by Bob Archer | Feb 17, 2026 | Apex Technologies, Leon Speakers, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
Lightapalooza 2026
Apex Technologies Brings Power and Light Together in a Dynamic Demo of Creative Expression
Leon’s Noah Kaplan “paints” digitally with LED light using Apex Technologies’ ProtoPixel platform—supported by a power management solution ̶ to create mesmerizing works of art that inspire integrators to think beyond traditional lighting design.
Lightapalooza 2026 (January 27, 2026) — Apex Technologies returns to the Lightapalooza 2026 exhibit hall, Feb. 16–19, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas, with a captivating demonstration that fuses precision power with next-generation lighting innovation.
Headlining the showstopping exhibit is ProtoPixel, Apex’s digital pixel lighting solution. This revolutionary lighting platform harnesses individually controllable LEDs to turn surfaces and spaces into dynamic, living environments. As an emerging and highly flexible lighting solution, ProtoPixel represents a new frontier in architectural, artistic, and experiential lighting design. Whether used to enhance architectural features, craft immersive entertainment spaces, or build visually stunning installations, the platform empowers integrators to deliver lighting designs that are customizable, scalable, and unforgettable.
Lighting as a Living Canvas
Bringing this revolutionary technology to life at Lightapalooza is Noah Kaplan of Leon, who will demonstrate ProtoPixel’s creative potential by “painting” with light in real time. Drawing from his signature artistic approach, Kaplan will transform a blank canvas of LED strips and plexiglass into a vibrant work of art, demonstrating to attendees the expressive power and striking visual effects of pixel-based lighting. The presentation will inspire integrators to push beyond conventional illumination in both residential and commercial projects, leveraging the creative power of ProtoPixel into new business and revenue opportunities.
The live demonstration will take place multiple times throughout the show, giving attendees a rare opportunity to witness what’s possible when lighting evolves from static illumination into a dynamic medium of visual expression.
The Performance Behind the Visuals: Clean Power Matters
To ensure the on-floor demo performs flawlessly, Apex Technologies will support the installation with its power management solutions, reinforcing a critical truth of modern home environments: advanced systems are only as reliable as the power feeding them.
“Devices and systems across every category in the smart home industry are directly impacted by the quality of incoming power,” affirms Apex Technologies owner Ryan Donaher. “Without the proper power foundation at our Lightapalooza exhibit, interference could cause the lights in Noah’s ProtoPixel painting to flicker, just as it can in architectural lighting designs in residential or commercial installations. Continuous, non-varying and contamination-free power plays a major role in delivering the experience clients expect.”
This integrated demonstration underscores Apex Technologies’ holistic approach, where performance, reliability, and creative impact are supported from the electrical foundation up.
Education that Empowers
For deeper insight into the critical role clean, stable power plays in the performance of smart systems, Lightapalooza attendees are encouraged to attend one of the power-focused courses presented by Apex Technologies’ Vince Luciani. These sessions will deliver practical, real-world guidance for integrators, covering a wide range of topics designed to help systems perform reliably and succeed in this rapidly growing and increasingly essential category.
To register for any of the Power Track courses at Lightapalooza and learn about other events and educational opportunities, go to https://lightapalooza.com/.
About Apex Technologies
Founded in 2020, Apex Technologies distributes cutting-edge European audio-video manufacturers at the highest end of the market. Brands include Meridian Audio, TPI Aerospace, ProtoPixel, 360 Power Quality, Innovolt, Gude Systems and HDANYWHERE. Apex works tirelessly behind the scenes from project conception through to installation and beyond to ensure that its partners can go about their business with ease. Visit apex-tech.us to learn more.
Media Contact
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (406) 446-1283, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
# # #
by Bob Archer | Feb 17, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications, SONOS
It used to be that dealers in the custom electronics industry would attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to start the year and the CEDIA Expo to close the year. Today however, there are several trade events that should be on the itinerary of integrators, including the KBIS/International Builders’ Show (IBS).
KBIS/IBS has risen in importance for dealers due to the growth of the custom electronics market and its convergence with other residential trades such as interior design and architect professions.
The intersection of the custom electronics industry will be on full display in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 17-19 during the annual KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)/IBS event. This designer/home builder show brings together hundreds of exhibitors, and industry professionals from across the housing industry.
