Rob Stott

Rob Stott is the Founder and CEO of RLS Creative Services and Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Connected Design. A 15-year veteran of the editorial and communications industry, Rob has a passion for helping tell the stories of and shape the content strategies for business and brands in the custom integration channel.

68 articles published

Research & Reports

Survey: AI Is Moving Into the Workflow, But Pros Still Deciding How to Navigate Tools

Connected Design’s latest Industry Pulse Survey finds that integrators and adjacent professionals are already testing AI in proposals, research, documentation, and client-facing work, even as accuracy, time, and industry fit remain the biggest barriers.

ByRob StottMay 28, 20260Comments

Industry News

CEDIA’s Friedman Addresses Retirement, Events News in Note to Members

What a week or so of news in the CI space. Emerald gets sold. CEDIA CEO Daryl Friedman announced his retirement. And then AVIXA comes in and says, “Hold my beer.” All of that made the timing of Friedman’s note to the CEDIA community honestly perfect. With so much swirling around, his words felt like…

ByRob StottMay 21, 20260Comments

Industry Events Industry News

AVIXA, HTSA, ProSource to Launch New CI Event

RESIDE will bring a focused residential approach to AVIXA’s quickly evolving InfoComm strategy starting in 2027.

ByRob StottMay 20, 20260Comments

Industry Events

Lighting and Metal Finishes Stood Out at ICFF

I remember the first time attending the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) back when Connected Design was first introduced in 2017. As an editor who mainly covered technology and retail trends at that time, I felt very out of place walking the aisles of the show floor alongside high-end designers and brands. The vibe was…

ByRob StottMay 20, 20260Comments

Industry News News

CEDIA CEO to Retire in 2027

Daryl Friedman, who has served as Global President and CEO of CEDIA since 2021, will retire in 2027. Friedman recently informed the CEDIA Board of Directors of his decision. “Daryl’s impact on CEDIA has been transformative,” Amanda Wildman, CEDIA Board Chairperson, said in a statement. “He stepped into this role at an important time for…

ByRob StottMay 19, 20260Comments

Industry Events Industry News

Emerald Expo Acquired by Apollo Global Management

Emerald Expositions, the producers of CEDIA Expo, reached an agreement to be acquired alongside another events firm by Apollo Global Management.

ByRob StottMay 11, 20260Comments

Reviews Smart Home

Unboxed: Legrand adorne 65W USB-C Outlet and Faceplate

Upgrade your home with the Legrand Radiant 65W USB-C outlet featuring dual fast-charging ports, easy installation, and a sleek Adorne faceplate.

ByRob StottMay 11, 20260Comments

Commercial

A Smart Sanctuary in Tuscany

How thoughtful automation helped one of Italy’s most exclusive hospitality destinations deliver personalized comfort without compromising architectural authenticity.

ByRob StottMay 11, 20260Comments

Industry News News

CEDIA Launches First In-House Research Division

CEDIA hires a director of research and stands up its first in-house research department.

ByRob StottMay 6, 20260Comments

Industry News

Gramophone Announces Massive 70,000 sq. ft. Innovation Campus

As the custom integration industry continues to evolve toward more experiential, design-driven engagements, Maryland-based Gramophone is making a bold investment in what the future of client and partner interaction could look like. The company, which is closing in on its 50th anniversary later this year, announced plans for a 70,000-square-foot innovation campus in Timonium, Maryland,…

ByRob StottMay 6, 20260Comments

Rob Stott

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