Daniel J SaitCEDIA has announced the launch of its first-ever in-house research division, with initial findings from the 2026 UK Smart Home Technology Market Assessment set to be presented during EI Live! 2026 on September 23-24, 2026.
The new capability marks a significant evolution for CEDIA, enabling the association to generate proprietary market intelligence and deliver deeper, more consistent insights to members and the wider industry.
Attendees at the free-to-attend session will gain a first look at research covering brand preferences, revenue trends, overall market size, projected industry growth and interest in AI adoption. The findings are designed to support both integrators and manufacturers with actionable intelligence that can help inform pricing, service offerings and long-term business strategy.
The session will also preview upcoming research initiatives and outline CEDIA’s long-term strategy for the newly established research function, led by newly appointed Director of Research, Ryan Bardach.
Ryan Bardach, Director of Research, CEDIA, says, “Building CEDIA’s first in-house research division is an exciting opportunity to bring greater clarity and confidence to the smart home channel. EI Live! is the perfect place to start that conversation, where we can share our initial findings and give members a clear view of where the market is headed.”
Ryan brings extensive experience in the market research industry, having worked with private equity firms, B2C and B2B retail organisations and companies in the energy and utilities sector. His expertise spans quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including market assessments, voice-of-customer research, brand sentiment analysis, employee engagement and long-term tracking studies.
His background also includes experience in the military, telecommunications and operations management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and history from Indiana University, alongside a market research certification from University of Georgia.
As Director of Research, Ryan will help build and lead CEDIA’s new global research function, establishing the association as a trusted source of market intelligence for the professional smart home channel. He will also focus on increasing the value and utility of CEDIA research for members and other key audiences, including adjacent industries and media.
Daryl Friedman, CEDIA Global President and CEO, says, “CEDIA has always been a trusted voice for the industry, and this new research division allows us to take that even further. By investing in our own data and insights, we’re equipping integrators and trade suppliers with the knowledge they need to stay competitive and make informed business decisions.”
More information on the 2026 UK Smart Home Technology Market Assessment presentation at EI Live! will be available soon.
EI Live! has also evolved this year, moving to the NEC Birmingham and co-locating with ECN Live!, bringing a broader industry focus under one roof and creating a stronger platform for networking, product discovery and cross-sector collaboration across the residential and commercial AV and automation channels.
To register for EI Live!, visit EI Live!