Lewis CaliburnCEDIA has launched the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards programme, 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 an opportunity to be recognised 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 programme 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.