CEDIA has reported another successful ISE wrap for industry engagement.
As a co-owner of the show with AVIXA, the trade association delivered a packed programme of education, networking and industry dialogue.
Daryl Friedman, CEDIA global president and CEO, said: “ISE continues to be one of the most important touchpoints for our global community.
“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
Ahead of the main conference programme, CEDIA hosted a fully booked, full-day RP32: Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop on February 2.
The intensive session guided participants through recommended RP32 procedures, combining expert instruction with 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.
Conference programme
Meanwhile, the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference brought together around 400 attendees across a multiday programme in a 60–70% increase on last year.
It hosted over 40 expert speakers contributing sessions across AI, lighting design, networking, business strategy, wellness, social media, ethics and recommended practices.
Free stage programme
From Tuesday to Friday, the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage offered a continuous schedule of free sessions.
It covered emerging technologies, sustainability, AI, wellness, privacy and business development in an accessible format, introducing new audiences to CEDIA’s mission.
Next-gen inspiration
Alongside its professional education programme, 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.
The programme gave students from engineering and health & social care pathways direct exposure to the industry.
Nathan Jones from CEDIA member, Homeplay, shared his personal route into the field, helping students visualise alternative career pathways, while Kordz hosted a practical cabling challenge that tested real-world skills.
Design build engagement
CEDIA invited a handful of design build influencers to ISE this year to expand its engagement 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.
The activity focused on the intersection of design, lifestyle and connected living, helping contextualise smart home solutions in real environments.
Annual progress
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.
The meeting was led by Amanda Wildman, board chairperson; 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.
Community connections
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.