Dealers interested in mingling with these home industry professionals have several booths worth investigating. Integrators will have familiarity with these brands, but unlike when these companies exhibit at events such as CEDIA Expo, their booths will reflect how their products and services complement modern home spaces to appeal to other parts of the building trades market.
IBS Represents the Future of Homebuilding
Admittedly, the builders’ show is a massive event that can be daunting to take in. Streamlining the show for integrators, here is a roundup of some of the KBIS/IBS booths worth visiting while in Orlando:
Cavco Park Models and Cabin: During the event Cavco Park Models and Cabin will showcase its solutions in #booth P1742 and P1842. The company offers specific solutions for each region of the company it operates. In its booth during the show the company will feature solutions from the global lighting and motorized shade manufacturer Lutron Electronics and Samsung. Samsung is a global electronics and appliances manufacturer.
Deako: In booth #S8071 Deako will show its line of whole-house smart lighting control products. The product line can be used for everything from spec homes to semi-custom building projects, and the products utilize modern industrial designs.
Epson America, Inc.: Epson is a diverse manufacturer of printers, label makers, and projectors for commercial AV and home AV applications. At IBS 2026 the company will be exhibiting in booth #S1000.
Resideo: Resideo is known throughout the custom integration industry for its security and smart home products. At the IBS 2026 event the company will be exhibiting in booth #S8085.
Schlage: Schlage is a manufacturer of access control and smart door locks in the residential custom integration market. In its booth (#W4757) the company will highlight its array of traditional lock and smart lock solutions.
Sonos: Sonos is a global audio brand and one of the most popular manufacturers of home audio products in the entire world. The company will exhibit at IBS 2026 in booth #S9071 showing its selection of speakers, subwoofers and soundbars that can be used for home theater and wireless multiroom audio applications.
Span: Span is a company that provides energy management for today’s homes. The company will be in booth #S15058 and its product line provides homeowners with solutions to help manage their power with clean energy.
StruXure Outdoor: exhibiting in booth #S4119, the company provides outdoor living products. StruXure Outdoor offers three product lines: Pergola X Classic, Evolve and Cabana X. These products provide features such as shading and modular versatility.
Must See KBIS Exhibitors
FreePower: Exhibiting in booth #W687 and founded back in 2017, FreePower develops wireless charging products that integrate underneath countertops. FreePower says its solutions enables mobile devices to charge without the need for cabling and hardware.
Kwikset: Kwikset offers a broad range of products for residential access control (door locks). The company’s line includes several smart locks that can integrate into a home control system using a choice of wireless connectivity protocols. Kwikset is exhibiting in booth #W2055 during KBIS.
Samsung: At KBIS Samsung will be in booth #W2073 and it offers a line of smart TVs, including its Frame line of products that brings digital art into residential settings. In addition, Samsung developed its SmartThings smart home platform to enable devices including kitchen appliances, dryers, washing machines and more to integrate into smart homes. At KBIS the company will likely showcase its Bespoke line of appliances that combine state-of-the-art features and modern design options.
Sharp Home Electronics: In booth #S25091 Sharp will showcase its line of home appliances and AQUOS TVs. Sharp offers microwave ovens, air purifiers, and more.
KMB Communications hosts a podcast called AV Trade Talk. Listeners can check out the podcast to learn about the latest happenings in the custom installation electronics industry. To listen to the KMB AV Trade Talk Podcast, click here.
by Bob Archer | Feb 16, 2026 | News, RoseWater Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lightapalooza 2026
Download images here
RoseWater Energy Expands the Integration Community’s Knowledge Base with Comprehensive Power Management Training at Lightapalooza 2026
Integration and design professionals can deepen their understanding of power management, strengthen sales strategies, and uncover new revenue opportunities by attending educational sessions and exploring its advanced power management solutions.
LIGHTAPALOOZA 2026 (February 16, 2026) – RoseWater Energy, a leader for more than a decade in advanced, professionally installed whole-home power conditioning, energy management, and standby power systems for luxury residences, will return to Lightapalooza 2026 with an expanded educational initiative designed to equip systems integrators, designers, manufacturer representatives, consultants, and builders with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving residential power landscape.
