DENVER — Scheduled for Sept. 4–6, CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) returns to Denver for its annual showcase. Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director for both expos, previewed the lineup of technologies and themes set for the show floor. Organizers point to key trends like scalable safety setups, next-generation displays, outdoor AV, intelligent lighting controls and more. The combined format invites integration professionals, designers and specifiers to explore solutions for homes, workplaces, multi-unit developments and commercial venues. “Denver in September will be an Expo to remember,” McGraw says.
Security has emerged as a top priority across residence and business projects. Systems now blend discreet motion sensors, smart locks, video analytics and automated alerts into a unified platform. Exhibitors such as Allegion, HoloVision and Ring will demo security gear that integrates with audio/video, lighting and climate controls. Clients will be able to review setups that operate quietly yet deliver comprehensive monitoring for single-family homes, multi-dwelling units, retail outlets and boutique office spaces. These security packages run in the background and deliver a central management interface for installers. A growing number of integrators are linking these protections to energy and occupancy controls.
Ultra-high-definition 8K displays have moved into mainstream applications. Backed by the 8K Association, brands like Digital Production, Sony and Samsung will showcase next-gen screens and projectors in Denver. In premium residences, massive 8K video walls are serving as immersive entertainment hubs and digital art installations. Commercial clients in schools, retail storefronts and corporate offices are adopting 8K for interactive learning, product visualization and dynamic signage. Visitors can test devices that deliver fine detail, broad scalability and robust color accuracy, highlighting how integrators can meet demands for razor-sharp imagery.
CEDIA Expo/CIX will present a lineup of outdoor AV systems geared for rain, heat and humidity. Neptune TV and Sol-Lux will display 4K and 8K weather-rated screens, directional speakers and sealed amplifiers paired with garden lighting fixtures. There will also be integrated smart grills capable of linking to home networks for outdoor gatherings. Installers can explore solutions that tie audio, visual and lighting controls into backyard settings. These products turn patios, poolsides and entryways into connected entertainment areas.
Garage spaces are receiving a tech makeover in homes and light commercial sites. Electric vehicles now integrate with home networks to trigger lighting schemes and interact with energy management platforms. At the same time, garages are becoming private gyms, craft workshops and remote studios requiring robust connectivity, control and security measures. Brands like Lutron, Graber and Airzone will exhibit automation hardware that links entry doors, climate controls, illumination and surveillance into unified dashboards. A handful of bootstrapped and venture-backed startups will also debut innovations aimed at the four-car bay testbed.
Industry leaders say that lighting and shade control have moved from finishing touches to core design elements. Attendees can view smart fixtures that adjust color temperature in sync with circadian needs, advanced shading systems with precision positioning and unified control protocols. Designers will find solutions for upscale residences, boutique hotels, office floors and health-focused studios. Companies such as Klus and Lucetta will feature high-performance fixtures, intuitive control panels and designer-grade finishes built to meet aesthetic standards and technical requirements of modern installations.
Superior audio setups will form a major section of the expo. Demonstration suites will include dedicated listening rooms for high-fidelity equipment, vinyl playback areas and immersive home theater environments. Attendees may test soundscapes that illustrate how careful speaker placement, room calibration and amplifier design work together. Corporate integrators will note examples for lobbies, showrooms and campus buildings. Yamaha, Harman and L-Acoustics rank among the brands offering hands-on demos on the show floor and in specialized demo spaces.
The line between home and commercial integration continues to wash away. Integrators who work in both sectors can explore unified platforms, scalable control systems and cross-market opportunities under one roof. From luxury private residences to co-working hubs and retail fit-outs, shared approaches now govern networking, user interfaces and service models. “Systems integration is driven by emerging technology and evolving client expectations,” McGraw says. With a combined floor plan, Expo/CIX provides a single space for specifiers to compare tools and business models that serve all types of connected projects.
Sessions cover technical training, project design and business strategies. Live demonstrations will run inside exhibitor booths each day, alongside dedicated theaters for product launches and in-depth looks at installation workflows. Roundtable discussions will gather integrators, designers and vendors for open exchange. More than 350 brands will occupy the showroom, presenting new hardware and software solutions. The education schedule includes masterclasses, certification programs and case study presentations. Throughout Denver’s convention center, sound rooms, project galleries and networking lounges will create varied spaces from September 4 to 6.
These offerings reinforce Denver’s role as a focal point for integration professionals exploring tomorrow’s connected technology.
