If you keep up with technology, then you are already aware the Internet of Things is network of connected objects that communicate with each other. What you may not know, however, is just how rapid the Internet of Things is growing.

According to Cisco, there will be 50 million Internet-connected things by 2020. Even more staggering is that this industry is expected to reach $19 trillion in profits and cost savings. With such a potentially large industry on the horizon, you would think more people would be aware of the Internet of Things. But, that’s not exactly the case. Currently, about half of Americans are aware that there are items like smart thermostats and smart refrigerators on the market.

If you don’t want to be the half of Americans who behind on the technology times, then you should definitely follow these 20 experts in the Internet of Things industry.

Jeffrey Burt

With over 25 years of journalism experience, Jeffrey Burt has covered everything from marine research to law and technology. Today, Jeffrey is the senior editor for the business and technology magazine eWeek. This position has allowed Jeffrey to interview leading IT executives, cover the latest industry news, and provide an analysis on the latest IOT developments.

John Kennedy

John Kennedy has been with Ireland’s award-winning and leading source for technology news, Siliconrepublic, since 2002 and is now the site’s editor. He has also been the recipient of the Irish Internet Association’s NetVisionary Technology Journalist Award 2005, as well as the David Manley Award for his work covering entrepreneurs.

Melissa Tolentino

Melissa Tolentino is a writer and contributor for SiliconANGLE who has covered topics ranging from Bitcoin to the Internet of Things since 2011. Being a part of SiliconANGLE, Melissa has had the opportunity to discuss and analyze innovative technology companies that are having an impact on both businesses and customers.

Natasha Lomas

Natasha Lomas began her journalistic career covering business technology for silicon.com (now a part of TechRepublic.com) and then reviewing smartphones for CNET UK. Since 2012, this London native has been a reporter for TechCrunch where she discusses the latest IOT news and interviews the people making IOT a reality.

Gary Mintchell

Gary Mintchell is the founder of Automation World and more recently The Manufacturing Connection. Since 2012, The Marketing Connection has been providing businesses the latest strategies and technologies to achieve growth. Gary has earned a reputation as one of the leading authors on software, manufacturing, automation, marketing, and leadership over his years of real-word experience in engineering.

Richard Chirgwin

As the Australian correspondent for leading global online technology publication The Register, Richard Chirgwin covers the latest tech news involving the Internet of Things. Richard is also a telecommunications analyst whose work has appeared in publications like The Channel and CSO.

Patrick Thibodeau

Patrick Thibodeau is the senior editor for Computerworld where he covers everything from cloud computing to enterprise applications and data centers. Patrick is located in Washington D.C., which gives him a unique perspective on the latest government IT policies. His work regarding IOT has been features in TechHive and CSO.

Bernard Cole

Bernard Cole is the site editor for Embedded. The site is a leading resource for embedded designers and developers to use when they require source codes, sharing information on the latest technology and covering the latest trends. Bernard is also the editor for the high-tech publication EETimes.

Saroj Kar

With expertise in emerging tech, cloud computing, mobile trends and IT services, Saroj Kar is a great resource for all things tech-related. He is a staff writer for SiliconANGLE and CloudTimes who has discussed IOT in-depth. Saroj is also a freelance consultant and system administrator.

Chris Preimesberger

Chris Preimesberger is the Editor of Features & Analysis at eWEEK, who he has been with since 2005. Chris also created the eWeek Innovation site and has written extensively about technology involving data storage, virtualization and green IT. His work has also been included in publications like PC Mag, C/Net, TechWeek Europe, Baseline, and TechRepublic.

Klint Finley

Klint Finley is an author for Wired where he covers everything from emerging tech, startups, net neutrality, open source, and the Internet of Things. He also writes for the Wired’s Internet of Anything which highlights a different connected each week. Klint is also the co-host of the podcast Mindful Cyborgs.

Stephen Lawson

Stephen Lawson is the US Senior Correspondent for the Internal Data Group who covers topics including storage and wired/ wireless networks Stephen was previously a copy editor for IDG’s InfoWorld and Hong Kong correspondent for the News Service. As a part of the IDG News Service, Stephen’s work has been featured in Network World, Computerworld and TechHive.

Rick Merritt

Originally joining  EE Times in 1992 as a Hong Kong based reporter, Rick Merritt has served as the editor in chief of EE Times and OEM Magazine. Rick’s articles provide an analysis of the electronics industry and engineering profession. He is also editor of the Android, Internet of Things, Wireless/Networking, and Medical Designlines.

Fred Donovan

Fred Donovan was previously an analyst for the Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity office and the U.S. Air Force and journalist for Infosecurity Magazine. Fred is now the Senior Editor of FierceMarkets, a leading B2B e-media company that helps companies with online marketing.

Monica Alleven

Monica Alleven is the editor of FierceWirelessTech where she contributes to the FierceMarkets Telecom Group newsletters. Monica was previously the editor in chief of Wireless Week where she helped discuss topics ranging from noise-cancelling techniques, PCS auctions, and base station techniques.

Alex Scroxton

As the Networking Editor and writer for Computer Weekly, Alex Scroxton covers networking, technology trends and the telecommunications market for the leading IT publication in the UK. Alex was also the Senior Reporter for MicroScope and Business Journalist for IT Europe.

Michael Hatamoto

Michael Hatamoto is an experienced tech journalist and marketer who has been published on  DailyTech and CMS. He is currently a staff writer at TweakTown and runs his own tech blog AlamedaTec where he mainly cover cybersecurity, wearables and connected technology.

Brittney Borowicz

Brittney Borowicz has been working with entrepreneurs and startups in the Chicagoland area for several years, but she became an expert with IOT after becoming the Marketing Manager for Grid Connect and Connect Sense. Grid Connect has over 20 years of experience in the embedded and networking marketplace.

Paul Wallbank

Paul Wallbank is a respected speaker and writer who has been discussing the future of business and technology for the last 15 years. His work has contributed to Startup Smart, Business Spectator, Crikey and Communications Day. More recently Paul is a Publisher for Networked Globe, which examines how businesses are changing the connected economy.

John Rath

As a veteran IT professional, John Rath shares his knowledge and experience of the industry as a contributor for the Data Center Knowledge. John is also the Data Center Facilities Manager for a leading IT solutions provider One IT Solutions.

As the Internet of Things continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the industry changes. These top IOT experts will be the ones you want to keep an eye on.