In 2026, Parks Associates celebrates a major milestone - 40 years of research, insights, and leadership in the connected technology ecosystem. Over the past four decades, the company has worked alongside thousands of innovators who have helped define and grow markets spanning smart home, broadband, security, energy management, connected health, and AI-driven services.
To mark this anniversary, Parks Associates is launching a special recognition program: “40 Leaders for 40 Years: Tech Leaders of Connected Living.” This initiative celebrates the executives, innovators, and visionaries whose leadership is driving meaningful progress in connected living and shaping the next era of digital life.
Honoring Leaders Transforming Connected Living
The connected living ecosystem has evolved dramatically, from early home networking and entertainment technologies to today’s sophisticated environments powered by AI, automation, and advanced connectivity. Nearly half of U.S. internet households now own at least one smart home device, demonstrating how mainstream these technologies have become.
Behind this transformation are leaders who have introduced breakthrough products, built new business models, and fostered collaboration across industries. The 40 Leaders for 40 Years program recognizes individuals who are driving innovation and delivering impact across the connected ecosystem, including:
- Smart home technologies and IoT innovation
- AI-powered consumer experiences
- Broadband enablement and connectivity
- Energy management and grid-integrated homes
- Security and monitoring services
- Platforms and interoperability frameworks
- Emerging services and digital ecosystems
A Community Built Over Four Decades
Since its founding in 1986, Parks Associates has helped guide the evolution of connected technologies through its research, consulting, and executive conferences. The firm’s events bring together thousands of industry leaders each year to explore trends, business strategies, and innovation across the connected home and digital living markets.
Programs such as CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference have served as a hub for industry collaboration - connecting executives, startups, investors, and technology leaders working across broadband, energy, security, and smart home markets.
The 40 Leaders for 40 Years recognition builds on this tradition by highlighting the individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s growth and future direction.
Submit Your Nomination
Parks Associates invites the industry to help identify and celebrate the leaders making a difference. If you know an executive, innovator, or visionary who has had a meaningful impact on connected living, now is the time to recognize their contributions.
Nominations are open for leaders across the connected technology landscape, from startups and emerging innovators to executives at global technology companies.
Submit your nomination here: 40 Leaders for 40 Years
Join us in recognizing the leaders building the future of smart homes, intelligent services, and connected ecosystems at CONNECTIONS, May 5-7 in Santa Clara, CA - register for event.
