The 2025 NATM Vendor Conference wasn't just the buying group's biggest to date; it was a bold declaration of what comes next. Held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, the sold-out, invitation-only event welcomed more than 400 attendees and over 100 leading brands, making it the largest and most strategically focused conference in NATM's history. From high-level private meetings to data-sharing breakthroughs and bold new vendor collaborations, the event showcased NATM's transformation under the leadership of John Riddle, Head of NATM.

The U.S. retail sector as a whole showed resilience through the first half (H1) of 2025, according to a recent article detailing data from both Colliers and Placer.ai, penned by Nicole Larson.

It's back for 2025 -- the Best of Show awards program that celebrates the best custom installation and home entertainment technology launches at CEDIA Expo! Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi? will once again have judges on-site to examine each of the entries and bestow honors on the most deserving.
Here is what you need to know to participate:
The Details

• What? Nominations for the 2025 CEDIA Best of Show Awards, presented by Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi?
• When? Submissions are open now through midnight, PST on August 22, 2025
• Why? Benefits included with each of awards entry submission: One full-page advertorial for each nominated product -- with special distinction for winning entries -- in the Best of Show Program Guide, published and distributed digitally to all Future B2B's consumer electronics lists after CEDIA, plus additional promotion and brand exposure in the post-show recap coverage of award winners.
• How? Everything you need to know, including fees, frequently asked questions, and the nomination form, can be found here.

I would like to extend our congratulations to this year's winners of the TWICE VIP Awards! 2025 saw a wide range of product entries ranging from gaming laptops, outdoor TVs, and automated swimming pool vacuums to the latest TVs and major appliances.
The response to the 12th Annual TWICE VIP Awards was amazing, with over 70 entries across nearly 50 categories to vote on. One thing that makes the TWICE VIP Awards so unique is that it isn't a public vote by people who know nothing about the submissions or the industry.
No, the awards are voted on by you, the industry leaders, consumer tech retailers, and distributors who know greatness, innovation, and what makes the biggest difference in the business. Earning the respect of your peers is a hard-won accomplishment, especially in our industry, and I am proud to be a part of the 2025 TWICE VIP Awards.

Petra Industries has announced a new partnership with Zepp Clarity to provide customers with high-quality hearing aids. Zepp Clarity, a division of Zepp Health, has made it their mission to assist customers on their journey to choose the perfect hearing aid.

The brands behind the best robot vacuums are facing added competition from an unlikely source. DJI, the Chinese company responsible for many of the best drones you can buy, is reportedly launching its first robot vac in China this week.

Focal has taken the only wireless headphones in its stable, revised some design elements, and made one major change: it's switched from a 40mm aluminium/magnesium driver to one made from pure magnesium, hence the 'MG' suffix.

Tom Conrad has been appointed CEO of Sonos, effective immediately. Conrad has served as interim CEO since January of this year and will remain on the Board of Directors.
"Following a comprehensive and competitive search, the Board is confident that Tom is the best person to lead Sonos into its next chapter of delighting customers, spearheading innovation, and driving growth," said Julius Genachowski, chair of the Board.