CEDIA Expo Grows in Importance for Residential Lighting

The annual event for residential system integrators brings together lighting, controls, shading, and whole-home integration.

As lighting increases in importance among homeowners wishing to incorporate wellness attributes and overall performance in their homes, the CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) continues to grow as a trade show for residential lighting, controls, shading, and integrated living technologies.

Lighting has moved to the forefront of the integrated ecosystems featured at CEDIA Expo/CIX that include automation, shading, audio, security, and wellness systems.  

“Lighting is no longer a stand-alone category; it is a foundational layer of the connected environment,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director at CEDIA Expo/CIX. “What distinguishes CEDIA Expo/CIX is the opportunity to see how lighting, controls, shading, and automation integrate seamlessly in real-world applications. This level of integration, along with the audience that appreciates it, is unique to this event.”

According to CEDIA’s 2023 Smart Home Market Analysis, lighting and shading control systems are among the categories with the highest rate of growth. These findings were reported by the integrators themselves.

Jay Divine, president of exhibitor ilLumenate Lighting, noted, “CEDIA Expo/CIX is where you meet the smartest minds in home integration. We’ve seen technology get smarter and smarter each year, and platforms like this allow us to stay abreast of the innovations. It’s the most comprehensive venue where residential lighting for interior and outdoor environments is considered in the context of whole-home integration and manifests in cross-brand collaborations, industry panels, keynotes, and, ultimately, better business for the brands, designers, and integrators! This makes CEDIA Expo/CIX a must on our calendar every year.”

The 2026 exhibit hall features a comprehensive lineup of leading and emerging lighting, control, and shading brands that are presented within the context of fully integrated systems.

Brands such as AiSPIRE/WAC, DMF Lighting, and Proluxe by American Lighting are indicative of the innovation portion of the category while technology leaders such as Lutron, Crestron, Savant, Nice, and URC demonstrate how lighting serves as a central control layer within the connected home.

Motorized shading and daylight management further extend this ecosystem, with companies such as Somfy and PowerShades demonstrating how comfort, wellness, and energy performance are increasingly interconnected. Outdoor living is represented by brands including Coastal Source, while emerging specialty solutions further underscore the range of new ideas shaping the category.

View the full list of participating lighting and shading companies here.

CEDIA Expo/CIX also offers a conference program that is developed and led by the CEDIA Association. The CEDIA Education Conference positions lighting and shading as a strategic entry point into larger, more complex projects, equipping professionals to expand into residential and light commercial applications.

The CEDIA Education Conference schedule includes a diverse range of topics from wellness and circadian design to integrated controls, performance, and aesthetics. These sessions provide attendees with practical insight into one of the fastest-growing and most influential categories in residential technology and design.

“Lighting has become one of the most important elements of the modern home,” said Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO of CEDIA. “As the association representing smart home professionals, CEDIA is focused on helping integrators understand how lighting fits within the broader ecosystem of the connected home. At CEDIA Expo/CIX, we’re providing education that reflects how residential projects are actually designed and delivered today to increase integrator profits and client satisfaction.”

CEDIA Expo/CIX will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4.

To learn more about CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 and register, visit cediaexpo.com.