CES 2026 was one for the record books. According to the CTA, CES 2026 was the biggest the show has been since the pandemic, drawing more than 148,000 attendees from around the world, nearly 7,000 members of the press, and over 4,100 exhibitors across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.
Amid this global technology showcase, the Z-Wave Alliance carved out a compelling presence, demonstrating how standard development, interoperability, and next-generation wireless connectivity are shaping the future of smart homes and other key industries.
A Dedicated Hub for Z-Wave Innovation
The heart of the Alliance’s CES 2026 presence was the Z-Wave Alliance Ballroom (Titian 2205). This dedicated space was designed to spotlight member innovation, encourage deep industry conversations, and serve as the nexus for all things Z-Wave at the show. Over the course of CES, the Z-Wave Alliance ballroom served as a must-visit destination for a lively press breakfast, Fireside Chat sessions with expert discussions, networking, and member exhibits.
Fireside Chat Series: From Standards to Smart Home in Action
A cornerstone of the Alliance’s CES programming was the Fireside Chat Series, which brought standard development and future-facing innovation into sharper focus. The first session, Dominating Smart Locks with the Z-Wave User Credential Command Class, explored how the industry’s first Z-Wave certified smart lock built on the User Credential Command Class came to market. Moderated by Tim Albright, the discussion featured leaders from ADT, Alarm.com, Fortune Brands/Yale, and Silicon Labs, who each shared how members collaborated to identify a market need, develop a new command class, and successfully achieve certification. The session highlighted the tangible value of Alliance participation and how working group engagement can directly translate into new capabilities for the broader Z-Wave ecosystem.
The second Fireside Chat, The Responsive Home: Next-Gen Sensors, Open Standards, and the Future of Intelligent Security, sponsored by ADT, shifted the conversation to what’s next for sensing and automation. Moderated by the Z-Wave Alliance, the panel brought together voices from ADT and Home Assistant alongside media representation from The Verge, Consumer Reports, and smart home creator Eric Welander, to examine how advancements in Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR), and complementary multi-protocol ecosystems are enabling more responsive homes. The discussion highlighted how next-generation sensors and local intelligence are unlocking more intuitive lighting, climate, safety, and security experiences.
Member Showcases & Product Innovation
CES 2026 spotlighted the depth and breadth of Z-Wave Alliance member innovation. Exhibiting companies – including CleverK9, FireAvert, Silicon Labs, Siterwell, Vision, and Zooz – demonstrated how Z-Wave technology is being applied across new product categories, safety sensors, lighting controls, gateways, and broader IoT applications.
A standout moment for the Alliance was the invite-only press and influencer breakfast held on the first day of the show. This event gave members the opportunity to connect directly with leading smart home media and creators prior to the official start of the show, with additional exhibitors and sponsors WePower and XThings joining to showcase the latest Z-Wave innovations to media representing over 20 unique publications and creator channels.
Z-Wave: An Evolving Ecosystem
Two of the most widely discussed Z-Wave developments out of CES 2026 were the momentum behind Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) and the introduction of the new Wake on Event End Node (WOEEN) role type. 125+ ZWLR-certified devices are now on the market, which is a milestone that reflects accelerating adoption and a rapidly expanding ecosystem. The introduction of the new WOEEN role within the 2025B specification represents one of the most transformative updates in Z-Wave history – expanding the ecosystem to include support for self-powered, maintenance-free devices for the first time.
Looking Ahead
CES 2026 reinforced the Z-Wave Alliance’s leadership in an increasingly complex connectivity landscape. By combining thought leadership, open standards development, and real-world device demonstrations, the Alliance showcased how collaboration translates into certified, market-ready innovation. From engaging panels and media moments to product showcases and ecosystem milestones, the Z-Wave Alliance leaves CES with clear momentum and a strong foundation for what’s ahead in 2026 and beyond.
