The smart home industry has matured significantly, and consumers deserve a way to identify integrators who demonstrate excellence across every aspect of their business, not just technical installation. That’s why, for the past year, CEDIA has been reshaping its Member of Excellence program, which is now accepting applications.
Member of Excellence is a rigorous and comprehensive designation for custom integration companies. It goes beyond recognizing their technical expertise by also verifying integrators for their longevity in the market, financial discipline, customer care commitments, professional design processes, industry leadership, and CEDIA Smart Home Awards recognition.
The Pillars of Verified Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate all five pillars of excellence:
- Dedicated: Hold Premium and/or Professional tier integrator membership for at least five consecutive years
- Certified: Multiple active CEDIA certifications
- Disciplined: No active or historical insolvencies or bankruptcies associated with the company or its directors in the last ten years
- Committed: Documented customer care plans extending beyond installation completion
- Detailed: Comprehensive project detailed documentation
Applicants must also meet one of the following pillars:
- Collaborative: Active involvement as a CEDIA volunteer or Design & Build Outreach Instructor
- Celebrated: Recognition as a CEDIA Smart Home Awards project or business finalist in the last five years
The Member of Excellence application process requires integrators to submit comprehensive documentation for review by CEDIA, including financial standing, customer care plans, and project documentation. Member of Excellence status is renewable every three years, requiring ongoing verification to maintain compliance and status. There is no additional fee for CEDIA members to apply — the only investment is time.
Integrators who meet all the criteria will be given a complete marketing toolkit, including logos, website badges, proposal templates, social media graphics, and customer-facing materials. They can then use these tools to:
- Command Higher Margins: Independent verification justifies premium pricing and eliminates price-only comparisons
- Differentiate permanently: Competitors can’t copy years of business building overnight. This creates a sustainable competitive positioning
- Close Faster: Third-party validation builds immediate trust, shortening sales cycles and reducing objections
- Attract Top Talent: Team members want to work for recognized leaders. This designation enhances recruitment and retention
- Win Desirable Projects: The top projects require documented credentials. Member of Excellence is a prequalification
For more information about the Member of Excellence program or to begin an application, visit cedia.org/excellence or contact the CEDIA membership team at [email protected].
