.
Emerging Technologies: AI, robotics, future forecasting—this track brings Silicon Valley insight directly to your playbook.
Technical: Deep dives into racks, fiber, networking, cybersecurity and system fundamentals, including hands-on demos and real-world problem-solving from top integrators.
Lighting: From color science and fixture selection to control systems, shading, and sensors, this new curriculum track for 2026 helps integrators design, deploy, and troubleshoot lighting systems while building a profitable lighting practice that delivers both beautiful results and new revenue streams.
Certifications: Prep, train, and test with confidence. Boost your skills and stand out with official CEDIA certifications.
Note: All educational sessions are included with a Full Access Pass, except for workshops and certifications which can be added for an additional fee. Sessions can be selected post-registration through the show mobile app when it becomes available. Expo Only passholders may add educational sessions, workshops and certifications for an additional fee. All passholders may purchase sessions in the registration process or by accessing your record through the registration email confirmation.
View the full CEDIA Education Conference Schedule below:
RP-32: Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop
CEDIA’s latest Recommended Practice RP-32 outlines objective, repeatab…CEDIA’s latest Recommended Practice RP-32 outlines objective, repeatable methods for measuring and verifying audio system performance. It provides a structured process to ensure that completed systems meet the intended design goals and client expecta…CEDIA’s latest Recommended Practice RP-32 outlines objective, repeatable methods for measuring and verifying audio system performance. It provides a structured process to ensure that completed systems meet the intended design goals and client expectations. Importantly, RP-32 incorporates verification against the performance parameters defined in CEDIA RP-22: Immersive Audio System Design, allowing integrators to demonstrate whether a system achie…CEDIA’s latest Recommended Practice RP-32 outlines objective, repeatable methods for measuring and verifying audio system performance. It provides a structured process to ensure that completed systems meet the intended design goals and client expectations. Importantly, RP-32 incorporates verification against the performance parameters defined in CEDIA RP-22: Immersive Audio System Design, allowing integrators to demonstrate whether a system achieves the targeted RP-22 performance level. This hands-on workshop introduces the recommended procedures of RP-32 and gives participants practical experience using a range of measurement tools and software. Attendees will learn how to gather reliable data, interpret results, and document system performance in a consistent and professional manner. The course is suitable for both residential and commercial applications, and is designed to support newer practitioners as well as experienced professionals who want to adopt a Recommended Practice-based approach to system verification. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: • Describe and apply the RP-32 methodology. • Perform objective, repeatable system measurements. • Verify performance against RP-22 parameters. • Document and communicate results clearly.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Registration Hours
Registration will be open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.Registration will be open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.Registration will be open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
Mike and Rich Present the Pre-Show Extravaganza
The return of a favorite! To help you get the most out of your Expo ex…The return of a favorite! To help you get the most out of your Expo experience, CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Michael Heiss and Rich Green will present their overview of what to look for on the exhibit floor as new products, services, h…The return of a favorite! To help you get the most out of your Expo experience, CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Michael Heiss and Rich Green will present their overview of what to look for on the exhibit floor as new products, services, hardware, sand software intersect with current trends in the industry. This fast-paced presentation includes attendee input so that Mike and Rich may help you make certain that you don't miss the key p…The return of a favorite! To help you get the most out of your Expo experience, CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Michael Heiss and Rich Green will present their overview of what to look for on the exhibit floor as new products, services, hardware, sand software intersect with current trends in the industry. This fast-paced presentation includes attendee input so that Mike and Rich may help you make certain that you don't miss the key points at Expo.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Electronic Systems Certified Designer (ESC-D) Certification Review
An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Electronic Syst…An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Electronic Systems Certified Designer (ESC-D) Certification exam.An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Electronic Systems Certified Designer (ESC-D) Certification exam.An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Electronic Systems Certified Designer (ESC-D) Certification exam.Show MoreClick the title to see all details
Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification Review
An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Integrated Syst…An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification exam.An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification exam.An in-depth review session to help you prepare for the Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification exam.Show MoreClick the title to see all details
