If you work in the residential technology integration industry long enough, you eventually notice a seasonal rhythm that rivals football or the Oscars: awards season.

CEDIA Smart Home Awards, CE Pro Home of the Year, Technology Designer Performance Home Awards, and other awards programs offer an opportunity to showcase the ingenuity, collaboration, and craftsmanship that define our channel. Yet many brands and integration firms skip entering altogether. The most common reason? Time.

Photo by Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images

During a recent AV Trade Talk podcast conversation, I asked KMB team members and seasoned industry veterans Lisa Montgomery, longtime technology journalist and judge for numerous industry awards programs, and Robert Archer, former editor at CE Pro, to share what separates a strong entry from one that quietly fades into the judges’ pile.

Their message was refreshingly clear: Award-worthy entries are less about perfection and more about preparation, storytelling, and strategy.

Start With the Story

When judging category entries, Montgomery says the first thing she looks for isn’t a long list of technologies.

“I want to understand the story of the project,” she explains. “Why was the technology installed? What problem did it solve for the homeowner? When entries clearly communicate the challenge and the outcome, it becomes much easier for judges to appreciate the work.”

In other words, judges are not simply evaluating gear lists — they are evaluating solutions. Archer agrees. In his experience reviewing submissions, the entries that rise to the top are those that explain the journey.

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“The best submissions help the judges visualize the project,” Archer says. “If you can show how the integration firm approached the challenge, collaborated with the design team, and delivered something special for the client, that’s compelling.”

For integration firms accustomed to focusing on technical performance, shifting the emphasis toward storytelling can make a meaningful difference.

Assume the Judges Are Busy

Another reality many entrants overlook: Judges are reviewing dozens — sometimes hundreds — of submissions. That means clarity matters.

“Judges are busy people,” Montgomery notes. “If the entry is difficult to follow or the information is buried, it can be challenging to evaluate the project properly.”

Her advice is simple: Make the narrative easy to digest. Clear explanations, concise descriptions, and organized visuals help judges quickly grasp the significance of a project. If they have to hunt for the important details, the entry may lose momentum.

Photography Matters — a Lot

If storytelling explains the project, photos and videos bring it to life. Archer emphasizes that strong imagery is often the element that separates finalists from the rest of the field.

“You can have an incredible installation,” he says, “but if the photos don’t show it well, judges may never fully appreciate what was achieved.”

Professional photography is not just about aesthetics, it helps demonstrate craftsmanship, integration with the design, and how technology complements the living environment.

For projects where photography wasn’t captured initially, it may still be possible to schedule a follow-up shoot. The investment often pays dividends across marketing, social media, and future award entries. Just be sure to get written permission from all involved.

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Project

One misconception that keeps integration firms from entering awards is the belief that only once-in-a-lifetime projects qualify. In reality, judges frequently recognize projects that excel through thoughtful design, careful execution, and strong collaboration — even if the budget or scale isn’t extraordinary.

“Some of the most memorable entries aren’t necessarily the largest projects,” Montgomery says. “They’re the ones where the integration firm clearly solved a problem in a creative way.”

Great integration can happen in a penthouse, a dedicated cinema, or a modest retrofit. The key is demonstrating intentional design and measurable outcomes.

When Bandwidth Is the Real Challenge

For many firms, however, the obstacle isn’t the project — it’s the paperwork. Between installations, service calls, and managing teams, writing a thoughtful awards submission can feel like one task too many. That’s where outside help can be valuable.

Many integration firms partner with marketing professionals or PR teams (like KMB Communications) who are experienced in preparing award-worthy submissions for the channel. These specialists can interview stakeholders, gather project details, and shape the narrative into a compelling entry that aligns with the judging criteria.

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In KMB’s case, the process we follow typically takes less time from the integration firm than expected. As Archer points out, “You already did the hard part — you completed the project. The entry is really about documenting that achievement through a marketing lens.”

Think Beyond the Trophy

Winning an award is exciting, of course, but the value extends well beyond the ceremony. Award recognition can strengthen relationships with architects, designers, and builders. It can help potential clients understand the quality of your work. And it provides a powerful marketing asset that continues working long after the project is completed. Perhaps most importantly, it gives teams the recognition they deserve.

At the end of the day, awards are about celebrating the creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration that define this industry. If you’ve completed a project you’re proud of, chances are you already have the most important ingredient of an award-worthy entry. The rest, according to Montgomery, is simply telling the story.

“Brands and integration firms do amazing work every day,” she says. “Awards programs are just one way to make sure that work gets the recognition it deserves.”

If awards season is already on your radar — and even if it isn’t quite yet — consider this your friendly nudge. Look back at the projects your team completed over the past year. Chances are there’s at least one that deserves a moment in the spotlight. While entering may feel like one more task on an already busy list, the recognition, visibility, and long-term marketing value can make the effort well worthwhile.

Besides, telling the story of great work is one of the most powerful ways our industry continues to grow. And if you happen to need a little help shaping that story, drop me a line and let’s start tha...

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