In our series of #CEDIAShares blogs, we’re talking with exhibitors about the hottest technologies and trends they’re looking to see at CEDIA Expo 2019.
Q&A with Mitchell Klein, Executive Director, Z-Wave Alliance
Q: Why CEDIA?
MITCHELL KLEIN: When we talk about home technology, there’s no longer this silo around DIY and professionally installed. Homeowners are savvier and there’s more opportunity than ever to capitalize on the growth of home automation and the mainstream movements around multi-room audio, lighting control, and home control. CEDIA Expo is still the cornerstone of this important space and more relevant than ever. The Z-Wave Alliance looks at CEDIA Expo as a chance to meet with and hear from those are closest to the consumer every day and help product manufacturers and groups like ours understand what we’re getting right, what we’re getting wrong, and how we should be thinking about the needs of consumers today and in the future.
Q: What is the most exciting trend you expect to see at the show?
MK: We’ll see more smart home manufacturers showing products that leverage emerging technology like AI, as well as an increase in packaged solutions—particularly in home security—that are aimed at making the smart home experience simpler for consumers. I think we can also expect to see interesting partnership and products designed specifically for smart home adjacent verticals and applications like MDUs.
Q: What will you focus on at CEDIA Expo 2019?
MK: The Z-Wave Alliance and members will be exhibiting in the Z-Wave Pavilion, demonstrating new and interesting products for the integrator market, and talking to attendees about the benefits of implementing Z-Wave products in their installs and projects. I will also be presenting a CEDIA education course on Sept. 10 titled “Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth—Oh, My!” that explores the differences between various connectivity protocols and how they interoperate with popular smart home control systems.
