With more than 350 exhibiting brands and more than 50 new exhibitors this year, expectations are high for another great CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX). Jason McGraw, CTS, group VP and show director of CEDIA Expo/CIX, Emerald, offered some insights about what 15,000 attendees should expect this week at the Denver Convention Center.
We’re back in Denver for the third consecutive year. Is CEDIA Expo/CIX going to remain in Denver for a while?
JASON McGRAW: Denver has been an incredibly popular location for CEDIA Expo/CIX, with 80% of attendees and exhibitors saying they enjoy it as a show destination. It offers everything we look for in a convention destination, including a top-tier convention center and plenty of hotel options. We’re excited to return to Denver again this year and in 2026.
Starting in 2027, CEDIA Expo/CIX will return to a rotating city schedule, visiting different cities across the country each September. We’re currently finalizing future venues and will announce future show locations later this fall. While the show will rotate to other cities, we plan to come back to Denver in the future.
This will also be the third year for CIX. How has the show floor space evolved?
While the primary focus of CEDIA Expo remains solidly on custom residential AV systems integration, since launching Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), we’ve seen consistent growth in both interest and exhibitor participation, especially from brands focused on commercial solutions. Many well-known CEDIA Expo exhibitors have long offered products that serve both residential and commercial markets. But in recent years, we’ve made a strategic effort to expand the joint shows’ exhibitor base by attracting more commercial AV product manufacturers.
That strategy has paid off. The dedicated CIX area on the show floor has grown year over year, providing attendees with a broader and more comprehensive range of AV products and solutions. This growth reflects the reality of today’s integration market. More than half of CEDIA Expo/CIX attendees also work on commercial projects — and with nearly 75% of our audience attending only this event each year, it’s important that the show represents the full scope of their work.
What are some of the hot trends on the show floor this year?
Lighting continues to be one of the fastest-growing product categories at the show. We’re seeing strong momentum not just in low-voltage and LED fixtures, but also in lighting control like automated shades, smart dimming systems, and full light management solutions.
AI is another major trend this year. It’s becoming increasingly embedded in smart home and commercial technologies, from voice control and automation systems to security and energy management solutions. AI is not just a business buzzword — it’s showing up in real-world applications across the integration space.
Security technology is also expanding, with more products on the floor focused on smart surveillance, access control, and integrated safety solutions. Energy management is another growing category, as integrators look to offer smarter, more sustainable power solutions.
We’re also seeing a surge in display technologies, especially in direct-view and microLED video walls for both indoor and outdoor applications. Leading brands like Digital Projection, LG, Quantum Media Systems, Samsung, Sony, and Stealth, among many others, will be showcasing their latest innovations.
Outdoor technology remains hot as well, driven by ongoing demand for enhanced outdoor living experiences. “Destination Outdoors,” located just across from the convention center and sponsored by key brands Coastal Source, Lutron, Draper, and Access Networks, will offer hands-on demos of these solutions in real-world settings.
What are some of this year’s training highlights?
CEDIA Expo/CIX is more than a tradeshow — it’s the main event for the custom integration industry. It brings together thousands of professionals across every segment of the channel: integrators, designers, architects, builders, manufacturer reps, value-added resellers, and more.
Located right on the show floor, the Smart Stage hosts thought leadership sessions covering a range of hot topics, from cybersecurity and lighting design to home theater and audio trends. It’s a great opportunity to hear from industry experts and get inspired.
CEDIA’s largest educational offering of the year features 100+ sessions across business, emerging technologies, design/build, and technical tracks. Most sessions include new speakers and fresh content for 2025. The CEDIA Education Conference is the annual destination for serious professional development.
Attendees also have access to free manufacturer product training (MPT) sessions during the show. These sessions offer a direct line to what’s new and how to implement it in the field.
The 8K Association (booth #4501) will host daily sessions on the 8K ecosystem, covering everything from content production to the latest high-resolution display technology. Plus, IMCCA (booth #526) will feature daily sessions on AI best practices and tips for AV and collaboration solutions.
