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

Podcast Video

Putting AI to Use in Floor Plan Generation with Drafted

Drafted, an AI-based platform that launched earlier this year, is a free-to-use tool that lets users dream up their ideal house plan with just a few simple prompts. Founder Nick Donahue sat down with us to talk about how the tool works, where he plans to expand its capabilities, and the role of AI in…

ByConnected DesignMay 18, 20260Comments

Audio & Video Industry News

Loewe Picks World Wide Stereo and Gramophone as Exclusive Mid-Atlantic Retail Partners

World Wide Stereo and Gramophone expand their luxury home entertainment offerings through a new Loewe partnership, bringing premium OLED displays to immersive Mid-Atlantic showroom experiences.

ByConnected DesignMay 14, 20260Comments

Industry News

5 Ways AI Is Changing How We Design and Deliver Luxury Smart Homes

I'll skip the part where I tell you AI is coming for our industry. You already know that. What I want to share is what it actually looks like when you stop watching from the sidelines and start building with it. We've been using AI at GWI for about a year now. Not as a…

ByKyle SteeleMay 12, 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

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