CEDIA Opens Submissions to the 2026 Smart Home Awards

FISHERS, Ind. (January 29, 2026) – CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals™, has launched the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards program, inviting members from across the industry to share their most innovative projects, products, and achievements in smart home technology. With entries now open, this program offers a unique opportunity to be recognized among industry peers and to leverage that recognition for sustained business and marketing impact throughout the year. 

The full list of categories for the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards includes: 

INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES  

• Best Home Cinema 

• Best Integrated Home  

• Best Single Room Solution  

• Best Assisted Living Project  

• Best Outdoor Space  

• Technology Beyond the Home 

• Excellence In Documentation  

• Excellence In Lighting  

• Excellence In Networking  

• Excellence In Rack Building and Design  

• Excellence In Support & Maintenance  

BUSINESS CATEGORIES  

• Excellence In Business - Integrator  

• Excellence In Business - Supplier  

• Emerging Business  

• Excellence In Experience Centre Innovation – Integrator  

• Excellence In Experience Centre Innovation – Supplier  

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES  

• Best Newcomer  

• Best Sales Representative  

• Best Technician  

MANUFACTURER CATEGORIES 

• Best New Hardware  

• Best New Software  

• Product Hall of Fame 

CEDIA shines a light on a few core categories: 

Best Assisted Living Project 

Entries into this category should detail ethical and safety-related considerations and must reflect a unique installation that highlights the advancement of residents’ health or wellness. Acceptable projects are primary residences including but not limited to standalone homes, apartments, bungalows, single story units, villas and condos, and/or assisted living/elder care facilities where the occupier owns the home by either leasehold or freehold. 

Best Outdoor Space 

Projects entering the Best Outdoor Space category can serve multiple purposes and be adaptable to support the client’s outdoor lifestyle. This could include AV, lighting, security and/or networking. A winning entry should demonstrate technical excellence in all aspects of design and installation while meeting all applicable industry performance standards. 

Best Single Room Solution 

This category welcomes projects that serve multiple purposes and should be adaptable to support the client’s lifestyle. The room may be an open plan space and can include areas such as a media room, games room, bathroom, kitchen, bar, etc. A winning entry should demonstrate technical excellence in all aspects of design and installation while meeting all applicable industry performance standards.  

Technology Beyond the Home 

Entries into this category require the integration of a minimum of two residential style systems into nontraditional homes and must not meet the criteria of other categories in this awards program. The entry could illustrate and explain how the systems have been integrated together to enhance entertainment, convenience, safety health monitoring, and/or system reliability for the client.

“2025 was a fantastic year for the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, and I am excited to see the program grow this year,” comments Jenn McGuire, Senior Membership Manager at CEDIA. “With a thoughtfully crafted range of categories, we’re certain every member will find their ideal fit. These awards aren’t just about recognition—they’re about celebrating the passion and innovation that drive our industry forward. I strongly encourage all members to get involved and showcase the remarkable work that’s shaping the future of smart home technology.” 

The final deadline for submissions is April 12 for Integrator categories and May 24 for Business, Individual, and Manufacturer Product categories. The early bird deadline for Manufacturer Product categories is April 24. 

For those seeking inspiration before entering the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, the 2026 edition of Technology Meets Design – The Best of Smart Home Style features a remarkable showcase of winning and finalist entries from last year’s awards. 

To view this publication, download the awards toolkit, and enter the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards, visit cedia.org/awards.

About CEDIA

CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org.