Five-Course Power Track Delivers Tangible Takeaways
At this year’s event, RoseWater Energy, along with Apex Technologies, Savant, and other power management providers, will host a focused five-course educational Power Track. Led by a panel of power experts, including RoseWater Energy CEO Joe Piccirilli, the program delivers a progressive learning experience, beginning with residential power fundamentals and advancing through targeted discussions of power management, smart electrical infrastructure, generator optimization, and whole-home energy systems.
Designed to provide both technical depth and practical sales insight, the Power Track helps professionals identify new opportunities, sell power solutions with confidence, and deliver greater value to their clients.
Power Track Highlight: Residential Power Fundamentals & Smart Power Primer
The cornerstone of the power-focused educational series is a 90-minute foundational course offering a comprehensive overview of how power enters, flows through, and impacts today’s luxury homes. Professionals new to the category are strongly encouraged to attend this must-see kick-off session.
Core learning objectives include:
- Understanding residential power system topology
- Identifying challenges across utility, generator, solar, and battery power sources
- Recognizing market trends and emerging client opportunities
- Comprehending the fundamentals of smart power integration
The course explores the differences between all-inclusive and device-specific power management solutions, examines power quality versus backup strategies, and reviews traditional residential power topology, including service entrances, load distribution, and proper system sizing. Attendees will also gain insight into market forces such as Net Energy Metering (NEM), Time-of-Use (ToU) rates, electrification, EV charging, and utility service limits, helping them align system designs with real-world conditions.
“Education has always been one of our hallmarks,” says Piccirilli. “But success at an event like Lightapalooza ultimately comes down to creating new revenue opportunities for integrators. Whether integrators are experienced with power management and want a more advanced turnkey solution, are looking to improve sales effectiveness, or are entirely new to the category and need guidance on where to begin, we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
A Progressive Power Track Curriculum
Following the introductory course are four advanced sessions that build toward complete smart energy system design:
- Course 2: Targeted Power Management – A practical look at rack-level and device-specific solutions, including PDUs, UPS systems, power conditioning, and real-world application scenarios.
- Course 3: Intelligence Infrastructure / Smart Electrical Panels – An overview of the smart panel market, key use cases, deployment strategies, and integration considerations.
- Course 4: Leveling Up – Improving the Value of the Generator – Examining generator limitations and how pairing generators with smart power, batteries, and intelligent transfer strategies improves performance and ROI.
- Course 5: Whole-Home Energy Systems – Covering battery energy storage systems (BESS), single-line diagrams, system sizing methodologies, operational modes, and power source combinations.
Each session delivers tangible takeaways, such as decision matrices, checklists, and design templates, that attendees can immediately apply to active and future projects.
Visit the RoseWater Energy Booth for Deeper Insights
Lightapalooza 2026 attendees are also invited to visit the RoseWater Energy booth to explore the company’s latest power management solutions and engage directly with its team of power experts.
“Our goal is to provide integrators with a thorough, practical education on residential power,” Piccirilli adds. “At the booth, we can go deeper, demonstrating how our purpose-built Energy HUBs address a full range of project requirements, the performance advantages over other approaches, and how our authorized dealer program provides end-to-end, concierge-level support from design through deployment.”
RoseWater Energy HUBs address electrical anomalies at the source, ensuring that every device, from lighting controls and home theaters to kitchen appliances and home office equipment, receives clean, stable power for optimal performance and longevity. The system eliminates the need for multiple standalone protective devices while allowing for seamless expansion as new technology is added to a home.
In addition, RoseWater Energy HUBs provide standby power to sustain critical areas of the residence during outages, creating a worry-free environment where technology performs reliably under all conditions.
To register for any of the Power Track courses at Lightapalooza and learn about other events and educational opportunities, go to https://lightapalooza.com/.
About RoseWater Energy
RoseWater Energy understands that Power is the Foundation® for any smart home. The company designs and manufactures a complete solution providing both power conditioning and consistent energy, as well as surge and lightning protection for the main power source, solar input, and battery backup, along with analytics and remote monitoring in a redundant industrial-grade system made for large, high-end residences and commercial environments.
