Insights span AI value creation, grid-responsive homes, unified platforms, hybrid networks, and the evolution of intelligent devices

Parks Associates' latest research shows 13 million new households have entered the smart home market in the last four years. The firm will address the market opportunities emerging from this expanding market at the 20th annual CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES® on January 6 at The Venetian Las Vegas, Lando 4304, Level 4, Las Vegas. 

The milestone executive event brings together tech leaders driving innovation across connectivity, platforms, services, interoperability, and intelligent devices. Following the event sessions, there will be a Networking Reception, sponsored by Johnson Controls. 

2026 CONNECTIONS™ Summit: Business of Smart Home sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor - Alarm.com 
Platinum Sponsors - Origin AI, Raymond James 
Reception Sponsor - Johnson Controls 
Event Sponsors - Ayla Networks, Ensure Protect, Ivani, Plume, ROCiQ, Silicon Labs, TechSee, Telecom Design, Ubiety 
Break Sponsors – Arity, Morse Micro 
Supporting Sponsor - Real Estate Business Review

CONNECTIONS Summit Sponsors

Parks Associates’ research, based on quarterly surveys of 8,000 US Internet households, underscores the momentum behind these themes and highlights the consumer needs driving innovation across the smart home ecosystem:

  • Rising expectations for automation, integrated services, and proactive home management
  • Growing demand for energy savings and resilience, fueled by EVs and climate events
  • Continued expansion of professional and DIY smart home adoption
  • Strong interest in privacy-preserving, trustworthy AI experiences

“AI, energy management, and connectivity innovation are converging to create the most transformative moment the smart home industry has ever seen,” said Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, VP, Marketing, Parks Associates. “Consumers want simplicity, savings, and smarter experiences—and the companies leading these discussions are defining the technologies and partnerships that will deliver on those expectations.”

Recent data from Parks Associates:

  • In the past ten years, the average number of connected devices owned by US internet households more than doubled, from 8.4 to more than 17 devices.
  • 45% (54 million) of US internet households own at least one smart home device (excluding smart speakers/displays).
  • Smart home penetration has grown 165% over the past ten years.
  • 16% of buyers are “Newbies” (they own only 1-2 devices).
  • 13 million new households have entered the smart home market in the last four years.
  • 18% of device-owning households are “Power Users” (they own six or more devices).

In 2026, CONNECTIONS™ Summit will mark two decades at CES, delivering executive insights and bringing together companies shaping the future of connected living where intelligent devices, services, and platforms converge around automation, energy efficiency, security, entertainment, and seamless connectivity.

Registration is available through the CES site. To request data or an interview, contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, 972-490-1113.

About CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES

CONNECTIONS™ Summit is an annual research and industry event hosted by international research firm Parks Associates. The executive event brings senior executive leaders from the broadband, security and smart home, consumer electronics, and connected health solution markets to share insights on the future of connected homes.

The 20th annual CONNECTIONS™ Summit will take place January 6, during CES, which runs January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas.

For more information about CONNECTIONS™ Summit, contact sales@parksassociates.com or call 972-490-1113.