The new structural changes to our Senior Leadership Team reflect our company’s continued evolution from a founder-reliant business. Now a thriving, team-led agency, we focus on delivering outstanding service, long-term client partnerships and sustainable growth.

As part of our update, Will Houston moves from Operations Director to Managing Director, working alongside the agency’s Divisional Directors; Jenny Parker, who leads the Build Division, and Samantha Ward, who heads up the Tech Division. Tanya Houston continues as Chief Executive Officer, with overall responsibility for strategy, culture and the agency’s long-term direction. In addition, Jeff Hayward, Chief Commercial Officer, leads commercial growth and client development. John Houston, Executive Director, focuses on content, governance and future tech innovation.

The strengthened SLT unites sector expertise, operational leadership and a shared commitment to service excellence. This ensures clients benefit from clear accountability, senior oversight and specialist focus across the agency’s core markets.

Monitor Audio, the renowned British loudspeaker and sound system specialist, has unveiled an exciting new collaboration with Wildwood Plus, the UK-based marketing services agency recognised for elevating leading technology, design and architectural brands.

The partnership marks a significant step in amplifying Monitor Audio’s brand story and deepening engagement across the professional smart home and cinema sectors as well as the interior design and architectural space. Wildwood Plus will deliver strategic PR and marketing support, spearheading campaigns that spotlight Monitor Audio’s innovation and heritage. Their first initiatives include driving awareness around the launch of the brand’s new Experience Centre and the Elevate Sound Performance Academy at its Rayleigh HQ in Essex.

For more than five decades, Monitor Audio has been at the forefront of high‑performance loudspeaker design and manufacturing, earning global acclaim for its dedication to British engineering, technical innovation, and uncompromising audio quality. Wildwood Plus brings a powerful combination of creativity and sector expertise, known for delivering high-impact, integrated campaigns which deploy best-in-class media, digital, events and content marketing strategies.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Partnership, Progress, and PR Excellence.

For any public relations agency, longevity and lasting client relationships are the ultimate testament to success. This year, as we marked our tenth year as the official PR agency for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), we’re not just celebrating a business partnership — we’re recognising a decade-long journey of growth, collaboration, and transformative storytelling.

A Testament to Trust and Consistency

In an industry often impacted by uncertain market conditions, short-term contracts, and shifting alliances, being entrusted with ISE’s PR for just over a decade is a proud milestone for Wildwood Plus. It speaks volumes about the trust that ISE places in our team, and our ability to consistently deliver results that support their evolving goals. This long-standing partnership is also a reflection of our deep understanding of the ISE brand and varied audiences.

Navigating a Decade of Industry Evolution

ISE has grown exponentially over the past decade, securing its spot as the flagship event for the professional AV and systems integration sector. To be at the helm of PR throughout this period has meant more than simply promoting an event. It has required us to stay ahead of technological trends, adapt our communications to shifting media landscapes, and to continually innovate in how we tell the ISE story. Each edition of this unique show has brought new challenges and opportunities, which is something we love about working with ISE; it’s an opportunity for our team to flex their professional muscles and it’s always, ALWAYS exciting!

Since 2016, Wildwood has played a pivotal role in shaping ISE’s profile, not just as an exhibition, but as a thought leader and hub for the global AV community. From orchestrating high-impact media campaigns to handling crisis communications and engaging with international media, our work has supported ISE’s reputation as the must-attend event in the sector.

We also manage the Press Office at ISE each year. This gives us a great opportunity to foster strong relationships with international media but also showcases our professionalism as an agency. A press room should always be a haven for journalists, away from exhibitors, clients and dare I say it, PR people – all wanting an opportunity to   sell in stories. We want to ensure the world’s media have the space and freedom to focus on filing copy and resting. And that is exactly what we make it – no pitching, no selling – just us being helpful, protecting their haven and delivering a great service.

Creating Lasting Impact

Of course, we all know that the true measure of a PR agency’s success lies in the impact it creates for its clients. During our tenure, we have generated many thousands of media articles, facilitated hundreds of interviews with ISE, keynote speakers, industry leaders, analysts and grown ISE’s media footprint year on year. Our efforts have helped attract new audiences – a vital strategy for a growing global event! This legacy of impact is something of which we are immensely proud, and it fuels our commitment to keep raising the bar.

