Security has become one of the fastest-growing opportunities for technology integrators, and CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) 2026 is the key destination for professionals looking to capitalize on that demand. Returning to Denver this September, the event will bring together thousands of residential and resimercial integrators, manufacturers, and industry leaders to showcase the latest residential and commercial security technologies and provide integrators with practical strategies to grow their businesses.
Security will be woven into the event’s education program, thought leadership discussions, and product demonstrations. Business leaders who attend will learn about integrating surveillance, access control, sensors, and automation technologies, positioning them to grow as “one-hand-to-shake” master systems integrators.
“Security has quickly evolved from a standalone system into a fully integrated smart-home service,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo/CIX. “Today’s solutions combine several discrete technologies to deliver smarter monitoring and automation. CEDIA Expo/CIX is where integrators can experience these technologies in action, connect with the manufacturers building them, and learn how to turn security into a profitable part of their business.”
Residential Security Becomes a Core Smart Home Category
Homeowners increasingly expect security to be fully integrated into their smart home ecosystems. Cameras, doorbells, environmental sensors, and access control systems are now designed to work seamlessly with automation platforms, lighting, and mobile apps. These technologies are transforming how integrators design and deliver connected homes.
At CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026, some examples of how integrators can see these solutions evolving include:
- AI-assisted video analytics and intelligent detection
- Video doorbells and remote entry management
- Integrated access control and perimeter monitoring
- Environmental sensors for safety and system awareness
- Cloud-based platforms that deliver alerts, monitoring, and system control via mobile devices
“People want peace of mind, convenience, and visibility,” McGraw said. “The newest security solutions integrate directly with the rest of the smart home so homeowners can monitor their property, receive alerts, and manage access from anywhere.”
Commercial Security Opportunities Around Every Corner
While residential security remains a major focus, CEDIA Expo/CIX is also highlighting how integrators can expand their capabilities and tackle commercial security applications. Retail stores, restaurants, and hospitality venues increasingly require integrated systems that combine surveillance, access control, audio paging, and monitoring. For integration businesses, these environments represent accessible opportunities to diversify their business.
“Many residential integrators already have the technical skills to serve commercial clients,” McGraw said. “Walk down any Main Street in America, and you’ll see opportunities — from surveillance systems and access control to background music, digital signage, and paging. CEDIA Expo/CIX gives integrators exposure to these adjacent commercial markets and the partners who can help them grow into them.”
Security Insights on the Smart Stage
Security will also be explored through live programming at the event. The Smart Stage, located directly on the show floor, will host expert panels and discussions examining emerging security technologies, the role of AI in surveillance and detection, and practical strategies for adding security solutions to integration businesses.
These sessions — free for attendees — provide an opportunity to hear directly from manufacturers, technology leaders, and integrators who are already building security into their offerings.
On Friday, September 4, attendees are encouraged to attend the Smart Stage session: Eyes That Think: The Rise of AI-Driven Intelligent Security. This session will explore how AI-driven cameras, sensors, and analytics are transforming residential security from basic monitoring to proactive, connected protection, and will cover key considerations for deployment, privacy, and integration into the smart home ecosystem. The entire Smart Stage schedule can be found here.
Stand out with Learnings from CEDIA’s Education Program
CEDIA’s professional education program will deliver deeper technical training in system design, integration best practices, and business development strategies aligned with the rapidly evolving smart home ecosystem. To view the full CEDIA Education Conference schedule, visit the website to browse the vast list of options and to learn more about registration.
Relevant education program sessions include Talking Cybersecurity With Clients, Without Fearmongering or Overhype on Tuesday, September 1, at 10:00 AM, which will explore the ever-increasing importance of responsible speech on this topic. Additionally, the Securing the Human Link: Using CEDIA’s Cybersecurity Guide to Help Protect Your Clients session will cover CEDIA’s new consumer-facing Home Cybersecurity Guide and how it helps homeowners and their families understand online safety and privacy in clear, relatable terms, from smart devices to daily digital habits.
Meanwhile, the show floor will feature a multitude of manufacturers demonstrating the latest in security-related technologies. As the industry shifts toward cloud-based and mobile-enabled platforms, attendees will be able to explore solutions that give homeowners the ability to manage cameras, alerts, and access from anywhere. Exhibitors, including 2N, ADI Global Distribution, ekey, Elk Products, IC Realtime, and more, will be on hand with products spanning the full residential and commercial security ecosystem.
The Industry’s Annual Gathering
In addition to technology discovery and education, CEDIA Expo/CIX also provides an unmatched networking environment for the custom integration community. From industry meetups and training sessions to special events such as the CE Pro All-Star Band opening night celebration, the show fosters the connections that help drive new partnerships and projects.
CEDIA Expo/CIX provides a rare convergence of residential and commercial integrators, manufacturers, and design professionals. Conversations that begin on the show floor influence specifications, partnerships, and purchasing decisions across thousands of projects nationwide.
“If you want a clear sense of where the security industry is headed, this is the place to be,” said Bob Odierna, COO and Founder, IC Realtime. “The conversations we have with residential and commercial integrators, architects, and other industry partners consistently provide valuable insight and inspiration. Those interactions help inform our strategy moving forward, which is why we continue to return year after year, and why we’re excited to be back on the show floor in 2026.”
Why Integrators Can’t Afford to Miss CEDIA Expo/CIX
For residential and resimercial integrators navigating the growing demand for integrated security solutions, attending CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to understand where the market is heading and how their businesses can capitalize on it.
From connected surveillance systems to remote monitoring, the show will highlight how security is becoming a foundational element of smart homes and businesses. By exploring new products on the show floor, engaging with manufacturers, and learning from industry experts, attendees will gain practical insights into how security can expand their service offerings, strengthen client relationships, and create new revenue opportunities.
“There is simply no other event in North America that brings together this many custom systems integrators, manufacturers, and educational opportunities in one place,” McGraw said. “If you want to understand the future of intelligent homes and integrated technology, this is where that conversation happens.”
CEDIA Expo/CIX will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4, 2026.
