CE Pro Podcast

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Josh Cooperman of Convo by Design sits down with Dan Augsburger, U.S. Residential Sales Manager for LEA Professional, to explore the technologies and trends shaping today’s AV integration world.

Dan breaks down how LEA Professional’s IoT-enabled smart amplifiers are designed with intuitive IT platforms, built‑in DSP, and flexible smart power features that help integrators optimize system performance with ease. He explains why LEA’s cloud‑based monitoring and management tools are often the “light‑bulb moment” for integrators—enabling real‑time system health alerts, remote adjustments, and major cost savings by reducing unnecessary truck rolls.

The conversation also dives into current market sentiment, including how tariffs and interest rates are affecting different project tiers, why high‑end jobs remain strong, and how integrators are adapting. Dan provides insight into LEA’s manufacturing strategy, the engineering advantages of being based in Indiana, and the company’s commitment to working seamlessly with any control system or speaker brand to “raise the tide” across the industry.

Jason McGraw, CEDIA Expo/CIX show director and group vice president, lays out what the Expo team is working on for the 2026 edition of the show. 

McGraw chats with CE Pro Executive Editor Zachary Comeau and Commercial Integrator's Dan Ferrisi (Group Director of Content + Editorial, Industrial + Tech at Emerald) about new initiatives, new ideas and what is shaping up to be a very exciting CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026.

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Josh Cooperman of Convo By Design sits down with Eric Nakkila of Selective Design to explore the evolution of custom integration.

They discuss the growing influence of European design, the rapid innovation in architectural lighting, invisible speaker technology, vinyl’s resurgence, and why stronger collaboration between integrators and designers is critical to the industry’s future. Eric also shares how manufacturers are navigating pricing volatility, tariffs, and supply chain uncertainty — while delivering high-performance, design-forward solutions.

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Josh Cooperman sits down with Ruslan Polinovsky of DMF Lighting to explore how manufacturers, integrators, and designers can better connect around lighting innovation.

Ruslan shares insights on engaging the design community through clearer education, real-world showroom experiences, and collaboration that starts earlier in the project lifecycle. The conversation also covers how modern lighting solutions—like tunable white and digital retrofit capabilities—are changing the way designers and homeowners experience lighting.

Recorded at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, this episode of Inside Buzz features Hagan Kappler of Daisy appears on Inside Buzz to discuss leadership, workforce development, and the future of integration. Hagen explains why investing in technicians, apprenticeship programs, and women in the industry is both a social imperative and smart business. The episode offers a candid look at how integrators can grow stronger through scale and collaboration.