Former Disney executive Duncan Wardle has been announced as the keynote speaker for CEDIA Expo 2026, with the presentation scheduled for Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. in the Mile High Ballroom.
Wardle, who spent 25 years at Disney leading innovation and creative strategy initiatives, is expected to focus on how custom integrators can apply creative thinking and design-driven approaches as AI and automation continue reshaping the smart home industry.
During his tenure at Disney, Wardle worked with divisions including Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Disney Imagineering, and Disney Animation. His work centered on helping teams develop new experiences and storytelling concepts across parks, media, and entertainment properties.
According to CEDIA, Wardle’s keynote will explore practical techniques integrators can use to think more creatively, improve collaboration, and uncover new business opportunities during client engagements. The session will also introduce design-thinking concepts tied to a related CEDIA workshop taking place later that day.
“I hope to not only inspire everyone to want to innovate but give them tools that take the intimidation out of innovation to make creativity tangible and the process fun,” Wardle said in the announcement.
Following his Disney career, Wardle has focused on consulting, keynote speaking, and innovation workshops for organizations looking to encourage creative problem-solving within their teams. He has also taught innovation and creativity courses at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO of CEDIA, said the keynote aligns with the custom integration industry’s growing focus on experience-driven design and human-centered skills as AI tools become more common.
“Smart home professionals are in the business of creating experiences that feel a little like magic in people’s homes,” Friedman said. “As AI continues to evolve, the real differentiator will be human skills like creativity, intuition, and curiosity.”
For more information on the CEDIA keynote presentation for CEDIA Expo 2026, please visit cediaexpo.com/keynote.
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