CEDIA is broadening its annual advocacy event, giving more integrators a direct seat at the table in Washington. The move brings leading buying groups into the effort and turns a leadership-focused trip into a wider industry push.
Key Things You Should Know
- CEDIA is expanding CEDIA Day on the Hill to include more integrators from its membership alongside major buying groups such as Azione Unlimited, Nationwide Marketing Group, Oasys Residential Technology Group and Ellipsys.
- The two-day event takes place in Washington, D.C. and returns next March.
- Past advocacy helped pass the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, now law.
- CEDIA continues working with the U.S. Department of Labor on apprenticeships and pushing for formal recognition of the Technology Integrator occupational title.
- Leaders will share how integrators can participate during a session at CEDIA Expo on Friday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. MDT on the Smart Stage.
What Is CEDIA Day on the Hill?
CEDIA Day on the Hill is a two-day advocacy event in Washington, D.C. that CEDIA created in 2024 to bring the residential technology industry face to face with federal lawmakers. Traditionally, the event has centered on stakeholders and leadership meeting with U.S. congressional representatives to explain the industry’s needs.
Now the format is changing. Integrators, the professionals most affected by the legislation under discussion, will have the chance to meet with representatives directly.
Who Is Joining the Effort?
Leading buying groups are joining CEDIA members for the expanded event, including Azione Unlimited, Nationwide Marketing Group, Oasys Residential Technology Group and Ellipsys. Their participation broadens the industry’s presence in Washington and adds more integrator voices to the conversation.
“Our industry is stronger when we speak with one clear, unified voice,” says Andy Orozco, senior vice president of custom integration at Nationwide Marketing Group.
“Having CEDIA advocate on behalf of the broader industry is essential to building greater awareness, influencing the issues that matter to our businesses, and positioning our industry for long-term growth. I’m proud to support this effort and help bring more integrators into the conversation in Washington.”
Why Does Direct Integrator Involvement Matter?
Direct integrator involvement matters because a personal conversation with a legislator carries weight that leadership meetings alone can’t match. CEDIA leadership sees the growing event as a chance to build lasting momentum for the industry.
“There is no substitute for the effectiveness of an integrator sitting down with their legislator in the Capitol and explaining the needs of our industry,” says Daryl Friedman, CEDIA global president and CEO.
“With CEDIA Day on the Hill growing in size and impact every year, now is the time to turn this initiative into a true movement for the industry. CEDIA members, in partnership with key buying groups, will create a powerful presence in Washington next March.”
What Has the Event Accomplished So Far?
The event has already contributed to meaningful legislative progress since its 2024 launch. For two years, CEDIA advocated for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which is now enacted into law and expands opportunities for workforce development and skilled-trades education.
CEDIA has also worked with the U.S. Department of Labor to advance apprenticeship opportunities for the residential technology industry. The association continues to advocate for formal recognition of the Technology Integrator occupational title, a step that would give the profession clearer standing at the federal level.
How Can You Get Involved?
Integrators can learn how to participate during a dedicated session at CEDIA Expo. Friedman, Orozco and other industry leaders will share more details about CEDIA Day on the Hill 2027, including how to take part, on the Smart Stage on Friday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. MDT.
Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CE Pro on August 17, 2026. It has since been updated for Commercial Integrator’s audience.
