CEDIA Expo 2026, produced by Forge, welcomed 9,653 verified attendees to Denver for three days of product discovery, manufacturer training, education and industry connection. More than 320 exhibiting brands came together with the residential integration community to reconnect with customers, build new relationships and create new business opportunities.
“What stood out in Denver was the quality of the audience and the business happening across the show floor,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director for CEDIA Expo, powered by Forge. “Exhibitors told us they were meeting high-quality prospects, strengthening relationships with existing customers and generating real business opportunities. With 26% of attendees experiencing CEDIA Expo for the first time, we’re continuing to bring new people into the show and connecting them with this industry. That, combined with the business, discovery and connection, is exactly why CEDIA Expo continues to be the premier event for the residential integration community.”
Held Sept. 2–4 at the Colorado Convention Center, CEDIA Expo brought together professionals from across the residential technology ecosystem. The event featured 215 educational and training sessions, including 101 Manufacturer Product Trainings, 97 CEDIA education sessions, and 17 thought leadership discussions covering the technical, business and design trends shaping the industry.
Experiential areas drew strong interest throughout the week. More than 20 dedicated audio and sound demonstration rooms gave attendees the opportunity to experience the latest performance technologies firsthand, with lines forming for demonstrations. Destination Outdoors, sponsored by Coastal Source and Lutron, showcased the expanding outdoor living and entertainment category through products and solutions designed for connected experiences beyond the walls of the home.
Programming also reflected the expanding intersection between technology, design, and the broader residential ecosystem. The Day of Discovery program, produced by Technology Designer, connected architects, interior designers and builders with technology manufacturers and integration expertise, while the Women in Consumer Technology (WiCT) Luncheon brought industry professionals together for networking, conversation and recognition.
Exhibitors Highlight Quality and Business Opportunity
Exhibitors pointed to strong traffic, high-quality leads and the value of connecting face-to-face with the integration community.
“CEDIA Expo 2026 delivered unmatched momentum for the custom integration industry,” said Ben Bard, vice-president, luxury residential business, Lutron. “Lutron was proud to showcase significant expansions to our intelligent lighting and shading portfolio, connect with thousands of integrators and celebrate the innovation that defines this extraordinary community. But the true highlight was the people — the integrators who show up, invest in their teams, and continually push the boundaries of what technology can deliver for their clients. We left inspired, energized and deeply grateful for the trust this community places in us. CEDIA Expo remains the premier destination for meaningful partnerships, hands-on learning and breakthrough product discovery.”
Industry Scale and Reach
CEDIA Expo brought together professionals from across the residential technology ecosystem, including integrators, installers, manufacturers, distributors, designers, architects and other industry partners. Programming addressed the forces shaping the market today and the opportunities ahead, from AI, lighting and smart home technology to aging in place, outdoor entertainment, sustainability, entrepreneurship, business planning and design integration.
Building Toward Las Vegas
With Denver complete, planning is already underway for CEDIA Expo 2027 at Las Vegas Convention Center, with a focus on strengthening the experiences at the heart of the show: discovering new products, experiencing technology firsthand, connecting directly with manufacturers, education and the face-to-face relationships that drive business.
“CEDIA Expo is where the residential integration industry comes together, and Forge is fully committed to its future,” said McGraw. “We’re already building toward Las Vegas with a clear focus: deliver a strong experience for exhibitors and attendees, create meaningful business opportunities, and continue to bring the residential integration community together.”
CEDIA Expo 2027 will take place Sept. 7–10, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall.
