ALPHARETTA, Georgia, March 17, 2026 — AI is rapidly transforming the smart home and integrated technology landscape, and the conversation around AI’s impact on system design, automation, and client experiences will take center stage at the 2026 edition of CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX). Returning to Denver this September, the event will bring together thousands of residential and resimercial integrators, manufacturers, and industry leaders to explore how AI is reshaping everything from automation and lighting to system design and user experiences.
AI will be woven throughout the event’s education program, thought leadership discussions, and product demonstrations, allowing attendees to see firsthand how emerging technologies are redefining integration businesses.
“AI is clearly one of the biggest forces shaping the future of smart homes and integrated technology, and it will be a major focus of programming at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo/CIX. “Some of the most significant product pivots and breakthroughs in this industry have started on our show floor. That’s what happens when you put the right people and the right technologies in the same room and give them space to ideate, ‘what if?’”
For example, the idea that ultimately led to URC’s new AI-driven circadian lighting capability began with a simple conversation on the show floor at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. URC lead software engineer Justin Spiniolas said the spark came during a discussion with an integrator about the challenges of integrating circadian lighting across different systems. That exchange planted the seed for building circadian lighting directly into URC’s control platform — allowing it to function across multiple lighting brands instead of being limited to a single ecosystem. “I had a ‘lightbulb’ moment,” recalls Spiniolas. “Inspiration was my key takeaway from the show.”
Smart Stage Conversations on the Future of AI
A key hub for AI discussion will be the event’s Smart Stage, where free educational sessions run throughout the three days of the show. The program will feature thought leadership discussions examining how manufacturers and integrators are incorporating AI into their product roadmaps and service offerings. Organizers are also planning a new manufacturer leadership panel, bringing together executives from some of the industry’s leading technology brands to discuss how AI is influencing product innovation and where the next wave of intelligent automation is headed.
“We want attendees to hear directly from the brands shaping the future,” McGraw explained. “What is their vision? What does the roadmap look like? And how are they implementing technologies like AI to create better outcomes for integrators and their customers?”
These discussions will provide integrators with practical insight into how AI-driven tools — ranging from predictive automation to intelligent lighting and system analytics — can open new business opportunities.
AI in Action Across the Show Floor
Beyond the stage, AI will be visible across the expansive expo hall, where more than 400 manufacturers are expected to showcase new smart home and resimercial technologies. Integrators will be able to experience intelligent lighting systems, AI-enhanced automation platforms, advanced voice and natural-language interfaces, and smart energy management solutions that adapt dynamically to user behavior. Exhibitors, including Aqara, Josh.ai, Deep Sentinel, DoorBird, and other intelligent automation providers, will demonstrate AI-enhanced products and platforms designed to deliver more intuitive, adaptive smart home experiences for integrators and their clients.
For many attendees, these live demonstrations are where the event’s value truly comes to life. “Nothing replaces being able to talk to the engineers, see the technology operating live, and explore how it fits into your next project,” said McGraw. “You can research products online, but seeing them demonstrated in person with the people who designed them is where the real learning happens.”
The Industry’s Annual Gathering
The broader mission of CEDIA Expo/CIX remains helping integrators grow stronger, more profitable businesses. While AI will be visible across many new product introductions, it is also rapidly transforming the software tools that integrators rely on to manage operations, projects, and customer relationships.
Companies including D-Tools, Portal.io, Rev.io, Specifi IO, and Symbol Logic will showcase AI-enabled platforms that simplify business management, helping integrators streamline back-office processes, improve operational visibility, and run more efficient organizations.
In addition to technology discovery and education, CEDIA Expo/CIX also provides an unmatched networking environment for the custom integration community. From industry meetups and training sessions to special events such as the CE Pro All-Star Band opening night celebration, the show fosters the connections that help drive new partnerships and projects.
“Integrators come for three main reasons: to see new products, to learn from the education and thought leadership, and to connect with peers across the industry,” McGraw said. “When those three elements come together, it becomes an incredibly powerful experience.”
Why Integrators Should Attend
For residential and resimercial integrators navigating the rapid evolution of AI-driven technology, attending CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 represents a unique opportunity to understand where the market is heading and how their businesses can adapt.
Whether exploring AI-powered automation platforms, learning from manufacturer leaders, or experiencing new technologies firsthand on the show floor, attendees will gain insights that can help them stay competitive in an increasingly intelligent smart home ecosystem.
“There is simply no other event in North America that brings together this many integrators, manufacturers, and educational opportunities in one place,” McGraw said. “If you want to understand the future of intelligent homes and integrated technology, this is where that conversation happens.”
CEDIA Expo/CIX will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4, 2026. To learn more about CEDIA Expo/CIX, please visit cediaexpo.com. Get notified when registration opens or inquire about exhibiting here. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