From the Smart Home to the Intelligent Home
Voice assistants and smart lighting still define smart homes for many.…Voice assistants and smart lighting still define smart homes for many. But more consumers are looking for cost control, comfort, and convenience without compromise. Behind the scenes, providers are pushing for greater electrification and digitization…Voice assistants and smart lighting still define smart homes for many. But more consumers are looking for cost control, comfort, and convenience without compromise. Behind the scenes, providers are pushing for greater electrification and digitization—what’s coming next for consumers is a software-defined intelligent home. Scott can break down: What consumers want now—and the upgrades they want next Why planning ahead for interoperable ecosystems …Voice assistants and smart lighting still define smart homes for many. But more consumers are looking for cost control, comfort, and convenience without compromise. Behind the scenes, providers are pushing for greater electrification and digitization—what’s coming next for consumers is a software-defined intelligent home. Scott can break down: What consumers want now—and the upgrades they want next Why planning ahead for interoperable ecosystems could boost sales How to capitalize on the intelligent home transition, including planning for greater Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) adoption How AI and software will define the intelligent home that optimizes every room in one go Using Schneider Electric’s consumer research, Scott will explain how intelligent systems balance saving energy, saving on costs, and keeping homes comfortable with real, measurable results. He’ll show why intelligent homes are the future of sustainable living and how attendees can capitalize on this transition.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
How I Built This – Integrator Edition: Lessons Learned from CEDIA Members Taking their Business from Dream to Reality
Building a successful integration firm rarely follows a straight line.…Building a successful integration firm rarely follows a straight line. What starts as a small operation, often driven by technical skill and a strong client instinct, quickly runs into the realities of pricing, staffing, scope control, and long-term …Building a successful integration firm rarely follows a straight line. What starts as a small operation, often driven by technical skill and a strong client instinct, quickly runs into the realities of pricing, staffing, scope control, and long-term sustainability. For many CEDIA members, that journey is shaped not just by experience in the field, but by access to shared standards, education, and a network of peers facing the same challenges. Hea…Building a successful integration firm rarely follows a straight line. What starts as a small operation, often driven by technical skill and a strong client instinct, quickly runs into the realities of pricing, staffing, scope control, and long-term sustainability. For many CEDIA members, that journey is shaped not just by experience in the field, but by access to shared standards, education, and a network of peers facing the same challenges. Hear from CEDIA members who embody the tenacity, creativity, and dedication required to grow a dream into a functioning, profitable business. This conversation centers on the moments that actually changed their trajectory. Early bets that paid off or didn’t, mistakes that forced a reset, and the shift from figuring it out alone to building with more structure and perspective. Expect honest reflections on what it takes to move from scrappy to sustainable. We’ll unpack: Decisions that set the foundation: pricing strategy, service mix, and when to narrow focusWhere outside perspective changed the game: learning faster through shared experience, not just trial and errorScaling without breaking the business: hiring, delegation, and maintaining quality as project volume growsLessons worth borrowing: missteps, recalibrations, and what they would approach differently todayShow MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Lighting and Lighting Fundamentals Workshop
As the LED has become the mandated choice for light sources in luminai…As the LED has become the mandated choice for light sources in luminaires it has changed dramatically how we design, specify, install, program, and interact with lighting systems. This transformative change has opened new opportunities for the CEDIA …As the LED has become the mandated choice for light sources in luminaires it has changed dramatically how we design, specify, install, program, and interact with lighting systems. This transformative change has opened new opportunities for the CEDIA integrator: lighting can become an important part the business model for our industry. This workshop will discuss the impact solid state light sources have on the future of lighting including technolo…As the LED has become the mandated choice for light sources in luminaires it has changed dramatically how we design, specify, install, program, and interact with lighting systems. This transformative change has opened new opportunities for the CEDIA integrator: lighting can become an important part the business model for our industry. This workshop will discuss the impact solid state light sources have on the future of lighting including technologies like LED, Laser LED and OLED. Explore functionality like warm dimming, tuneable white, and warm white; expert selection and control of these sources in an occupancy can have a positive impact on those individuals living and working in the space. Discover how new powering technologies are impacting the use and consumption of electrical energy. Uncover how the new “Luminaire Level Lighting Controls” (LLLC) technology is changing the way we control and manage light in a space. The workshop will use case studies and real-life calculations. To create a sample lighting schedule and a lighting control detail, all through the lens of a CEDIA Smart Home Professional. Highlights: - Incandescent to Solid State, how lights sources have evolved. - A brief comparison of the luminous efficacy of the new lamps - Load calculations and lighting schedules - New powering options for lighting - New control and management technologies - How these changes will benefit the CEDIA integrator and the customerShow MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Networking Fundamentals Every Integrator Should Know
