CE Pro Podcast # 173: Inside CEDIA Expo 2026 Education - AI, Lighting, Wellness & the Future of Smart Homes

In this conversation, CE Pro Executive Editor Zachary Comeau sits down with CEDIA’s Evan West, Senior Conference Strategy Manager, and Paul Dolenc, VP of Education & Training, to break down the biggest themes shaping this year’s education program at CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver.The discussion explores how the custom integration industry is evolving beyond traditional AV installation into a more collaborative, design-build-focused business centered around wellness, lighting, cybersecurity, AI, power management, and recurring revenue.Topics include:Why AI is now embedded across nearly every education trackHow lighting and shading are becoming core business opportunitiesThe growing importance of cybersecurity in the connected homeWhy integrators need deeper collaboration with architects and designersPower management education and communicating value to homeownersOperational maturity, service contracts, and recurring revenue strategiesThe future of wellness-focused smart homesAccording to CEDIA, AI-related discussions are expected to touch nearly every session at Expo 2026, while dedicated lighting and shading education tracks reflect growing homeowner demand for human-centric experiences and seamless technology integration.CEDIA Expo 2026 takes place in Denver, Sept. 1-4.