EI speaks to Michael Johnson, Global Marketing Director at Monitor Audio Group, about the thinking behind CI CONNECT 2026, the value of face-to-face engagement and what integrators can expect from the new two-day industry event.
Taking place on October 7–8, 2026, at Monitor Audio Group HQ in Rayleigh, Essex, CI CONNECT has been created as a focused, collaborative event for the custom installation channel. Hosted by Monitor Audio Group, with Essential Install as media partner, the free-to-attend event will bring together leading brands and integrators for live demonstrations, short-form training sessions, product insight, panel discussions and networking in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
Where did the idea for CI CONNECT come from?
Michael Johnson (MJ): The idea really came from our experience of attending EI Live! last year. We didn’t go there with a huge product display; instead, we created more of a lounge-style environment and brought along members of our engineering and design teams, with the aim of giving integrators the opportunity to talk directly to the people behind the products.
This worked very well for us. The quality of the discussions was excellent, and it reminded us how important those interactions are for the UK CI network. With EI Live not taking place this year, and with our new Experience Centre now open, we felt there was an opportunity to use this space to bring the industry together in a different way.
We spoke to the brands that had supported the development of the Experience Centre and the idea was met with real enthusiasm. Everyone recognised the value of doing something positive for the channel. From there, CI CONNECT evolved very quickly.
How important was it that CI CONNECT felt like an industry event rather than a Monitor Audio event?
MJ: This was very important. While the event is being hosted at Monitor Audio Group HQ, the intention is for this to be an industry event. We are fortunate to have a space that can facilitate it, but CI CONNECT is about much more than Monitor Audio.
The Experience Centre already includes working applications from a number of partner brands, which means visitors can see technologies operating in a real-world environment rather than simply viewing products on stands. The concept is to give our partners and brand friends the opportunity to showcase their latest products and expertise, while giving integrators a joined-up view of the wider technology ecosystem.
It is also about maintaining momentum in the sector. The CI channel is a significant part of our business and something we want to continue investing in. Creating an opportunity for direct engagement with integrators is one way we can support that network and strengthen those relationships.
What makes the Experience Centre the right setting for this kind of event?
MJ: We want CI CONNECT to feel focused, relaxed and useful. It will not be a diluted version of a larger exhibition. Instead, it is a more condensed and hands-on environment where discussions can be more direct and meaningful.
Hopefully, visitors will find it warmer and more engaging than a traditional show floor. They can have a coffee, speak to manufacturers, experience products properly and spend time with the people shaping the technologies they specify. That face-to-face element is something we believe remains incredibly valuable in this industry.
One of the challenges with traditional exhibition environments is that it can be difficult to demonstrate products in the way they are intended to be experienced. Our Experience Centre gives us a more focused space, one that is set up properly for demonstration and discussion.
Visitors will be able to experience residential technology in purpose-built environments, including cinema, music and living space demonstrations. It means the brands attending can present their products and show them actively within a connected environment. That makes the conversations more useful and, hopefully, more engaging for the integrators who attend.
What can visitors expect from the event?
MJ: The event is designed to offer more than a product showcase. Across the two days, there will be live demonstrations, mini training sessions, panel discussions and opportunities to speak directly with the brands involved.
Monitor Audio has recently launched its Elevate Sound Performance Academy, and we know many of the other manufacturers attending also place a strong emphasis on education and training. The idea is to provide taster sessions that allow integrators to dig beneath the surface. That might mean learning more about a brand they already specify, discovering a product category they are less familiar with or gaining insight into technologies that can help them deliver broader solutions for their clients.
We are also working to build a rounded programme of talks and presentations, so the event feels more holistic. It is not purely about brands and products; it is about adding value for the people taking time out of their businesses to attend.
Which areas of the market will be represented?
MJ: One of the strengths of the event is that it covers a wide range of segments within the custom installation industry. Visitors will be able to engage with brands involved in areas such as audio, cinema, control, lighting, seating, shading, specification tools and wider industry support.
Confirmed participants include CEDIA, Chord Company, Cinema Luxe, Control4, Infinity Seating, Monitor Audio, OneAV, QMotion, Rako Lighting, Together for Cinema, Trinnov and WeQuote. Having that mix of organisations in one place means attendees can have conversations across the different ‘food groups’ that make up a successful residential technology project.
Why is the timing right for CI CONNECT?
MJ: Timing was definitely part of the thinking. With no EI Live this year, there was a clear gap in the UK industry calendar. CEDIA Expo has just taken place in the US, but not every UK integrator is able to travel to that, and there is still a long period before ISE.
October also feels like a useful moment for the CI market. Many integrators are heading into a busy period, with projects often ramping up towards the end of the year. We felt there was value in creating a focused opportunity for the UK channel to come together, see what is new, talk to brands and build momentum heading into 2027.
What would you say to integrators considering attending?
MJ: I would say to take some time out and come along to support this industry event. Attendance is free, but registration is required, and we are aiming to create an event that genuinely gives something back to the CI community.
For integrators, it is a chance to meet a strong mix of brands in one place, experience technologies in a real-world setting, attend training and talks and strengthen relationships across the industry. We are trying something new because we believe the channel benefits when people come together. We look forward to opening our doors and seeing you there.
CI CONNECT takes place on October 7–8 at Monitor Audio Group HQ in Rayleigh, Essex. Visitor registration is open via Eventbrite for both days. Use the links below.
