CEDIA recently announced it has launched its first-ever in-house research division, and will present initial findings from the 2026 U.S. Smart Home Technology Market Assessment during the 5th annual CEDIA Town Hall at CEDIA Expo. The session will also preview upcoming research initiatives and outline CEDIA’s long-term strategy for its newly established research function, led by Ryan Bardach, the newly appointed director of research.
This new capability is a significant evolution for CEDIA, enabling the association to generate its own proprietary market intelligence and deliver deeper, more consistent insights to members and the broader industry. The findings are equally valuable to integrators and manufacturers, offering actionable intelligence that can directly inform pricing, service offerings, and long-term business strategy.
“CEDIA has always been a trusted voice for the industry, and this new research division allows us to take that even further,” says CEDIA global president and CEO, Daryl Friedman. “By investing in our own data and insights, we’re equipping integrators and trade suppliers with the knowledge they need to stay competitive and make informed business decisions.”
Attendees of the Town Hall will gain a first look at this work, including insights into brand preferences, revenue trends, overall market size, projected industry growth, and interest in AI adoption.
As director of research, Bardach will help build and lead CEDIA’s new global research function, establishing CEDIA as the trusted source of market intelligence for the professional smart home channel. He will also be responsible for increasing the value and utility of CEDIA research for members and other key audiences, such as adjacent industries and media.
Bardach brings extensive experience in the market research industry. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, including private equity firms, B2C and B2B retail organizations, and companies in the energy and utilities sector. His expertise spans both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with a focus on market assessments, voice-of-customer research, brand sentiment analysis, employee engagement, and long-term tracking studies.
His professional background is equally diverse, with experience in the military, telecommunications, and operations management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and history from Indiana University, as well as a market research certification from the University of Georgia.
The CEDIA Town Hall: State of the Industry will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 5:30–6:30 PM in the Mile High Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center during CEDIA Expo 2026. The session is free to attend and is open to both CEDIA members and non-members.
For more information and to register, visit cediaexpo.com/town-hall.
See also: Andrea Harvey Appointed To Lead CEDIA’s New Design & Build Outreach Department
