Key Things to Know
- CEDIA Expo 2026 will host a C-suite panel titled “What Every Integrator Needs to Know About the Next Five Years.“
- The session runs 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, on the Smart Stage in the Exhibit Hall.
- Panelists represent Origin Acoustics, Crestron, ADI Global, Lutron and Sony Electronics.
- Topics include new technology categories, shifting consumer expectations, AI, energy management and business growth.
- CEDIA Expo runs Sept. 1 through 4, 2026, in Denver.
What Is the CEDIA Expo 2026 C-Suite Panel?
The CEDIA Expo 2026 C-suite panel is a session titled “What Every Integrator Needs to Know About the Next Five Years,” where five manufacturer executives will forecast the future of residential systems integration. The discussion will explore new technology categories, shifting consumer expectations, the role of AI and energy management, and how integrators can position their businesses for growth in a changing market.
“The brightest minds in custom integration gather at CEDIA Expo, and we have gathered five of the very brightest manufacturer executives to share their insights and explore the possibilities for residential systems integration over the coming five years,” explains Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director of CEDIA Expo, powered by Forge. “This promises to be a compelling conversation by brand leaders for CI professionals.”
Who Is on the Panel?
The panel features five executives from leading brands across the channel. They include the following:
- Nick Berry, CEO of Origin Acoustics
- Michael Short, global vice president of marketing operations and residential at Crestron
- Matt Kamp, vice president of product management at ADI Global
- Melissa Andresko, chief corporate brand ambassador at Lutron
- Kathleen Thomas, head of custom integration sales at Sony Electronics
Dan Ferrisi, group editor of CE Pro and Commercial Integrator, will moderate the conversation.
When and Where Does the Panel Take Place?
The panel takes place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, on the Smart Stage in the Exhibit Hall. The setting places the discussion directly on the show floor, keeping attendees close to the products and brands under discussion.
Why Does an In-Person Panel Matter?
An in-person panel matters because live dialogue surfaces ideas that remote formats miss, according to the panelists. Lutron’s Melissa Andresko notes, “Webinars and whitepapers have their place, but nothing matches the energy of sitting with peers and stakeholders in person to discuss the shifting sands of innovation. Live dialogue sparks ideas that simply don’t surface on a conference call.”
Crestron’s Michael Short shares that view. “A well-informed and opinionated debate on a panel surfaces the ideas that push the whole industry forward. If people leave energized and looking for more conversations, more products, more perspectives on the show floor, then that’s a win,” he says.
What Do the Panelists Hope Integrators Take Away?
The panelists hope integrators leave with fresh perspective on where the market is heading and how to grow with it. Kathleen Thomas of Sony Electronics notes, “As technology and consumer expectations continue to evolve, there’s tremendous opportunity for our industry to rethink what’s possible. I’m excited to discuss that opportunity alongside my peers at CEDIA Expo and explore how we can come together as a community to drive vitality in the channel and innovation for our customers.”
Matt Kamp of ADI Global points to collaboration as a defining strength. “Our industry is built on connected systems, where technologies from multiple brands come together to create a seamless customer experience. That collaborative mindset is one of the industry’s greatest strengths and is reflected in panels like this one, bringing together leaders from across the channel to share diverse perspectives and drive meaningful innovation,” he says.
Nick Berry of Origin Acoustics adds, “Custom integration is about pulling together the best offerings from the best brands for the most challenging and prestigious residential integration projects. It’s not simple, commoditized or templated, but it’s typically exceptional and always requires diverse viewpoints, experiences and insights. That’s what integrators will get from our panel at CEDIA Expo 2026,” he says.
Will the Panelists Agree?
The panelists likely won’t agree on everything, and that tension is part of the appeal. McGraw adds, “I am pleased that all five executives agree on the potential for this panel, as I am certain there are issues on the agenda that they won’t all agree on. This is likely to be a lively debate with divergent opinions and insights, another must-see event at CEDIA Expo 2026.”
When Does CEDIA Expo 2026 Take Place?
CEDIA Expo 2026 runs Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Denver. The show continues to serve as the singular forum for ideas, innovations and insights in the North American custom integration market.
