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 and commercial 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,” says 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.”
McGraw continues, “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.”
What Were the Highlights of CEDIA Expo 2026?
Held Sept. 2 to 4, 2026 at the Colorado Convention Center, CEDIA Expo 2026 brought together professionals from across the residential and commercial technology ecosystem.
According to the show organizers, 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.
CEDIA Expo 2026 Spotlight on Experiential Areas
Photo courtesy of Emerald/CEDIA Expo, by Jack Goras.
Experiential areas drew strong interest throughout the week, says the show organizers. 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 on the show floor and meeting rooms.
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 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 Their Experience
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. 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,” says Ben Bard, VP, luxury residential business, Lutron.
Bard adds, “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.”
Photo courtesy of Emerald/CEDIA Expo, by Jack Goras.
“Any opportunity to bring vendors and dealers together sparks innovation and exciting conversations. CEDIA 2026 was no exception. It has always been the best opportunity to come together as a community,” remarks Kathleen Thomas, head of custom integration sales, Sony Electronics.
“CEDIA Expo 2026 was a highly productive show for Paradigm, Anthem and MartinLogan,” states Zoltan Balla, VP, marketing and development operations, Paradigm Electronics Inc. & MartinLogan Ltd. (PML Sound). “The event provided an essential platform to launch our latest product innovations and connect directly with high-quality leads from across the custom installation industry.”
Balla continues, “Exhibiting allows us to meet face-to-face with new and existing dealers, share our newest updates, and strengthen our relationships within the integration community. The strong foot traffic and valuable business leads generated throughout the week highlighted the importance of the show for our brands, and we look forward to returning next year.”
When Will CEDIA Expo Return?
With Denver successful and complete, show organizers announced that 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,” remarks McGraw. “We are 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 integration community together.”
