Mrs. Reid and I had a pact that we would partake of no more than two glasses of wine per party, and it worked!
We started at Maxlite at 5pm and they had a very nice event. Being on the showroom floor gives them a certain efficiency during their party because there is always the opportunity for a customer to learn about products over drinks. Maxlite’s LIGHTFAIR presence continues to grow as does their business. It was a very nice way to start the evening. Glasses 1 and 2.
Next, Mrs. Reid and I hopped an Uber to Lumenpulse’s party on the 34th floor of San Diego’s Symphony Towers. This was a very high class event and Francois-Xavier Souvay and Tim Berman were our gracious hosts. The views of the Coronado bridge were spectacular. We learned much about their recent acquisition of Fluxwerx, which occurred in March and the challenges of pulling everything together for LIGHTFAIR. The party was packed, the people were great and the wine flowed! Glasses 3 and 4.
After another Uber, we were at the XtraLight party—a yacht strategically parked behind the San Diego Convention Center. Jerry Caroom, sporting a bright red jacket and white slacks, spared no expense at this exciting extravaganza. The XtraLight party always draws a diverse mix of people including CEO’s. This year was no exception and these parties are a bit on the intellectual side as Jerry continues to discuss and debate the most important issues facing our industry. Glasses 5 and 6.
From the yacht, we Ubered downtown to Fifth Avenue where we joined the Deco Lighting Team, and 120 of their closest customers and reps for a dinner of steak and lobster and a little tiramisu for desert. The wine flowed and there were some very fine cigars. Glasses 7, 8, and 9.
One more Uber. We joined our good friends at USAI at the Renaissance San Diego Rooftop bar. This party was filled with young people, which is a great sign for our industry. It was late and time to call it a night. No more wine!