With CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) set to return to Denver, September 4-6, Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director of CEDIA Expo/CIX, shared some of the top trends and storylines shaping this year’s event as the list of exhibitors continues to prove its strength.
“Denver in September will be an Expo to remember,” says McGraw. “This show is ground zero for the innovations, partnerships and conversations that will shape residential and commercial integration for years to come.”
8K Breaks Out of the Theater
According to the organizers, 8K is no longer niche — it’s here, and it’s everywhere. With support from the 8K Association and major brands debuting next-gen displays and projectors, such as Digital Production, Sony and Samsung, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 will be a proving ground for just how far the technology has come.
Per a statement, in luxury homes, massive 8K video walls are redefining the entertainment experience and doubling as digital art canvases. But the applications go far beyond residential: in education, retail, and corporate spaces, 8K is powering immersive learning, visualization, and dynamic signage. With razor-sharp detail and dynamic scalability, 8K is becoming an indispensable tool in the integrator’s toolkit — and this September, it will be on full display in Denver.
Outdoor Tech That Expands the Experience
The show organizers state that the lines between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, and today’s smart homes are expected to deliver seamless tech experiences in both. Top-of-the-line brands such as Neptune TV and Sol-Lux will be showcasing industry-defining outdoor technology solutions this September.
From 4K/8K outdoor-rated displays to directional speakers, weatherproof AV, landscape lighting, and smart grills, CEDIA Expo/CIX will showcase the whole ecosystem of outdoor innovation, the statement reveals. Whether for entertaining, relaxing, or enhancing curb appeal, outdoor spaces are becoming high-performance zones.
The Garage Goes Fully Connected
Once overlooked, the garage is becoming one of the most integrated spaces in the modern home — and in light commercial settings too, says the organizers. EVs now sync with home networks, launch lighting scenes, and interface with energy management systems. At the same time, garages are transforming into private gyms, workshops and remote studios, requiring robust automation, connectivity and security.
Per the statement, at this year’s show, integrators will find tech that ties doors, HVAC, lighting and surveillance into broader home and business automation from companies like Lutron, Graber and Airzone.
The garage is a staple of American entrepreneurship (HP, Google, etc.), so users will see bootstrapped and VC-backed start-ups at the show debuting their innovations at CEDIA Expo/CIX in Denver this September.
Lighting That Performs and Transforms
According to the statement, lighting and shading are no longer finish-line features — they’re foundational to the design and integration process.
At CEDIA Expo/CIX, users can expect to see everything from smart fixtures and human-centric lighting to advanced shading and control protocols that serve both form and function. These systems are being specified for luxury homes, hospitality venues, workspaces and wellness environments, giving integrators and designers new tools to shape the experience of a space. Users will also get to see high-performance fixtures, advanced control systems, and designer-grade options from exhibitors like Klus and Lucetta that meet both the aesthetic and technical demands of today’s installations.
Scalable Security for Workplaces and Smart Living
Per the organizers, security has become a must-have in both residential and commercial installations — and it’s growing smarter, sleeker and more integrated by the day.
From discreet sensors and access control to video analytics and automation triggers, CEDIA Expo/CIX will feature security solutions designed to function quietly in the background while providing robust protection. Exhibitors include Allegion, HoloVision and Ring. These systems are increasingly tied into AV, lighting and HVAC controls, offering seamless safety for homes, MDUs, retail shops and boutique offices alike.
And Let’s Not Forget the Sound
Premium audio remains a cornerstone of CEDIA Expo/CIX, says the organizers. Hi-Fi listening rooms, vinyl experiences and immersive theaters will demonstrate how top-tier sound elevates any space, residential or commercial.
Sound is where emotion meets technology, and this year’s show will celebrate it with demo spaces that highlight both innovation and pure listening joy. Many top brands, such as Yamaha, Harman and L-Acoustics, will offer hands-on demonstrations in sound rooms on the show floor or in dedicated demo rooms, making it easy to hear what’s next.
One Show, Dual-Market Impact
Perhaps most exciting for today’s integration professionals: the increasing convergence of residential and commercial technologies. Show organizers reveal that for system integrators working across both spaces, CEDIA Expo/CIX offers a single destination to explore unified platforms, scalable solutions, trends and new business opportunities that span the full spectrum of connected environments.
“Systems integration is driven by emerging technology and evolving client expectations,” says McGraw. “This show is where we see the future take shape — from luxury homes to smart offices and everything in between.”
According to the organizers, with over 350 exhibiting brands, live demonstrations, sound rooms and a packed education schedule, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 is the ultimate destination for anyone shaping the future of integrated spaces.
