CEDIA 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 programme offers an opportunity to be recognised among industry peers and to celebrate the creativity and expertise shaping tomorrow’s connected homes. If you want to be standing on the CEDIA Smart Home Awards stage this year with one or more trophies in your hand, then now is the time to start preparing your submissions.
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 storey 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, or 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 application of residential technologies into a non-traditional residence. It must include a minimum of two residential grade integrated systems but not meet the criteria of other categories in this programme. The entry could illustrate and explain how the systems have been integrator 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 12th April for Integrator categories and 24th May for Business, Individual, and Manufacturer Product categories. The early bird deadline for Manufacturer Product categories is 24th April.
For those who are looking for more inspiration to enter the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, take a look at the 2026 edition of Technology Meets Design – The Best of Smart Home Style, which features the some of the 2025 integrator finalists & winners. To download this publication, the awards toolkit, and to enter the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards, visit cedia.org/awards.