Celebrating the People Behind the Success

Ultimately, this milestone is as much about people as it is about strategy. It’s about the strong relationships we’ve forged with the ISE team, the press, exhibitors, analysts and the wider AV community. It’s about the countless hours, creativity, and passion poured into every campaign, and the collective drive to make each edition more successful than the last.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the record-breaking success of ISE 2026, we look back with pride and forwards with excitement. Being ISE’s PR agency is a badge of honour, it’s a recognition of trust, expertise, and enduring partnership. Here’s to a decade of achievements, and to many more editions of breaking new ground together.

And here’s to the Wildwood Plus team members – both past and present – that have surfed this wave with us. Thank you!

Celebrating 10 Yearsas ISE’s PR Agency

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

Get in touch today

Whether you’re a retailer, designer, installer, developer or a KBB sector professional looking to expand your network, kbb Birmingham (1–4 March 2026, NEC) is the unmissable event of the year for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the show brings together over 320 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, showcasing the latest innovations, sustainable solutions and design trends. 

The Wildwood team will be back on the show floor at kbb Birmingham, running the show press office – and we can’t wait to be back at the NEC. To help you get the most out of your visit, here’s your essential guide to planning, exploring, and maximising your time at the show. 

1. Plan Ahead With the New kbb Birmingham Event App

Make the kbb experience smoother by downloading the official event app, sponsored by Smeg, before you arrive. It gives you access to: 

• Your digital badge 

• Exhibitor directories 

• Floor plans 

• Product zone 

The app also supports prebooking meetings so you can secure time with brands and suppliers before the show gets busy.  

Pro tip: Bring a portable phone charger – you’ll be using your device a lot throughout the day. 

2. Prioritise Your Must-See Exhibitors

With 320+ leading brands across 25+ product categories, having a clear plan will help you navigate the halls effectively. Expect to see names including: 

• Smeg, Nobilia, Quooker, Samsung, VitrA, Merlyn, Aqualisa, Croydex, Vado, Ca’Pietra, and many more.  

This year’s show places a strong focus on sustainability, smart technology and personalisation, so look out for cutting edge launches and innovative new products. 

3. Explore the Innovation Awards

A highlight every year, the Innovation Awards (in partnership with Blum) celebrate the most groundbreaking products in the sector. 

 
You’ll be able to: 

• View all shortlisted innovations on display 

• Vote in the People’s Choice Award 

• Attend the live announcement of the winners 

This is the perfect opportunity to identify products that will shape the market in the year ahead.  

4. Attend Live Demonstrations and See the Latest Design Trends

Want to see the latest products in action? With exhibitors planning a wide range of demos and product reveals, make time for visiting stands that link to your own business goals – whether that’s design inspiration, sustainability insights or learning about new technology. 

Expect trend forecasting! We’re predicting: 

• Bold colour palettes 

• Tactile materials 

• Integrated smart solutions 

• Eco conscious materials and sustainable practices  

Pro tip – Stay ahead of the curve and gather design insights for current or upcoming projects. 

5. Network With Purpose

kbb Birmingham is a huge gathering of senior decision makers across residential, retail, design, and contract sectors, with over 17,000 visitors expected this year. 

To maximise your networking: 

• Bring business cards or a scannable QR profile 

• Use the new kbb Birmingham app to arrange meetings in advance 

• Follow the event on social media and share with your online community that you’ll be attending 

Pro tip – After the show, organise the contacts you gather and follow up while conversations are still fresh. 

6. Immerse Yourself in Special Features

2026 introduces exciting international exhibitor areas, including the Spanish Design Pavilion highlighting top suppliers exhibiting from Spain. Discover the craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics that define Spanish KBB innovation. Connect with established brands renowned for their quality manufacturing and design excellence across European markets. 

And don’t forget to play the 40th Anniversary Duck Hunt, with 40 rubber ducks hidden throughout the show floor — a fun way to explore every corner of the exhibition.  

7. Plan Your Logistics for a Stress-Free Visit

To keep your day running smoothly: 

• Prepay for NEC parking to save £5 and skip queues  

• Review hotel partners offering discounted rates 

• Explore food and drink options across the NEC  

Wear comfortable shoes – you will cover a lot of ground! 

