CES 2026: Shapiro, Fabrizio Discuss Gov’ts Impeding AI, Innovation Agenda
CES 2026: Shapiro, Fabrizio Discuss Gov’ts Impeding AI, Innovation Agenda The executives focused on how AI is to the 21st century as electricity was to the 20th during their CES 2026 kickoff keynote. CTA Executive Chair & CEO Gary Shapiro and CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio focused on how AI is to the 21st century as […]
What Is the Value of Luxury?
What Is the Value of Luxury? A guide for the distinguished integrator, designer, and private cinema consultant to defining, delivering, and articulating value. In our industry, we often find ourselves negotiating a precipice between cost and perceived worth. As integrators, designers, and private cinema consultants, we may look at a proposal and see line items, […]
Humanizing AI
Humanizing AI Smart tech alone isn’t enough; discover why 2026 belongs to integrators who blend digital tools with human judgment, culture, and creativity. If I had a dollar for every brand, integration firm, trade pro, or association representative who’s quietly confided to me in some form or another, “We want to adopt AI tools, but […]
Designed to Work Together
Designed to Work Together As homeowners demand more connected experiences, CEDIA and NKBA | KBIS show how collaboration delivers better results for every client. A new joint report from CEDIA and NKBA | KBIS provides one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how technology is reshaping home design, and how closer collaboration between design and integration professionals is becoming essential. […]
Sonance’s Ari Supran on Design-Forward Technology and the Power of Disappearing AV in 2025
Sonance’s Ari Supran on Design-Forward Technology and the Power of Disappearing AV in 2025 Sonance’s Supran reflects on the rise of invisible technology, growing designer influence, and why simplicity and efficiency defined 2025. Ari Supran, CEO of Sonance says 2025 underscored the growing demand for design-forward, architectural technology that blends seamlessly into the home. He points to […]
Time is Running Out: CEDIA Expo/CIX PitchFest Debuts Next Week with $1,200 in Savings and Breakout New Brands
Time is Running Out: CEDIA Expo/CIX PitchFest Debuts Next Week with $1,200 in Savings and Breakout New Brands Commercial Integrator, CE Pro and CEDIA Expo/CIX are continuing final preparations for next week’s two-day webinar event: CEDIA Expo/CIX PitchFest: New Exhibitors Take the Stage. Scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17 at 2pm ET, PitchFest is designed to give integrators, […]
December is Your Competitive Advantage
December is Your Competitive Advantage Four critical areas every custom integrator should focus on before the calendar flips to 2026. December is that weird month where everyone’s simultaneously trying to get projects done before the holidays, close out the year, and somehow still run their business. Holiday parties, year-end vendor calls, and family obligations all […]
Selling the ‘Cave of Pain’
Selling the ‘Cave of Pain’ Don’t be afraid to ask clients, “What do you expect from us when things don’t work?” Setting expectations during the sales process can make the difference between a raving fan and someone who gives you a one-star Google review. Instead of shying away from the hard truth that technology breaks, […]
What I Learned From 3 Days with the CI Industry’s Top Performers at Total Tech Summit
What I Learned From 3 Days with the CI Industry’s Top Performers at Total Tech Summit From luxury client insights to hiring strategies, Total Tech Summit proved why focused time with top integrators still matters as the event evolves. What has always intrigued me about the custom integration industry is just how niche it is. […]
Avoiding Lighting Design Pitfalls
Avoiding Lighting Design Pitfalls A look at some of the common challenges lighting designers face — and how to solve them. We’re about 10 years into having lighting integrated within the AV industry, and I have spoken to — and worked with — many integrators in that time. The feedback that I often get from […]