Underscoring the comprehensive value that both residential and commercial integrators can gain from attending CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), the Smart Stage lineup is packed with excellent presentations with actionable insights from exceptional speakers.
Smart Stage Schedule for Thursday, Sept. 4
10 a.m.: Practical Uses of AI
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business accelerator. Ari Supran, CEO of Sonance, reveals simple, accessible AI tools that can help integrators streamline operations, save time and elevate customer service.
11 a.m.: State of the Industry
Get a 360-degree view of the custom integration market from the people shaping it. In this annual industry roundup, leaders from top CI organizations share insights on market health, major challenges and the trends set to define the next year. Panelists: Daryl Friedman, global president & CEO, CEDIA; Patrick McCarthy, executive director Azione; Chris Whitley, executive director Ellipsys; Jon Robbins, executive director, HTSA; Hank Alexander, director of Oasys, Nationwide Marketing Group; and Jim Pearse, president, ProSource.
1 p.m.: Beyond the Spec: Designing Atmosphere Together
Too often, AV and lighting are brought in at different stages of a project, leading to missed opportunities, duplicated work or clashing ideas. This session featuring Rebecca Nambiar of John Cullen Lighting and Scott Smith of Arche Lighting Group explores how true design synergy between integrators and lighting designers can elevate not only the outcome but also the client experience.
2 p.m.: IMCCA State of the Collaboration Industry Panel
David Danto, principal analyst, TalkingPointz, moderates a discussion about the state of AV and UC technology. Is AI improving the quality and simplicity of our technology experiences? Panelists include David Maldow of Let’s Do Video, Kevin Kieller of enableUC and Nancy Knowlton of Nureva.
3:45 p.m.: Commercial Integrator Integration Awards Presentation
The Commercial Integrator Integration Awards highlight the best commercial projects of the past year across a range of vertical markets, running the gamut from corporate campuses to immersive environments.
4 p.m.: CE Pro Home of the Year & BEST Product Awards Presentation
Celebrate the year’s most innovative projects and products in the custom integration industry. CE Pro honors the winners of its prestigious Home of the Year and BEST Product awards, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that define the industry’s best work.
Smart Stage Schedule for Friday, Sept. 5
10 a.m.: Lighting Leads the Way: How to Start Strong and Win the Project Early
Lighting can be the key that opens the door to bigger projects, earlier involvement and greater revenue. In this practical session, lighting leaders from DMF, Savant and Deako share how to integrate lighting at the start of a build.
11 a.m.: How Software Tools Help Integrators Run Better, More Profitable Businesses
All too often, integrators are so busy working in their business that they barely seem to have time to work on their business. However, at a time when margin erosion is real, labor costs are rising and it is easy to find yourself upside down on a project, it is imperative for integrators to leverage new and existing software tools to keep themselves organized and their projects profitable. This panel will touch on tools for proposal creation, drawings and documentation, service management, and lead and project pipeline management. Plus, software tools can help with billing and payments, inventory management and more.
1 p.m.: The Art of High-End Home Theater Sales
If clients demand “only the best,” this session will show integrators how to deliver and close the sale. Join AcousticSmart president and “Home Theaterology” author Richard Charschan as he moderates a powerhouse panel of home cinema innovators.
2 p.m.: Cybersecurity in the Connected Home
Today’s luxury smart homes are sophisticated and so are the threats they face. Join cybersecurity experts Farr Shepherd of Specops Secure, Jerry Chen of Firewalla, Avi Rosenthal of Z-Wave and Cristina Dolan of Prime Radiant as they expose common vulnerabilities, share real-world attack scenarios and offer practical defenses to keep high-end systems secure.
3 p.m.: Bold Moves, Brilliant Spaces: Tech + Design Collabs That Work
Technology should enhance a space, not dominate it. This panel bridges the gap between custom integration and interior design, showing how the two worlds can work in perfect harmony. Learn strategies for making high-performance systems as beautiful as they are functional and discover how early collaboration can deliver stunning, cohesive results. The panel is moderated by Katye McGregor Bennett and features interior design and tech experts from Leon Speakers, Sonos and more.
4 p.m.: 2025 Women to Watch Panel & Reception
Celebrate the inspiring women transforming the custom integration industry. Moderated by Katye McGregor Bennett, this discussion features honorees from CE Pro’s 2025 40 Women to Watch list, who will share their journeys, successes and candid insights into the unique challenges women face and the opportunities they are seizing in CI today. A reception will follow.
“Smart Stage is a forum on the pulse of the industry and a window to the future,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director of CEDIA Expo/CIX. “It’s a unique and compelling opportunity for integrators to add technological depth and commercial edge.”