8. Capture Content and Share Your Experience

Whether you’re attending as a visitor or exhibiting: 

• Take photos and videos of exhibitor stands, demos, new products and design inspiration 

• Share your insights and favourite finds across LinkedIn and Instagram 

• Tag brands and share what you discover 

With its mix of innovation, global exhibitors, industry insights and unbeatable networking, kbb Birmingham 2026 promises to be the most exciting edition yet – and a fitting celebration of 40 years of shaping the KBB industry. 

A little preparation goes a long way. Plan ahead and make the most of every conversation. We’re ready – are you? We’ll see you at the NEC! 

See what we got up to at the previous kbb Birmingham, here.

How to Make the Most of Your Timeat kbb Birmingham 2026

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

Get in touch today

…the Teams, the Partners, the Media, and the Extraordinary Wildwood Plus Crew Who “Pushed Beyond” at ISE 2026.

ISE 2026 will go down as one of the most ambitious and impactful editions ever. Not being in Barcelona for the show this year was incredibly tough. As many of you know, I needed to stay close to home this year, and I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who stepped in so effortlessly while I focused on what mattered most. Their support, both professional and personal, has meant everything.

Even watching this awesome event from the UK, the scale, energy and global momentum were unmistakable. It was a real testament to the people who power this industry and refuse to stand still.

Image Credit – Integrated Systems Europe

To the ISE Team…

Thank you for delivering an event that once again set the standard for the global AV landscape. With 92,710 attendees (!), more than 1,700 exhibitors, deep‑dive content across every technological vertical, and a show theme rooted in ambition Push Beyond you created an environment that inspired, challenged, and connected the world’s best.

The result? A truly world‑class showcase of innovation, craft and collaboration, yet again breaking records. There has been A LOT of fantastic coverage on the show – and if you missed it – check out Integrated Systems Europe where you can find all the stories!

Image Credit – Integrated Systems Europe

To AVIXA & CEDIA, the Organisations Behind the Show’s Heart… 

ISE isn’t just a trade show, it’s a partnership. And year after year, AVIXA and CEDIA curate the soul of the event through programming, community engagement and global leadership.

I am honoured to co-lead the UK AVIXA Women’s Council and every year at ISE, it is a chance to meet up, support other women and allies in this vibrant industry, making new connections and hearing inspiring experiences.

A new initiative this year was the inaugural AVIXA Women in AV Collective (which made such a powerful statement this year) to the countless AVIXA Council meetups, broadcast sessions, strategic gatherings and community‑building activities, the AVIXA presence was felt everywhere as a true reflection of their commitment to elevating the people of our industry.

CEDIA’s ongoing leadership and presence ensured that integrators, technical specialists, residential professionals and innovators had a home within the show; one grounded in expertise, education and excellence. The CEDIA Smart Home Stage and its Education programme was packed with insightful, entertaining and inspiring content.

Image Credit – Integrated Systems Europe

To the Content Teams…

The education, summits & conferences programme this year was nothing short of exceptional and yet again, provided delegates with a phenomenal choice of learning and development. The depth, ambition and relevance of the sessions pushed far beyond product to focus on the skills, insights, foresight and professional development our industry needs to SPARK growth.

From AI and interoperability to immersive experience design, future‑ready infrastructure, sustainability and creative technology, the wide and varied content programme delivered knowledge that will ripple well beyond the show floor. A huge thank‑you to every organiser, speaker, educator, moderator and content curator who invested their expertise into making the programme such a standout success.

To the World’s Media… 

Thank you for amplifying the stories, the technology and, most importantly, the people of our industry. Through coverage, interviews, features and analysis, you ensured the pulse of ISE reached far beyond the halls of Fira Barcelona. Managing the onsite Press Office is an honour and getting to connect in person with the editors, publishers, journalists, photographers, videographers, commercial teams that we talk to all year round is awesome.

Your work brings global visibility to the show, our clients, partners, councils and communities. It ensures the innovation and human brilliance of this sector is seen, understood and celebrated across borders and industries.

And Finally…The Biggest Shout‑Out

To the Wildwood PLUS Team – I could not be prouder. This year, you Pushed Beyond in every sense:

• Managing the press room with absolute professionalism and warmth
• Supporting the ISE Press team, media and agencies and partners throughout the week
• Ensuring every Wildwood client felt represented, looked after, and set up for success
• Showing up across the halls, meetings, content rooms and media channels with energy, insight and heart
• Living and breathing the spirit of this year’s theme, not just meeting expectations, but pushing beyond and surpassing them
• Making connections and enjoying new business conversations – just awesome!

