CEDIA, the Fishers, Ind.-based, international trade association representing the professional home automation/smart home technology industry, has announced the extension of Daryl Friedman’s contract as its global president and CEO. Friedman’s initial term, set to expire late this year, has been extended through the end of 2027, underscoring his and the Board’s dedication to CEDIA’s continuity.
“Daryl’s contract renewal as CEDIA’s global president and CEO is a testament to his outstanding leadership,” says Alex Capecelatro, chairperson of the CEDIA Board of Directors and CEO of Josh.ai. He continues, “I am personally thrilled to continue working as chair alongside Daryl, and I look forward to our ongoing collaboration in advancing CEDIA’s mission and serving our members.”
Friedman, an outsider to the industry who has been in his position for about two-and-a-half years, expressed enthusiasm to keep the association’s momentum going throughout 2024 and now well into the future.
He says, “I’m honored to continue serving as CEDIA’s global president and CEO and am committed to building upon the progress we’ve made across CEDIA’s three pillars of Advocacy, Connection, and Education.”
He continues, “Together, with our committed Board of Directors, professional staff, dedicated volunteers and dynamic members, I am confident we can continue serving and shaping the future of the professional smart home technology industry.”
Friedman began his role with CEDIA on Nov. 29, 2021. Before putting together a vision for the association, he set out on a global “listening tour” to understand both internal and external challenges and member needs. His people-first mentality has since shaped initiatives association wide, ultimately steering CEDIA in the direction of stability and growth, the organization notes.
Friedman’s Initiatives Make Widespread Impact for Association
Foremost, his strategic financial decisions helped guide CEDIA out of the pandemic, achieving profitability for the association again for the first time in nearly five years, according to the association.
CEDIA has experienced record-breaking new membership acquisition rates, with members now represented in over 80 countries.
Member engagement has been particularly noteworthy across programs including the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, the RP22 Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice, and CEDIA NextGen Smart Home Career Toolkit, the association adds.
CEDIA reported encouraging data when it released its biannual Market Research Analysis study in December. Earlier this year, the association widened its approach and scope to its regional events by changing the name to CEDIA Tech + Business Summits.
In Friedman’s pursuit to bring forward CEDIA’s “best kept secret,” advocacy efforts have expanded significantly under his watch. The association organized its first in-person lobby day at the Michigan State Capitol, filed comments on behalf of integrators to the FCC, and launched the inaugural CEDIA Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill.
Simultaneously, Friedman has continued to emphasize the group’s position to adjacent trades, with its emphasis on cultivating relationships with builders, designers and architects.
His ideas have enhanced member experiences at key events like CEDIA Expo and ISE, which the association says have become pivotal platforms for galvanizing the smart home community.
At CEDIA Expo, Friedman introduced the annual CEDIA Town Hall to delve into pressing industry topics like advocacy and workforce development; the AI symposium as an industry-wide collaborative partnership; and the CEDIA Executive Club for industry CEOs to elevate the sector.
At ISE, he conceived the Smart Home Technology Stage; broadcasted the CEDIA Annual Meeting enabling all members globally to participate; and initiated focus groups with designers to gather valuable industry insights.
Following travels to meet members worldwide, CEDIA launched a new ambassador program, empowering members to serve as advocates for the industry in their local communities.
Digitally, CEDIA is implementing an upgraded SEO strategy to ensure more end users are encouraged to enlist professional integrators. These efforts help amplify CEDIA’s message and reach a broader audience, driving greater awareness and engagement.
“Daryl’s unwavering passion for the industry shines through in his proven track record and forward-thinking plans,” says Amanda Wildman, Vice Chairperson of the CEDIA Board of Directors and owner of TruMedia in Michigan.
“He is keen to listen to members and share fresh ideas – all while fortifying CEDIA’s existing initiatives. I am filled with optimism for the promising journey ahead as we embark on the next phase of CEDIA under his guidance.”
