CEDIA Advocates for Workforce Development and Industry Recognition at Third Annual Day on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2026) – CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals™, took to Washington, D.C. for its third annual CEDIA Day on Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 26. CEDIA leaders from around the world were joined by the CEDIA Board of Directors and industry partners to advocate for policies that support smart home professionals and the future workforce.
The trip began with an insightful dinner and briefing on Wednesday evening from Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), who discussed the state of Congress and how best to advocate. The following day saw meetings with the Department of Labor, a CEDIA demonstration in association with the Congressional Smart Cities Caucus, and breakout meetings with congressional offices.
Advocating for the Industry at the U.S. Department of Labor
CEDIA leaders engaged with the Department of Labor to advance efforts for an official occupational classification for "Technology Integrator" and to explore a national apprenticeship pathway, strengthening the pipeline for skilled talent in the smart home sector.
“AI Comes Home” Demonstration on Capitol Hill
At the Rayburn House Office Building, Amanda Wildman, CEDIA Board Chairperson and Founder of TruMedia Home, and Alex Capecelatro, Immediate Past Chairperson and CEO of Josh.ai, presented “AI Comes Home,” highlighting how proper integration and innovative technology create safer, smarter, and more connected homes.
The demonstration booth included Lutron/Ketra shades and lighting, IC RealTime security, and Sonos audio – all controlled by Josh.ai. Hosted by Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), various representatives and their staff stopped by to participate in the demonstration, including Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA).
The demonstration was presented in cooperation with the Congressional Smart Cities Caucus. Caucus Co-Chair Yvette D. Clarke noted, “Thank you to the CEDIA team in its entirety – both for hosting our caucus for today’s event and for their tireless work to unite smart home technologies with every American family. It is my sincere hope that our essential caucus will continue to serve as a forum for bringing together industry leaders – like those of CEDIA – to share solutions, ideas, and best practices around how our communities can most benefit from new forms of smart technology.”
Lobbying on Technology and Workforce
As lobbying progressed, CEDIA advocates met with Senate and House offices to discuss key legislation supporting the smart home industry and the workforce:
- S. 2802 / H.R. 1641 – Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act: Requires the Department of Education to publish clear, comprehensive data on career and technical education (CTE) programs on the Federal Student Aid website, positioning CTE as a viable alternative to four-year degrees.
- H.R. 4105 – Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act of 2025: Establishes grants to connect transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses to skilled careers in energy, including CEDIA industry careers.
- S. 244 / H.R. 866 – ROUTERS Act: Directs the Department of Commerce to assess national security and cybersecurity risks tied to consumer routers, modems, and similar devices – particularly those linked to foreign adversaries.
“In its third year, CEDIA Day on Capitol Hill continues to be one of the most important days on the calendar for the professional smart home industry,” said CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman. “We’re building on strong advocacy momentum from 2025 by lobbying for policies that strengthen career pathways, support the industry’s workforce, and secure formal recognition for the role technology integrators play. Next year, we look forward to inviting CEDIA members to join us so even more voices can be part of the conversation.”
For more information on CEDIA’s advocacy initiatives, including ways you can get involved, visit cedia.org/advocacy.
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.