You embraced the intensity, the opportunities, the pressure, the pace and you delivered. With humour, with grit, with passion and the trademark Wildwood “we’ve‑got‑this” attitude that makes our team so special.

Even from afar, watching you shine was one of the proudest moments of my career. This year, you didn’t just work hard…you lived our Wildwood CORE Values in every step of the journey.

In a Year Defined by “Push Beyond” Wildwood Plus Truly Did

Thank you to every single one of you.
Thank you to all our partners for trusting us.
And thank you to this incredible industry for always striving higher.

Here’s to the stories told, the relationships built, the clients supported, and the boundaries broken. Here’s to ISE 2026, and to everything it will spark next.

A Momentto Celebrate…

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

Get in touch today

Got 36 hours to spend at ISE 2026? Perfect. 

Sure, the show is huge (we’re talking 1,600+ exhibitors and eight halls worth of AV brilliance), but you can still squeeze in a really great experience on little time. This year’s theme, Push Beyond, sets the tone: think big ideas, bold tech, and plenty of moments that remind you why this industry is so exciting. Here’s how to get the most out of a day and a half at ISE 2026.  

Get Your Bearings

The sheer scale of ISE can be overwhelming if you just dive in without a plan. With a vast array of exhibitors and multiple Technology Zones, your first mission is simply to get oriented. Luckily, the layout makes sense once you’ve walked it. 

Start in Halls 1 and 2, home to Unified Communications, Education Tech, Smart Buildings and Residential solutions – a great warm-up for what’s to come. Then wander towards Hall 4 for Digital Signage, DooH and Broadcast AV, where massive LED walls and emerging content platforms are buzzing with demos. Audio dominates Halls 7 and 8.1, alongside Lighting & Staging and the always electric Multi-Technology Zone.  

You don’t need to stop at everything (and you can’t), but a good loop of the floor helps you bookmark the stands you’ll want to revisit later. It’s all about getting a feel for where the energy and innovation sit this year.  

Seek Out the New Stuff 

ISE is great at reinventing itself, and 2026 brings several new and noticeably refreshed destinations worth setting time aside for.  

First up, Innovation Park in Congress Square is back – and bigger. This is where you’ll find startups, fresh thinking, and the kind of pitches and panel chats that hint at where the industry is heading next. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, future-focused ideas, it’s a must.  

Just a short walk away, you’ll find something completely new: Spark. Debuting this year in Hall 8.1, Spark pulls together creatives and innovators from across different industries. It’s the place for big ideas, unexpected collaborations and cross-discipline inspiration. Even if you don’t work in the ‘creative industries,’ it’s an energising opportunity to see where AV intersects with design, art, retail, and entertainment. 

Audio lovers should pop into the brand-new High-End Listening Suites in CC2. These acoustically optimised rooms are designed for critical listening, complementing the already excellent Audio Demo Rooms and Outdoor Demo Area. Whether you’re an audiophile or just curious, it’s worth experiencing the difference a purpose-built space makes. 

And if you enjoy seeing the next generation of talent in action, the ISE Hackathon returns for 2026 with a host of student teams once again tackling real-world challenges in sustainability, cybersecurity and innovation. It’s inspiring, fast-paced, and a refreshing reminder of how much creativity is a core part of the industry.  

Pick at Least One Summit, It’s Worth It 

Even with limited time, it’s worth attending at least one summit or conference. They’re compact, insightful, and a nice change of pace from walking the halls.  

The CyberSecurity Summit is brand new for 2026, tackling the escalating cybersecurity challenges facing the AV industry. AV systems are increasingly embedded in critical infrastructure, so understanding cyber risks is non-negotiable. The summit also includes an optional tour of the Port of Barcelona’s Police Control Room, which is a rare chance to see the convergence of cybersecurity and AV in action. 

Another valuable session is the Control Rooms Summit, focused on mission-critical operations, covering everything from operator wellbeing to AI-assisted decision-making. It’s only half a day, so doesn’t eat too much into your schedule.  

