The future of the CEDIA Expo in the U.S. is under threat, with LG Electronics refusing to say why they are not exhibiting at the 2025 event and several other brands yet to renew contracts.

Samsung was also rumored to be reconsidering its presence, but following Harman International’s acquisition of Masimo Consumer (formerly Sound United), the tech giant has committed to exhibiting alongside its Harman subsidiary.

LG’s withdrawal comes on the back of a major blow to its reputation, after its flagship OLED TV finished last in a high-profile shootout in New York.

Credit: CEDIA

The company’s absence further highlights CEDIA’s waning influence, with many integrators and specialist retailers voicing frustration over declining attendance on industry forums such as the CEDIA Pros Group on Facebook.

ChannelNews research indicates that a significant number of Australian integrators and retailers who in the past have travelled to the event, also plan to skip this year’s event.

Historically, LG was a critical partner for custom installers thanks to its leadership in OLED, but Samsung’s growing OLED lineup is rapidly eating into its market share in the U.S. and beyond.

CEDIA show manager Jason McGraw has confirmed LG’s exit but offered no explanation. Meanwhile, LG’s shift toward direct-to-consumer sales—with new marketing funds supporting the push—has angered many specialist dealers, some of whom are pivoting back to brands like Sony and Loewe.

LG has refused to comment publicly on its decision, despite organisers confirming its absence. The move echoes the company’s approach in Australia, where media inquiries are often ignored.

Once a cornerstone of the custom installation calendar, CEDIA has struggled to maintain relevance since pulling its Australian edition years ago, with the Integrate show now the preferred event for local installers.