Underscoring its function as the singular forum for ideas, innovations and insights in the North America custom integration market, CEDIA Expo 2026 will present What Every Integrator Needs to Know About the Next Five Years, a C-suite panel featuring Nick Berry, CEO, Origin Acoustics; Michael Short, Global Vice President Marketing Operations & Residential, Crestron; Matt Kamp, Vice President, Product Management, ADI Global; Melissa Andresko, Chief Corporate Brand Ambassador, Lutron; and Kathleen Thomas, Head of Custom Integration Sales, Sony Electronics. The manufacturers’ executive panel will seek to forecast the next five years of custom integration — topics include new technology categories, shifting consumer expectations, the role of AI and energy management, and how integrators can position their businesses for growth in a changing market.
“The brightest minds in custom integration gather at CEDIA Expo, and we have gathered five of the very brightest manufacturer executives to share their insights and explore the possibilities for residential systems integration over the coming five years,” explains Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo, powered by Forge. “This promises to be a compelling conversation by brand leaders for CI professionals.”
The executive panel will take place on the Smart Stage in the Exhibit Hall from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Thursday, September 3rd, and will be moderated by Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor, CE Pro/Commercial Integrator.
Commenting on what is likely to be an energetic and informed discussion, Kathleen Thomas of Sony Electronics noted, “As technology and consumer expectations continue to evolve, there’s tremendous opportunity for our industry to rethink what’s possible, I’m excited to discuss that opportunity alongside my peers at CEDIA Expo and explore how we can come together as a community to drive vitality in the channel and innovation for our customers.”
Lutron’s Melissa Andresko notes, “Webinars and whitepapers have their place, but nothing matches the energy of sitting with peers and stakeholders in person to discuss the shifting sands of innovation. Live dialogue sparks ideas that simply don’t surface on a conference call.”
Echoing this sentiment, Matt Kamp of ADI Global stated, “Our industry is built on connected systems, where technologies from multiple brands come together to create a seamless customer experience. That collaborative mindset is one of the industry’s greatest strengths and is reflected in panels like this one, bringing together leaders from across the channel to share diverse perspectives and drive meaningful innovation.”
Crestron’s Michael Short shares this opinion. “A well-informed and opinionated debate on a panel surfaces the ideas that push the whole industry forward. If people leave energized and looking for more conversations, more products, more perspectives on the show floor, then that’s a win.”
Nick Berry of Origin Acoustics is of a similar view. “Custom integration is about pulling together the best offerings from the best brands for the most challenging and prestigious residential integration projects. It’s not simple, commoditized or templated, but it’s typically exceptional and always requires diverse viewpoints, experiences and insights. That’s what integrators will get from our panel at CEDIA Expo 2026.”
McGraw adds, “I am pleased that all five executives agree on the potential for this panel, as I am certain there are issues on the agenda that they won’t all agree on. This is likely to be a lively debate with divergent opinions and insights —another must-see event at CEDIA Expo 2026.”
CEDIA Expo will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4, 2026. To learn more about CEDIA Expo, please visit cediaexpo.com or register here. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