Committed to building Simply the Best® energy management system on the market, RoseWater Energy HUBs work 24/7 and are always providing clean power in any situation – including during normal grid operation as well as grid spikes, surges, brownouts, or power outages. RoseWater HUBs are built with full power conditioning functionality and zero-transfer-times between power sources. These unique features enable technology integration professionals to reduce or eliminate a plethora of unnecessary and expensive client service calls due to power issues and instead, provide peace of mind. Concierge support ensures a successful outcome. RoseWater will work with authorized integration firms to help design, build, integrate, and manage a custom Power Plan™ specific to the needs of each project. For more details visit www.rosewaterenergy.com.
RoseWater Energy Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by Bob Archer | Feb 16, 2026 | KMB Communications, News
Nice Expands Regional Representation with Security Solutions Incorporated
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Nice North America has announced a new partnership with Security Solutions Incorporated (SSI), a leading manufacturer’s representative firm serving the Eastern United States. This strategic alliance expands Nice’s reach across the Eastern market, strengthening support for partners in the security channel while increasing access to Nice’s 2GIG intelligent security solutions. SSI will work alongside Nice Regional Sales Managers (RSMs), ensuring partners continue to receive strong direct support while benefiting from expanded local coverage and channel expertise.
“SSI brings deep expertise in the security category, strong partner relationships, and a commitment to helping dealers succeed,” says Donnie McVicker, Chief Sales Officer at Nice North America. “Their hands-on approach, combined with the continued leadership of our Regional Sales Managers, strengthens how we support partners and expand our presence across the Eastern region.”
Through this partnership, SSI will represent Nice’s 2GIG security portfolio, helping partners simplify installations, deliver better customer experiences, and grow their businesses..
“We are excited to partner with Nice and bring their innovative 2GIG security solutions to more dealers across the Eastern market,” Michael Stewart, Principal. “Nice’s strong ecosystem and partner-first approach creates a powerful opportunity for dealers looking to grow.”
This partnership reinforces Nice’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional partner support, expanding market presence, and delivering integrated solutions that help partners succeed.
For more information about Nice North America products and dealer programs, visit www.niceforyou.com.
About Security Solutions Incorporated
Security Solutions Incorporated. is a manufacturer’s representative firm that has supported the security industry for over 30 years, offering expertise in access control, surveillance, and monitoring/detection. The company partners with top technology manufacturers and provides dealers with system design, logistics, sales support, and technical training to help streamline complex projects. Headquartered in Cumming, Georgia, Security Solutions Incorporated will represent Nice North America in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Mid-Central U.S. markets.
About Nice
Founded in the early 1990s, Nice is a global leader in Smart Living Solutions, offering a complete range of integrated solutions for gate automation, garage doors, solar shading systems, parking systems, wireless alarm systems and home security, for residential, commercial and industrial applications; smart and connected systems for residential and commercial applications, for the security, access control, AI (Artificial Intelligence), comfort & wellness, control and power/AV sectors. Nice has embarked on a strategic path of expansion and extension of its portfolio of connected solutions and platforms, to offer a wide choice of customizable solutions and ease of use for the end user. This is complemented by strengthening and expanding in markets with high growth potential, as well as a renewed branding activity to compete in new market segments. Today, Nice can rely on an organization of over 2,000 people on 5 continents, boasting a wealth of different skills and cultures, as well as 15 R&D centers and 15 production plants serving its partners and customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Nice, is one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, providing integrated smart living experiences. They offer seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security & automation, perimeter access and protection, including hostile vehicle mitigation, sunshade solutions, power management, and entertainment. Based in Carlsbad, CA, at the heart of Southern California’s innovation corridor, the company drives innovation through a network of advanced R&D and manufacturing centers across the region, with major operations in Kent, Olive Branch, and Montreal, Canada. Supporting professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners, the company offers award-winning programs, hands-on technical support, field training, and CEU-certified education initiatives designed to help accelerate business growth. Nice North America lives out their mission of creating environments where individuals truly feel unbounded, safe, and free through smart solutions – an impact exemplified by its support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program for wounded veterans – and strives toward building a brighter and more sustainable future.
Nice North America Sales Contact
Jessica Weiss
Director of Customer Experience & Buying Groups
Nice North America
jessica.weiss@niceforyou.com
North America Corporate PR Contact
Holly Tessmer
Sr. Marketing Manager, Events & PR
Nice North America
holly.tessmer@niceforyou.com
by Bob Archer | Feb 16, 2026 | KMB Communications, News
Nice Expands Regional Representation with Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Nice, a leading provider of Smart Home and Business Solutions, has announced new partnerships with two premier manufacturer’s representative firms, Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group (PSG), further strengthening Nice North America regional support across key U.S. markets.
