Strategy in TECH...
Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE: EEX), parent company to Emerald Expositions and owner of the CEDIA Expo, Commercial Integrator Expo, CEPro, Commercial Integrator, and more, reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, showing growth in both consolidated revenues and “adjusted” earnings. However, the data makes it pretty clear that growth relies heavily on acquiring more shows – a costly way to drive growth.
Goldman Sachs, a leading American-based global investment bank, earlier this month recognized Hagan Kappler, CEO and Co-Founder of Daisy, as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025. This recognition was announced at the Goldman Sachs Builders + Innovators Summit 2025 held in Healdsburg, California.
Crestron Electronics, a leading industry manufacturer of commercial and enterprise-grade connectivity gear, as well as sophisticated but simple control and automation solutions for the smart home, has launched another Crestron Experience Center (CEC) in Mechelen, Belgium. Not only does this stunning facility showcase the depth and breadth of Crestron technology, but it also demonstrates the company’s commitment to EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Asia) markets as well as to the greater global community.
Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq: GNTX) reported its financial results for the third quarter of Fiscal 2025, and for the first time, these results betray an impact from the Trump administration’s tariff program as well as slowing global economic activity. The company is also still struggling to more fully integrate Voxx International, acquired back in April 2025, into its operations and forward planning.
Organic results – which take Voxx out of the 2025 numbers for an apples-to-apples comparison with Fiscal 2024 results – showed a notable decline in net sales and a troubling double-digit decline in net income. Read on to see what the company said about these results…and to get my take.
By any measure, Sean Weiner has had an exemplary run in custom integration. His blue-chip resume includes significant roles with custom integrators such as Myer Emco, Starr Systems, and Bravas, where he was the organization’s Chief Technology Officer.
But now he’s left the role of integrator and created something new, called Spexi Advisory. And in so doing, he may have created a new business model – something that puts him on the side of the buyer (client).
The past couple of years there’s been a lot said about the value and effectiveness of CEDIA Expo. While some of the criticisms may be valid, it does not mean that industry professionals should skip the event because its usefulness has passed.
Here are my thoughts on some of the powerful, but intangible, benefits of attending our industry’s most important trade show.
Cleverly Home, a custom home builder in Japan, has come up with a way to generate additional revenue from its model homes, while also opening up a new way for prospective homeowners to experience its designs. A reporter for the Nikkei in Japan was quite taken by the concept as the homebuilder will allow the model homes to be rented out as private lodgings on dates when no homebuyer showings are scheduled.
Many in the industry were stunned to learn Thursday afternoon that popular custom integration editor and reviewer Robert “Bob” Archer was released from his prominent role at CEPro by owner Emerald Expositions. It was an inauspicious conclusion to a long, illustrious career at one of the top industry trade publications, where Archer’s insightful product reviews could make a real impact on the success of a product in the market.
Azione Unlimited, a leading North American buying group of upscale custom integrators, announced on Wednesday that it has formed the Azione Collective, a group of women drawn from all walks of the greater Azione ecosystem who have come together to “empower connection, mentorship, and growth.”
Ferrari NV (NYSE: RACE), manufacturer of the leading luxury sports car embraced by many wealthy car enthusiasts, had its scariest ride ever on Wall Street last week, when its stock value had the single largest daily drop in the company’s history. In just one day, the value of RACE shares closed down by 15%. Does this mean trouble for the Luxury market?