Bonus option: if the timing lines up, don’t miss Sol Rashidi’s keynote. Her session, ‘The AI Reality Check’, promises to unpack what it really takes for organisations to scale AI—cutting through hype and highlighting the leadership needed for the next decade. 

Drop by the Free Stages Between Hall Visits 

One of the easiest wins at ISE is to catch a few sessions at the free-to-attend stages, dotted around the show floor. These bite-sized talks are perfect for filling the gaps between exhibitor visits. The Live Events Stage, CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage, AVIXA Xchange LIVE, and the Pitching Stage offer everything from tech deep dives to business insights to creative case studies. Low commitment, high value. 

Go Offsite: Tech Tours Are Worth the Detour 

If you have even a little flexibility in your schedule, try squeezing in one of the ISE Tech Tours. They are a unique way to see AV techniques deployed in real environments—not just on a show floor. 

The Casa Batlló Immersive Experience is a crowd favourite, showcasing jaw-dropping projection mapping and storytelling inside the Gaudí masterpiece. Meanwhile, the La Salle Campus Innovation Tour covers VR/AR labs, smart building demos and acoustic research. Both provide a refreshing break from the exhibition while giving you a fresh perspective on what’s possible. 

Leave Time for a Last Wander

Before you rush off to the airport, wander back through the halls to catch any last-minute demos or conversations. You’ll find informal gatherings throughout the show acting as pockets of great networking potential. And if you want to unwind, the ISE Visitor Benefits Programme offers discounts at local attractions—including the playful House of Candy and the atmospheric La Pedrera Night Experience. 

Even with only 36 hours, ISE 2026 gives you more than enough to spark innovative ideas, meet new collaborators and explore where the industry is heading next. It’s fast, it’s full-on, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.  

36 Hours at ISE 2026: Your Whirlwind Guide to the World’s Biggest AV Show

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

Get in touch today

Social media engagement isn’t just about chasing likes or racking up followers – it’s about building meaningful connections that drive real value for your brand. In today’s crowded digital space, success lies in sparking conversations, inspiring action, and creating content that resonates deeply with your audience.

What is social media engagement? 

Social media engagement shows how well your content is resonating with your target audience. Are they interested enough to interact with your brand – and how often? They are used to determine what is working and what needs refining, so that you can sharpen your strategy.  

You can measure the success of social media posts and campaigns using a range of metrics, such as likes, shares, saves and for video content, watch time. But not all metrics are equal. Too often, brands focus on follower numbers and post reactions (widely referred to as “vanity metrics”), which look impressive but reveal little about genuine connection or conversation. 

What should we be tracking? 

Lots of followers might look impressive, but if they are only watching but not engaging, they are not driving real value. Engagement isn’t about looking good; it is about sparking authentic conversations and inspiring genuine connections that help your business grow. 

More meaningful metrics to focus on include: 

• Shares: what content pieces does your audience deem worthy of sending to others? Possibly the most valuable indicator of your audience liking your content, shares are a strong vote of trust and brand confidence, plus they extend your reach. 

• Saves: If your content is genuinely useful, inspiring, or worth revisiting, people will save it. So next time you create a post, ask yourself, “Would someone want to keep this?” 

• Comments: A lively comments section means your audience has opinions, emotions, or ideas connected to your content. If your comment section is growing, this is indicative of your audience becoming more invested in your brand. 

• Video completion rate: This is the percentage of viewers who watch your videos to the end. Social media platforms will prioritise videos with a high completion rate, so this metric directly impacts visibility. 

If a user engages in any of these actions, it indicates that they have a genuine interest in your brand or product and may be considering making a purchase or getting in touch. 

Brands and creators are increasingly recognising the value of these metrics, and LinkedIn, for example, has become the latest platform to introduce options to save and send posts, offering a more accurate picture of what truly resonates with audiences. This marks a significant shift in determining how we create engaging content; it is no longer solely about likes and comments. Visibility is not enough. If your post receives fewer likes but more shares or saves, don’t panic; this kind of engagement shows that your content is valuable.  

Consistency Wins 

Consistency on social media is another key factor influencing engagement. 

Posting regularly using a variety of stories, videos, reels, carousels, and infographics, will produce a far more positive result than posting intensively for a short period, then going quiet. Why does this work? Consistent posting signals to algorithms that an account is a reliable content source, increasing your chances of appearing in feeds. It also gives your followers more opportunities to connect and engage, deepening trust and community. 

