The Skinny
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Converging technologies like AV, networking and automation are redefining how security solutions are designed and delivered.
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Education tracks at events provide actionable insights on AI, cloud and smart building integration for security professionals.
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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.
TRADE SHOW AT A GLANCE
What: CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025
Where: Colorado Convention Center in Denver
When: September 3-6
Info: cediaexpo.com
The power of the show floor
Tradeshows are unmatched in their ability to bring together vendors across categories. For security integrators, this is an invaluable opportunity to explore technologies that complement or enhance their core offerings. From smart locks and control platforms to energy management systems and wellness tech, the show floor becomes a playground for discovery.
You’ll find remote monitoring solutions that now include environmental sensors. You’ll see lighting systems that double as motion detectors or emergency alerts. You’ll discover home automation platforms that integrate surveillance feeds, control locks and provide real-time notifications from a single dashboard.
Live demos make these technologies come to life in ways that spec sheets simply can’t. You can test interfaces, ask tough questions and understand how different systems perform in real-world conditions. This firsthand experience is crucial for making informed product recommendations and designing systems that deliver both optimal performance and a seamless user experience.
Networking that drives collaboration
One of the most underutilized yet powerful aspects of trade shows is networking. These events attract a diverse range of professionals, including systems integrators, IT consultants, AV specialists, facility managers, architects and designers. That mix creates fertile ground for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Whether through structured meet-ups, informal gatherings or chance conversations on the floor, trade shows help security professionals expand their ecosystem. These connections often lead to partnerships that unlock new business. For example, teaming up with an AV firm can help you bid on a luxury residential project with integrated lighting, audio and security. Collaborating with a network specialist can improve your system uptime and cybersecurity posture.
Stronger relationships with manufacturers and distributors are another advantage. Meeting face-to-face with reps can give you early access to new products, better support and even preferred pricing or territory protections. These advantages compound over time, creating a stronger foundation for growth.
Positioning security integrators for long-term growth
The integrators who thrive in this evolving market will be the ones who invest in continuous learning. They will be fluent in technologies beyond their original core discipline and able to consult on projects with a broad, systems-based perspective. Trade shows are the ideal environment for this type of professional development.
They provide a yearly checkpoint for assessing trends, adjusting strategy and retooling skills. In a world where technology is rapidly shifting — from AI and cloud infrastructure to smart cities and sustainable design — security professionals who stay informed will maintain a competitive edge. They’ll be the ones clients call when it’s time to upgrade, expand, or innovate.
By treating trade shows not as a cost, but as an investment in futureproofing your business, you open the door to new markets, smarter solutions and more profitable partnerships.
Stop (by), collaborate and listen
Security integrators should approach trade shows with an open mind and a curious spirit. The most valuable insights often come from unexpected sources, like a wellness tech vendor offering occupancy tracking, or a lighting brand introducing AI-driven scene automation that doubles as a security protocol. The industry is coming together at places like CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) to discuss security trends and technologies and crossover opportunities with adjacent offerings.
The message is clear: trade shows are no longer about individual industries. They are about the full convergence of technologies and how those technologies work together to shape smarter, safer environments. For security professionals, the opportunity has never been greater. Attend, explore, learn and lead, because the future of integrated technology is being built on the tradeshow floor.
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.