At the CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) 2025 in Denver, a conversation between Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor at Emerald, and Shawn Hansson, founder and CEO of Logic Integration, offered a compelling look into the evolution of the AV integration industry.
Hansson, a long-time advocate for the event, provided valuable insights on business growth, market diversification and the technological trends shaping the future of AV.
Hansson’s relationship with CEDIA Expo is a testament to the event’s value. He recounted his early days, attending the show in 2007 when his company was only two years old. “I hardly knew any manufacturers,” he shared. “There’s a lot of history with CEDIA and training and courses I’ve taken and new manufacturer relationships and lifelong friends that I’ve met through this show.” This year, his company, Logic Integration, brought 37 team members, demonstrating the firm’s growth and the expo’s continued importance for industry connection and education.
Bridging Residential and Commercial Markets
A central theme of the discussion was the convergence of the residential and commercial AV markets, a shift reflected in the joint CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo. Logic Integration stands as a prime example of a company with strong competencies in both sectors. Hansson, whose background is in audio engineering, explained how his passion for audio drove the company to branch out from its residential origins. “In 200/2007, we really wanted to diversify,” he noted, emphasizing the decision to hire and train commercial specialists. The co-location of both expos, he added, makes it easier to connect with brands across the entire AV spectrum.
Practical Steps for Diversification
For residential integrators looking to enter the commercial space, Hansson offered practical, actionable advice. He stressed the importance of starting small and leveraging local opportunities. “Go to your favorite restaurant, go to your favorite sports bar,” he advised. “Listen and look at what is going on in that space. Is the audio bad? Are the TVs crooked?” By identifying and offering to fix tangible problems for local businesses, integrators can build a commercial portfolio. He also recommended that integrators “beta test in your own space” with new technologies before deploying them for clients.
Logic Integration’s Award-Winning Projects
The conversation also highlighted Logic Integration’s recent accolades, including two integration awards. One winning project involved rebuilding a sportsbook for a repeat customer after an act of vandalism and arson. The project was not just about technology, but about supporting a client in a time of crisis.
The second award was for providing simple, effective meeting space solutions for a private equity firm — a project type that Hansson believes is an accessible starting point for many integrators.
The Push Toward Simplicity and Collaboration
Looking toward the future, Hansson identified a key trend on the show floor: increased collaboration between manufacturers. “There’s a realization that people do not want 25 applications to run their spaces. It’s frustrating, it’s confusing,” he stated. This move toward simpler, more integrated, all-in-one solutions is a welcome development for both integrators and end-users, promising to enhance user experience and streamline system management.