Building trust through engagement 

Tracking your social media engagement metrics not only helps you refine campaigns, but also provides insight into your brand health, how you compare to competitors and helps measure campaign success. Understanding what drives your audience to engage with your content helps shape a more effective, customer-focused marketing strategy.  

When creating content, aim for it to be useful and valuable. Ask yourself if someone would share this with a friend or save it until later? Don’t just chase vanity numbers that don’t reflect real impact.  

If you want to elevate your social media with content that inspires genuine engagement, get in touch with Wildwood Plus. We have years of experience in helping our clients grow their visibility and develop meaningful connections online, and we can help you turn engagement into lasting relationships. 

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your social media campaigns

Get in touch today

Last week, I attended my first HVAC trade show with some of the Wildwood team, to support our client Panasonic on its stand for the first ever Elemental London: a dedicated event for built environment professionals with the shared responsibility of reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

The Aim

Network with key contacts, editors, and continue to nurture my relationships within the industry.

Stepping into ExCel last Wednesday was eye-opening. I joined the Wildwood Build division at the beginning of July and unfortunately missed the opportunity to attend one of the UK’s largest HVAC events, InstallerSHOW. I shortly discovered elemental and InstallerSHOW are both organised by Nineteen Group and so I would be able to introduce myself to the team, in preparation for next year’s exhibition.

The venue was alive with energy, every stand seemed to be buzzing with informed, engaging conversations. Navigating through the space it struck me how much larger it was than I imagined, but by no means did it feel empty due to it. At Panasonic, the team’s approach stood out as thoughtful, confident and inclusive, starting dialogues with interested passers-by. Even the newest members were actively showcasing products with confidence!

This year, the space opposite in ExCel was hosting the Energy Management & Smart Buildings Expo (EMEX) 2025, so the team were able to pop by and have some productive conversations with other exhibitors, which despite its smaller space had a dedicated programme of talks with topics ranging from decarbonisation to net zero opportunities for SMEs.

Highlights of the Day

The Haus

Conveniently located opposite the Panasonic stand, the HAUS was an absolute standout. Built by architects IF_DO using regenerative materials, visiting the HAUS was a fantastic example of the commitment the industry should continually strive to have towards decarbonising buildings.

Panasonic’s Showcase

The Panasonic team showed up in full force for both days of elemental, and for me, this was the perfect opportunity to make connections with the wider team who I hadn’t crossed paths with yet. Their stand was magnificent and featured demonstration units from some of their newest sleek product designs.

The People

I was formally introduced to a whole host of contacts of which until this point, I have only conversed with over email. From connecting with installers, to chatting with journalists, every interaction brought me closer to the industry and deepened my understanding.

Closing Time

Leaving ExCel (in the dark, at 5pm?! I hate Winter ), I reflected on the busy day. After attending Elemental and EMEX, I felt a lot closer to my client and the wider industry. Being able to witness active conversations about the industry’s commitment to its sustainability goals continues to be reassuring, especially when you are working alongside it.

I look forward to the events I will attend come 2026!

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

Get in touch today

When the AV and smart home community comes together for the annual CEDIA Awards, it’s not just a night of celebration, but a union of connection and creativity. And for all of us at Wildwood Plus, it’s a key date in the calendar for exactly those reasons.  

As the team helping to run the CEDIA Awards on behalf of our longstanding client, CEDIA, we see first-hand how this event brings together the industry’s brightest talent and fosters genuine connection. As an agency with a foot in both tech and build sectors, it also offers the perfect chance to highlight how interior design and technology intersect, showing the potential of creative collaboration. 

An Industry Spotlight

The CEDIA Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovations and professionalism found across the home technology sector, that much is clear. But beyond the trophies and applause, the experience offers something even more valuable: a room full of ideas, relationships, and stories waiting to be shared. 

As Jeff Hayward, co-owner at Wildwood Plus and host of the Integrated Home Podcast puts it, “The CEDIA Awards works fantastically, shining a spotlight on the high quality and professionalism of CEDIA members and the work they do. But it’s also an event that brings the industry together.” 

That sense of connection is what makes the evening so important for us as a specialist PR and marketing agency. With around 400 people gathered from the likes of integrators, manufacturers, suppliers, partners, and media – it’s an unparalleled opportunity to engage and learn. For our team, those conversations fuel our understanding of where the market is heading, what challenges our clients face, and how we can help them tell their stories in the most relevant and impactful way.  

