The show organizers of CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator (CIX) have announced the conversation around AI’s impact on system design, automation and client experiences will take center stage at the 2026 edition in Denver. Returning this September, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 will bring together residential and commercial integrators, manufacturers and industry leaders to explore how AI is reshaping everything from automation and lighting to system design and user experiences.
According to the show organizers, AI will be at the forefront throughout the event’s education program, thought leadership discussions and product demonstrations, allowing attendees to see firsthand how emerging technologies are redefining integration businesses.
“AI is clearly one of the biggest forces shaping the future of smart homes and integrated technology, and it will be a major focus of programming at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026,” says Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director of CEDIA Expo/CIX. “Some of the most significant product pivots and breakthroughs in this industry have started on our show floor. That’s what happens when you put the right people and the right technologies in the same room and give them space to ideate, ‘what if?’”
According to the show organizers, the idea that ultimately led to URC’s new AI-driven circadian lighting capability began with a simple conversation on the show floor at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. URC lead software engineer Justin Spiniolas said the spark came during a discussion with an integrator about the challenges of integrating circadian lighting across different systems.
That exchange planted the seed for building circadian lighting directly into URC’s control platform — allowing it to function across multiple lighting brands instead of being limited to a single ecosystem. “I had a ‘lightbulb’ moment,” recalls Spiniolas. “Inspiration was my key takeaway from the show.”
Smart Stage Conversations on the Future of AI
A key hub for AI discussion will be the event’s Smart Stage, where free educational sessions run throughout the three days of the show, announced the show organizers. The program will feature thought leadership discussions examining how manufacturers and integrators are incorporating AI into their product roadmaps and service offerings.
The organizers reveal they are also planning a new manufacturer leadership panel. This will bring together executives from some of the industry’s leading technology brands to discuss how AI is influencing product innovation and where the next wave of intelligent automation is headed.
“We want attendees to hear directly from the brands shaping the future,” McGraw explains. “What is their vision? What does the roadmap look like? And how are they implementing technologies like AI to create better outcomes for integrators and their customers?”
According to the show organizers, these discussions will provide integrators with practical insight into how AI-driven tools — ranging from predictive automation to intelligent lighting and system analytics — can open new business opportunities.
AI in Action Across the CEDIA Expo/CIX Show Floor
Beyond the stage, AI will be visible across the expansive expo hall, where more than 400 manufacturers are expected to showcase new smart home and ‘resimercial’ technologies. Integrators will be able to experience intelligent lighting systems, AI-enhanced automation platforms, advanced voice and natural-language interfaces, and smart energy management solutions that adapt dynamically to user behavior.
Exhibitors — including Aqara, Josh.ai, Deep Sentinel, DoorBird and other intelligent automation providers — will demonstrate AI-enhanced products and platforms designed to deliver more intuitive, adaptive smart home experiences for integrators and their clients.
For many attendees, these live demonstrations are where the event’s value truly comes to life. “Nothing replaces being able to talk to the engineers, see the technology operating live and explore how it fits into your next project,” remarks McGraw. “You can research products online, but seeing them demonstrated in person with the people who designed them is where the real learning happens.”
What is the Mission of CEDIA Expo/CIX?
For the show organizers, the broader mission of CEDIA Expo/CIX remains helping integrators grow stronger, more profitable businesses. While AI will be visible across many new product introductions, it is also rapidly transforming the software tools that integrators rely on to manage operations, projects, and customer relationships.
Companies including D-Tools, Portal.io, Rev.io, Specifi IO and Symbol Logic will showcase AI-enabled platforms that simplify business management, helping integrators streamline back-office processes, improve operational visibility and run more efficient organizations.
In addition to technology discovery and education, CEDIA Expo/CIX also provides an unmatched networking environment for the custom integration community, says the show organizers. From industry meetups and training sessions to special events such as the CE Pro All-Star Band opening night celebration, the show fosters the connections that help drive new partnerships and projects.
“Integrators come for three main reasons: to see new products, to learn from the education and thought leadership, and to connect with peers across the industry,” McGraw adds. “When those three elements come together, it becomes an incredibly powerful experience.”
Why Integrators Should Attend
The show organizers note that attending CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 represents a unique opportunity for residential and commercial integrators to understand where the market is heading and how their businesses can adapt amid the rapid evolution of AI-driven technology.
Whether exploring AI-powered automation platforms, learning from manufacturer leaders or experiencing new technologies firsthand on the show floor, attendees will gain insights that can help them stay competitive in an increasingly intelligent smart ecosystem.
“There is simply no other event in North America that brings together this many integrators, manufacturers and educational opportunities in one place,” McGraw says. “If you want to understand the future of intelligent homes and integrated technology, this is where that conversation happens.”