These strategic appointments reinforce Nice North America long-term commitment to the CI channel by expanding localized sales expertise, hands-on training, and field-level support for integrators, dealers, and distributors.
“Regional representation plays a critical role in how we support our partners day to day,” says Donnie McVicker, Chief Sales Officer, Nice North America. “Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group are deeply embedded in their local markets and understand what integrators need to be successful—from product knowledge and training to project support in the field. By surrounding both our dealer and distributor partners with additional regional resources, we’re making it easier for them to grow with Nice and deliver great experiences to their customers.”
Nice dealers will continue to receive direct support from their Nice Regional Sales Manager and Regional Technical Specialist, with these new rep firm partnerships adding an additional layer of local market coverage and responsiveness.
Elite3 Pro
Elite3 Pro will represent Nice North America across Texas (excluding El Paso), Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, providing integrators with direct access to product expertise, demonstrations, and ongoing sales support. The 20-year-old firm’s unmatched geographic coverage of personnel across the territory provides a foundation for effectively supporting integrators and distributors alike, drawing on their wealth of experience in the control space to help their partners scale their businesses through best practices and technology-driven solutions.
“We’re excited to represent Nice North America and its broad portfolio of smart home and building solutions,” says Dale Pugh, Principal, Elite3 Pro. “Nice North America offers integrators a powerful ecosystem that spans access control, automation, AV, and security, and we look forward to supporting partners as they grow their businesses.”
Precision Sales Group (PSG)
Based in Concord, North Carolina, Precision Sales Group will represent Nice North America across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With more than 20 years of experience in the custom electronics industry, PSG is widely recognized for its dealer-focused support model, including training, system design assistance, demos, and technical guidance.
“Nice North America brings together a unique combination of innovation, integration, and channel commitment,” says Jon Perry, President of Precision Sales Group. “We’re proud to represent a brand that continues to invest in its partners and prioritize long-term success in the field.”
Through these expanded rep partnerships, Nice North America continues to invest in regional representation and partner enablement, ensuring dealers and distributors are surrounded by support to help them succeed while reinforcing Nice North America commitment to the CI channel.
For more information about Nice North America products and dealer programs, visit www.niceforyou.com.
About Nice
Founded in the early 1990s, Nice is a global leader in Smart Living Solutions, offering a complete range of integrated solutions for gate automation, garage doors, solar shading systems, parking systems, wireless alarm systems and home security, for residential, commercial and industrial applications; smart and connected systems for residential and commercial applications, for the security, access control, AI (Artificial Intelligence), comfort & wellness, control and power/AV sectors. Nice has embarked on a strategic path of expansion and extension of its portfolio of connected solutions and platforms, to offer a wide choice of customizable solutions and ease of use for the end user. This is complemented by strengthening and expanding in markets with high growth potential, as well as a renewed branding activity to compete in new market segments. Today, Nice can rely on an organization of over 2,000 people on 5 continents, boasting a wealth of different skills and cultures, as well as 15 R&D centers and 15 production plants serving its partners and customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Nice, is one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, providing integrated smart living experiences. They offer seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security & automation, perimeter access and protection, including hostile vehicle mitigation, sunshade solutions, power management, and entertainment. Based in Carlsbad, CA, at the heart of Southern California’s innovation corridor, the company drives innovation through a network of advanced R&D and manufacturing centers across the region, with major operations in Kent, Olive Branch, and Montreal, Canada. Supporting professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners, the company offers award-winning programs, hands-on technical support, field training, and CEU-certified education initiatives designed to help accelerate business growth. Nice North America lives out their mission of creating environments where individuals truly feel unbounded, safe, and free through smart solutions – an impact exemplified by its support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program for wounded veterans – and strives toward building a brighter and more sustainable future.
Nice North America Sales Contact
Jessica Weiss
Director of Customer Experience & Buying Groups
Nice North America
jessica.weiss@niceforyou.com
North America Corporate PR Contact
Holly Tessmer
Sr. Marketing Manager, Events & PR
Nice North America
holly.tessmer@niceforyou.com
