Why Trade Shows Matter for Security Integrators

The upcoming CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) highlights why trade shows remain essential for security integrators, offering firsthand access to converging technologies, education, and new business opportunities.
Aug. 18, 2025
7 min read

The Skinny

  • Converging technologies like AV, networking and automation are redefining how security solutions are designed and delivered.

  • Education tracks at events provide actionable insights on AI, cloud and smart building integration for security professionals.

  • Networking at trade shows foster collaboration, new partnerships and business growth opportunities across industries.

What was once a distinct and clearly defined industry for security professionals has merged with adjacent technologies, including AV, networking, energy management and building automation. This rapid convergence is redefining how solutions are designed, delivered and maintained. And nowhere is this transformation more visible or accessible than at today’s leading industry trade shows. 

These events are no longer just product showcases; they are dynamic ecosystems of innovation. Trade shows provide security integrators with a unique window into the future of their business, making them a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay competitive. They highlight how formerly siloed technologies are now integrated into holistic systems and how security professionals can position themselves as key players in the smart building movement. 

Convergence moves from concept to reality

Whether it’s commercial properties, luxury residences or multi-use spaces, today’s clients aren’t looking for individual technologies. They want comprehensive, integrated systems that just work. Trade shows are where this shift is most clearly illustrated. You’ll see lighting control solutions that interface with video surveillance, access control systems that trigger HVAC presets and AI-powered monitoring tools that inform both physical security and facility management. 

This convergence isn’t theoretical; it’s happening now. As security technologies continue to overlap with adjacent systems, such as audio, lighting, networking and automation, integrators must expand their knowledge base and toolsets. Trade shows serve as a condensed, high-value crash course in this shifting landscape. Attending gives integrators a front-row seat to how technologies are blending and what that means for their future business. 

More integration for more projects

Trade shows are also the ideal venue to understand the increasing crossover between residential and commercial markets. Clients are no longer confined to one type of system in one type of space. Commercial clients want solutions with the elegance and simplicity of residential automation, while high-end homeowners are requesting enterprise-grade security and network infrastructure. 

This evolution creates a rich opportunity for security integrators who understand both markets, or who are willing to grow into one from the other. From smart locks that integrate with enterprise access control to video doorbells that trigger whole-building alerts, projects now require knowledge that spans categories. Tradeshows allow integrators to explore products and techniques that work in both arenas, empowering them to take on more diverse and higher-value projects. 

Clients are also becoming more tech-savvy, and they expect seamless integration across all devices. This means security professionals must design systems that work within larger platforms and provide centralized control, monitoring and management. The ability to deliver this kind of solution is often what separates the one-time installer from the long-term trusted advisor, and trade shows are the perfect place to level up your skills in that direction. 

Education highlights tailored for security professionals

Beyond the show floor, the real value of trade shows often lies in their education tracks. The best events offer carefully curated sessions specifically for security professionals. These aren’t dry product pitches; they’re actionable, insight-rich forums where integrators can learn about the technologies and trends shaping their future. 

Topics often include AI-based surveillance, cybersecurity best practices, cloud-based access control and multi-site remote monitoring. There’s also growing focus on video analytics, threat detection through machine learning and the impact of 5G on remote system performance. These sessions provide not only theory but also practical strategies that integrators can apply immediately to differentiate their offerings and improve client outcomes. 

Additionally, education sessions often include case studies, panel discussions with peers and insights from manufacturers. These elements help bridge the gap between technical specifications and real-world application, giving attendees a clearer understanding of how to implement what they’ve learned. 

About the Author

Jason McGraw

Group Vice President and Show Director at Emerald

Jason McGraw is Group Vice President and Show Director at Emerald, where he oversees CEDIA Expo, Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). With more than 35 years of leadership in trade shows, associations, and event management — particularly in the professional AV industry — he has produced major expositions across the U.S. and globally.

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