May 24, 2021

CONNECTIONS™ Conference features session on trends among technology pro-installers and consumer research on DIY security and smart home solutions

Parks Associates will host the virtual session Pro-Installers and Home Technologies on Tuesday, May 25, focused on trends in professional and DIY installation solutions, as part of the 25^th annual CONNECTIONS™: Premier Connected Home Conference. Event sponsors include Alarm.com, Calix, Cox Communications, SmartRent, Bitdefender, Tuya, Ayla Networks, Plume, and Airties.

The session Pro-Installers and Home Technologies, 2:00 p.m. CT, explores the value propositions and consumer segments best served by self-install versus professional installation approaches. This session features visionary speaker Gene LaNois, Head of Professional Partnerships, Google, and the executive Q&A session “Evolution of the Smart Home,” featuring Mark Owen Burson, VP Marketing & Product Management, Nice.

"The smart home business and all the available products from so many manufacturers, has grown so much that professional installation has become a substantial business opportunity for so many,” said Gene LaNois, Head of Professional Partnerships, Google. “Multiproduct sales and integration could now be considered vital for some. Regardless if you are on the manufacturer side, the installation side or the platform/services side, there is no way not to try and figure out how your company should be playing a role. CONNECTIONS™ 25 will be a great place to discuss!"

“The definition of the smart home has steadily evolved since the concept of the remote control was introduced over a century ago. Since that introduction, never before has smart home technology undergone such rapid changes than we’ve experienced over the past decade,” said Mark Owen Burson, VP Marketing & Product Management, Nice. “With the speed of advancement and adoption, smart home technology has become synonymous with solutions that make aspects of everyday living easier, more convenient, comfortable, as well as safer and more secure. What started as simple point-product offerings has progressed into complex systems working together to improve the quality of life for consumers across the globe. We currently face another ignition point for smart home technology as consumers are now demanding full-scale solutions that further simplify their lives, and future advancements in smart home products and applications are primed to deliver on that requirement.”

The session includes a research presentation from Parks Associates and an interactive panel with these executives:

• Jan Dawson, Senior Director, Research and Insights, Vivint
• Min Kang, Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Brinks Home
• Dave Mayne, VP, Product Management, Alula
• Raya Sevilla, SVP, Data & Product Engineering, ADT
• Paul Williams, VP, Experiences & Professionally Installed Lighting, GE Lighting, a Savant Company

“As smart home technology continues to evolve, it can be tempting to go for a self-installation approach to your home security, but this is not always the best choice,” said Min Kang, chief strategy & product officer, Brinks Home. “Some smart devices can absolutely be installed in a DIY method, but for more complex systems professional installation is an important piece of the puzzle as it ensures that these products are properly added to the system, set up the way that works best for the customer, and any problems are handled quickly by a qualified technician to ensure a good customer experience from minute one.”

"Over the past year during the pandemic, we've all seen the value a smart home security system can provide small businesses and homeowners alike -- whether it be access control for contactless deliveries or keeping your business or home secure. Professional integrators have been at the forefront of this, installing systems that deliver the peace of mind and the functionality we've all come to rely on," said Dave Mayne, Vice President of Product Management, Alula. "I look forward to joining my industry colleagues at CONNECTIONS to discuss the innovation and opportunities happening in today's smart home.”

“Growth is happening quickly in the home automation space, as DIY and professional device manufacturers and installers work to create the best possible consumer experiences,” said Paul Williams, VP, Experiences & Professionally Installed Lighting, GE Lighting, a Savant Company. “This has resulted in a broad array of solutions for consumers that deliver convenience, personalization, comfort, security and more.”

For 25 years, CONNECTIONS™ has brought together thousands of industry players from the consumer technology ecosystem for networking opportunities, consumer and industry research from the Parks Associates analyst team, insights from visionary speakers, and thoughtful, curated sessions focused on technology innovations, consumer behavior, and product and service adoption and trends.

To request data or an interview, contact Rosey Ulpino, [email protected], 972-490-1113.

About CONNECTIONS™

Parks Associates' 27th annual CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference features an in-person conference on May 23-25, 2023 and multiple virtual sessions hosted throughout 2023. The event focuses on the adoption of technology including smart home, security, connected health, energy, and home automation.

Bringing together more than 1,500 senior executives, CONNECTIONS™ provides networking opportunities combined with visionary keynotes and virtual sessions. The Parks Associates analyst team leads all conference sessions, which are focused on technology innovations, consumer adoption and trends, product and service forecasts, and the evaluation of new business strategies, partnerships, monetization opportunities, and value-added service design.

Throughout the event, sponsors offer demos during networking events, spotlighting new technology innovations and services for the entertainment, mobile, and smart home market segments.

CONNECTIONS™ 2023 features an in-person conference on May 23-25, 2023, with virtual sessions on March 2, July 20, and October 5. For more information, contact [email protected], call 972-490-1113, visit www.connectionsconference.com.