The Power of Why
In our industry the focus has always been on "what": what speakers, wh…In our industry the focus has always been on "what": what speakers, what screens, what control system, what shades, what projector, what seats...what, what, what. Where did "why" get lost among all the what’s? In this interactive presentation, we wil…In our industry the focus has always been on "what": what speakers, what screens, what control system, what shades, what projector, what seats...what, what, what. Where did "why" get lost among all the what’s? In this interactive presentation, we will communicate The Power of Why: how asking "why" creates a better, more full comprehension of customer's expectations. It is a business strategy that conveys your focus is on the customer's vision rat…In our industry the focus has always been on "what": what speakers, what screens, what control system, what shades, what projector, what seats...what, what, what. Where did "why" get lost among all the what’s? In this interactive presentation, we will communicate The Power of Why: how asking "why" creates a better, more full comprehension of customer's expectations. It is a business strategy that conveys your focus is on the customer's vision rather than on your own inventory. Ultimately, we show that this leads to better outcomes and long-term customer relationships.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Ending the Feast-or-Famine Cycle: Creating Predictable Profit and Cash Flow
Many integrators experience strong sales one quarter and financial str…Many integrators experience strong sales one quarter and financial stress the next, not because the work isn’t there, but because their financial systems aren’t designed for predictability. This session breaks down why feast-or-famine cycles persist …Many integrators experience strong sales one quarter and financial stress the next, not because the work isn’t there, but because their financial systems aren’t designed for predictability. This session breaks down why feast-or-famine cycles persist and how to replace them with steady cash flow and sustainable profits. Attendees will learn how planning, cash forecasting, and understanding breakeven transform volatility into stability, allowing bu…Many integrators experience strong sales one quarter and financial stress the next, not because the work isn’t there, but because their financial systems aren’t designed for predictability. This session breaks down why feast-or-famine cycles persist and how to replace them with steady cash flow and sustainable profits. Attendees will learn how planning, cash forecasting, and understanding breakeven transform volatility into stability, allowing business owners to grow with confidence instead of reacting in crisis mode.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
From Connections to Contracts: Building a Referral Engine with Builders, Architects, and Designers
Builders, architects, and interior designers remain among the most v… Builders, architects, and interior designers remain among the most valuable sources of project referrals for integration firms. Yet many integrators approach these relationships informally, relying on occasional introductions rather than a delibera… Builders, architects, and interior designers remain among the most valuable sources of project referrals for integration firms. Yet many integrators approach these relationships informally, relying on occasional introductions rather than a deliberate strategy for building long-term partnerships.In today’s competitive environment, successful integration companies are increasingly developing structured strategies to collaborate with trade partner… Builders, architects, and interior designers remain among the most valuable sources of project referrals for integration firms. Yet many integrators approach these relationships informally, relying on occasional introductions rather than a deliberate strategy for building long-term partnerships.In today’s competitive environment, successful integration companies are increasingly developing structured strategies to collaborate with trade partners earlier in the design process and position themselves as trusted technology advisors.In this session, Ron Callis explores how leading integrators transform casual industry connections into consistent referral pipelines. Drawing on decades of experience working with integration firms, this session outlines a framework for identifying high-value partners, establishing trust with design professionals, and creating mutually beneficial relationships that generate ongoing opportunities.Participants will also learn how digital reputation, professional positioning, and collaborative communication influence how builders and designers choose their technology partners.By building a deliberate referral engine with the design community, integrators can dramatically increase the quality and consistency of the projects entering their pipeline.Learning Objectives:Participants will learn how to:● Identify and prioritize high-value builder, architect, and designer relationships.● Position their integration firm as a trusted technology advisor during early project planning.● Build structured partnership strategies that generate recurring referral opportunities.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
