For many in the smart home sector, the annual CEDIA Smart Home Awards are a chance to showcase technical innovation and creative design. But as judge of the Business categories, I believe that there is a deeper purpose — it’s a way of CEDIA showing its members that it wants to support them in having businesses that thrive and survive.
The Evolution of Business Categories
The business categories started in the Asia Pacific region two years ago, and then it was added to the global roster last year. The motivation behind it was that while it’s amazing to see the technically excellent projects take center stage, the question remained, ‘Were these companies actually profitable?’
So, my focus has been working with CEDIA to build credible business categories that allow entrants to showcase how they embrace sound business practices, including profitability and key performance indicators. The core business categories include:
- Excellence in Business
- Emerging Business
- Excellence in Experience Centre Innovation
These categories allow CEDIA to highlight the critical role of business acumen. They are designed to encourage companies to reflect on their operational practices, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Entrants should demonstrate not just what they build (be that products or projects), but also how effectively they run their companies, which is an essential message for any business owner seeking longevity, growth, and profitability.
When it comes to the business awards, I am passionate about inclusivity. These categories are for the smaller and newer companies as well as the established giants. They are designed to level the playing field, recognizing that excellence comes in many forms and sizes. For us, we are looking at whether your company is a sustainable and profitable business. So, whether you’re a start-up or an industry veteran, there’s room to shine.
The shift in the judging criteria for the Excellence in Experience Center Innovation category has moved away from technical assessments to a focus on the underlying business case. Rather than evaluating the technology in showrooms, we now look at how these spaces contribute to a company’s commercial success. Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate the financial rationale for their showroom investment, including costs, intended outcomes, and measurable returns.
What Makes a Winning Entry?
Exceptional award entries stand out through a strong emphasis on nurturing and retaining talented employees, with clear pathways for ongoing training and career progression. Programs such as apprenticeships, retention schemes, and performance bonuses demonstrate a company’s willingness to invest in its workforce and cultivate a sustainable business. We want to see a holistic approach to building a business that encourages growth for both the company and its staff. Those that highlight employee advancement and demonstrate a commitment to rewarding and supporting their teams are often those that thrive in the long term.
The most compelling submissions openly discuss how their company analyses performance, set goals, and adapts based on past experiences. Sharing stories of challenges and setbacks and revealing how these moments led to improved processes and profitability shows a genuine dedication to learning and progress. Successful entries are backed by quantitative evidence, demonstrating how specific changes have led to measurable improvements in profitability and overall business performance. I encourage entrants not to shy away from explaining challenges or failings. If you have used these situations as a way to learn and pivot the business, we don’t view this as a negative.
Practical Advice for Entrants
Do: Be Transparent — I encourage entrants to share specifics, especially around profitability and ROI. While some may worry about revealing numbers, proving your business credentials is vital, and the information is confidential.
Do: Focus on Business Fundamentals — Demonstrate how you manage your company, track KPIs, and ensure profitability. It’s not just about the projects you work on, but the process behind it.
Do: Answer Questions Thoughtfully — The questions are regularly refined to get to the heart of each business. Take the time to provide meaningful answers, not just generic responses.
Don’t: Assume Size is Everything — The awards are open to all. Small companies shouldn’t shy away, thinking they can’t compete. Excellence is recognized regardless of scale.
Don’t: Treat Business as a Hobby — Approach your entry as a serious business, not a side project. Your commitment will shine through.
Why Enter the Business Categories?
First of all, the business categories are simpler and less time-consuming than the technical categories, making it a practical choice for entrants. Secondly, the questions for these categories encourage reflection on business practices, offering valuable insights that can help companies identify areas for improvement and strengthen their future entries.
What I’d like to emphasize is that entering the awards is just one step in a broader educational journey. CEDIA offers a number of education courses on its online LMS and resources, such as the Business Toolkit, to support members in identifying areas for improvement and providing guidance to help them align their business with industry best practices. Using these resources before submitting an entry can help ensure a business is on track, while reflecting on the entry process itself can reveal gaps that CEDIA’s educational offerings can help fill.
The CEDIA Smart Home Awards Business categories aren’t just another accolade. This section of the awards is an opportunity to showcase your company’s strength, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, entering these categories can be a transformative experience.
The Manufacturer, Business, and Individual categories entry deadline is May 24, 2026. The Integrator categories entry deadline is April 24, 2026.
For more information on the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, as well as access to the Awards Toolkit, visit www.cedia.org/awards.
