Strategy in TECH...
Dr. Steve Weber was building a home in Colorado, and he needed an integrator to design and install the home’s automation system. Although he didn’t know it at the time, the result of that experience would alter the course of his career.
Emerald Expositions (NYSE: EEX), owner of the CEDIA Expo, CEPro, Commercial Integrator, and more, has formally announced on its website that it has decided to “indefinitely postpone” the Total Tech Summit. Quite a buzz erupted on social media as word of this decision spread among those in the custom integration industry.
Sonos, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO) introduced on Tuesday the launch of a new model called the Amp Multi, its first such launch in more than a year. Targeted for the professional integrator channel, Amp Multi is, as the name suggests, a multi-channel streaming amplifier that appears to be designed to encourage integrators to incorporate more Sonos products in larger, more sophisticated residential installations.
But will integrators go along with this scheme?
Ft Lauderdale, FL-based Just Video Walls, a specialist supplier of custom MicroLED video walls, had a massive showing at CEDIA Expo 2025, situated in two large booths on the main floor. The company, which has had a huge growth spurt over the last couple of years, has added many new employees, introduced new product models, brought on new accessory & control options, and had its largest presence ever at Expo 2025.
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.
The night before CEDIA Expo 2025 opened, CEDIA, the trade association, held a “Town Hall” with members on the subject of partnering with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Actually, the organization’s formal announcement of this event said it was to “debut and discuss brand-new joint research between the two organizations.” But actually, it was setting the membership up for the Association to propose a new relationship between the organizations.
It was a proposal that did not appear to resonate with some in the audience at the Town Hall.
Crestron Electronics, a leading smart home and automation brand in residential and commercial custom integration, is introducing several exciting new products at CEDIA Expo 2025, such as new Cameo keypads, Horizon keypads, and the very cool-looking Cevo Mini Remote. But by far, my favorite launch is the Crestron Home Configure Pro system configuration tool.
Multiple sources over the last several weeks have reported that LG Electronics has decided not to exhibit at the upcoming 2025 CEDIA Expo, which begins in less than three weeks at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. While many industry people appear to be aware of this fact, most have no idea why the leading TV maker has made this decision.
The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) announced on Tuesday that it is launching its first-ever consumer advertising campaign – something members have been asking it to do for years. The campaign is a professionally conceived, created, produced, and now distributed advertisement that includes, amongst other things, a 60-second video that educates consumers on the “magic” of a well-designed smart home and the need for a professional installer.