Authentic Participants

Events like the CEDIA Awards are a huge part of our job, not as spectators, but as authentic participants in the ecosystem helping to drive the industry forward. Our role isn’t just about crafting messaging or writing press releases. It’s about being there, fully immersed in the environment our clients operate in, and understanding how every piece fits together.  

 “We had a great opportunity to have some face-to-face time with our tech journalist guests this year – chatting about the articles they’re working on, offering editorial ideas, introducing them to our clients and letting them see the winning projects and products up close. That’s what PR is all about: developing relationships and creating opportunities you just can’t make happen from behind a screen,” shares Shereen Russell, Senior Account Director at Wildwood. 

Involving Interior Designers

That’s also why we host tables that bring different elements of the field together. This year, we spread across two tables, one featuring leading technology journalists, helping to bridge the gap between companies and the media who share their stories. Another brought interior designers and journalists into the fold. As the industries merge closer and designers increasingly collaborate with integrators to create homes where design and technology work in harmony, these conversations at our tables are where connections can spark to go on to shape future partnerships, projects, and coverage. 

Jenny Parker, Divisional Director for our Build clients, joined the CEDIA Awards for the first time this year, hosting our interiors table. “Bringing design and build professionals together in that setting was genuinely exciting,” she said. “You could feel the energy around how these worlds are overlapping more than ever. Sharing the evening with interior designers, integrators, and manufacturers really highlighted how much potential there is when we collaborate.” 

Representing Our Clients

Ultimately, events like the CEDIA Awards remind us why what we do matters. Great communication doesn’t happen in isolation or from behind a screen, it happens through presence and a genuine understanding. Being there allows us to represent our clients authentically, spot new opportunities, and showcase the innovation and creativity that make this sector so very exciting. 

At Wildwood Plus, the awards extend further than the celebration of excellence, they’re also a reminder of the vital role that strategic storytelling plays in keeping this industry connected, visible, and always moving forward. 

More than Recognition – Connecting the Industry at the CEDIA Awards

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how Wildwood can support your event.

Get in touch today

The process by which B2B decision-makers research and specify products has undergone a fundamental change.

Rather than using a traditional search engine query, a buyer or specifier is just as likely to start their research by asking a question of a Large Language Model (LLM), like ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini – or if they do use a conventional search engine – actioning one of the cited links in the AI Overview at the top of the page.

This shift fundamentally defines the challenge of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) for B2B brands.

For companies in the B2B sector, this presents both a challenge and opportunity. Will your brand be cited as one of the definitive sources of expertise, or will it be a competitor that occupies that space? Understanding and mastering the principles of GEO is now critical for maintaining market relevance.

New Reality

Studies show that one in four B2B buyers now use Generative AI more often than conventional search when researching suppliers. For tech buyers, that number is even higher, with two-thirds relying on AI as much or more than Google or Bing for evaluation. This shift from searching to citing is going to reshape the B2B sales funnel.

When a specifier asks an LLM a question it will deliver a summarised, but also definitive answer. If your PR content isn’t the citation source, your brand will be excluded from the specifier’s initial shortlist.

GEO is fundamentally changing the way people search

Authority

To be recognised and cited as an authority by LLMs, your marketing material must be easily consumed and verified by AI. This means AI needs to see proof that others trust you. The single strongest form of proof is validation from a credible third party. For example, when your opinion or thought leadership piece is published in a respected industry journal it acts as a high-value reference point. This external validation helps the LLM distinguish genuine expertise from mere sales or marketing content. By achieving this coverage you establish a source of authority that AI can continue to reference, giving your content long-term value and influence.

Take Control

The first step in our GEO blueprint is a tailored GEO Footprint Audit. We analyse what major LLMs say when prompted with market analysis and competitor comparisons in your sector. We then create a clear, actionable roadmap to address citation gaps and ensure your owned content is structured for maximum visibility and authority. If your expertise isn’t being cited, your competitor’s will be. Don’t let the AI filter your brand out of the B2B funnel.

Don’t Let GEOFilter You Out

Contact Wildwood Plus today to schedule your GEO Audit and secure your position as an authority in your sector.

Get in touch today