CEDIA is the largest trade show in the CI industry, and has many categories that are open for submission. Ranging from Excellence in Rack-Building/Design to Best Marine Integration, there are plenty of categories to choose from. The awards portal for the current year closes June 1, check out the site for further details. Dates are subject to change.

CEDIA Awards Portal

Standard Documentation:

• Pictures: obviously the most important part

• Write-up: a system overview is always included

• Details: for each category, there will be individual requirements, though CEDIA's site is a bit vague here. Best practice: choose some categories, start collecting info about how the project was integrated based on the client's needs, record this information to be prepared ahead of time

The Home Technology Association has a list of criteria that help home technology firms differentiate themselves from the competition - only 3% of all firms meet this criteria. If your firm meets the criteria, you will be given a merit-based award according to the HTA certification standards. The HTA awards are only awarded to certified firms, but the selection process is ongoing.

HTA Certification Portal

Lutron Awards revolve around creative integration of their products, such as Best Homeworks and Best Collaboration with Interior Designer. These awards must be submitted for by 11:59pm EDT on Friday, July 26th. Dates subject to change yearly, please check out the submission site below for further details and submission guidelines.

Lutron Awards Portal

Lutron Awards Judgement Criteria

Questionnaire Examples:

• Provide a detailed overview of the project

• Equipment list of Lutron products used on this project

• What challenges, if any, did you encounter during the project?

• Did you work with an interior designer, architect, or lighting designer on this project?

• Why is this project deserving of a Lutron Excellence Award?

The Sonance Design Awards include James Loudspeaker products, as one might expect, and focus mostly on seamless integration of products that blend into the background or disappear completely. Projects can be submitted throughout the year, though they are announced at CEDIA, so if you want to be recognized on stage, you should submit well before CEDIA happens (early September). Otherwise, you may have to wait til the next year.

Sonance Design Awards Portal

Required Submission Information:

• Project Location - this will remain private and is used for the judges to gain context about the surrounding area of the project

• Description - this is a general breakdown of the project

• Photos - always include photos of the whole project, or at least views of the rooms being described, as well as close-up shots of the technology systems installed

The TD Performance Home Awards focus on technology design (huge surprise here) AND technology integration, but the technologies they look for are specifically integrated technologies that show the design-build teams' adherence to the clients' visions. Submissions are due by July 15th.

Technology Designer Awards Applications

Questionnaire Example:

• Describe the nature of the technology design

• Describe the technologies and innovations

• Describe the engineering highlights

• If you worked closely with trade partners (architect, contractor, interior designer, lighting designer, etc.) please list them

The CES Awards actually focus on the products themselves, rather than the integration of said products. However, if you're an industry partner of an integrator, don't miss these awards. The submission deadline is in August, subject to change each year.

CES Awards Portal

Submission Guidelines:

• Product submitted must be available in the market for the first time after Apr. 1, 2024 or must be projected to be available in the market by Apr. 1, 2025.

• Applicant representative must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and authorized to submit the product on behalf of the Applicant.

• Entry must include a minimum of two different high-resolution product images.
  •Emailed and/or hard copy application will not be accepted.
  •Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

• Application should be written in English. Any accompanying video should have English subtitles if recorded in another language.

The CEPro Home of the Year awards have many categories, from Best Shades to Best Budget/Compromises Project. The regular submission deadline is July 26th.

CEPro Home of the Year Portal

Sample Questionnaire:

• Equipment Used - Write out or upload a list - Please provide a full equipment list of everything used in this installation. Everything! In addition to all of the controls, displays, and A/V equipment, don't forget wire and cable, power management, lighting, A/V furniture, security, phones, networking, etc. Provide the quantity, manufacturer, and model number.

• Challenges and Compromises - What were the biggest challenges and compromises on this project? Explain what the challenges were, how you overcame them and how the compromises were resolved with the client, trade partners, and other external forces. (up to 200 words)

• What makes this project stand out? - Consider your technical prowess, product lines, special skills, special relationships, licensing, operations and processes, etc. (up to 200 words)

• Project description - Please provide a promotional description to be used in print and online. (up to 200 words)

Leon celebrates their integrators with yearly awards. The portal opens in February and is not available until that time, but winners from previous years can be found here:

Leon Install of the Year Winners 2023