Support Lighting, Support LightFair!

L+B Day 1 LightFair Vegas Confirmed
LightFair Las Vegas Sign in Frankfurt

By Supporting LightFair, You Are Supporting Lighting. 

It’s not either-or. Some in our industry feel they must choose between supporting LightFair or LEDucation. Your humble editor firmly believes in supporting both. Each show offers unique opportunities and experiences.

 “WAC and Modern Forms continue to see the value of a show like LightFair because it allows us to do so much more than at a tabletop event. Though each has its purpose and benefits, at LightFair, we’ll be able to show our latest in design and technology, and in as close of an application as possible. On a tabletop we can show a handful of pieces and hope the attendee can use their imagination as to what the intent of the product is. At LightFair, we can show dozens of our new introductions in each of our booths, showing them in a setting where people can easily see their use. Given the show’s spaciousness, attendees can comfortably walk the show without having their claustrophobic tendencies be felt. There is ample time to talk to manufacturers in this open environment, discuss current and future projects with our teams and even relax and sit down and have a beverage inside our booth.”

Tom Lillie, Executive Director – Business Development for WAC Lighting and Modern Forms

In preparing this article, I had several discussions with Gean Tremain, CEO of QTL. He was passionate about LightFair’s current crossroads. He asked, “Is it the responsibility of manufacturers to support cornerstone organizations like LightFair, which in turn supports the IALD and the IES?”

The Pandemic’s Lingering Effect

LightFair has long been the premier event for the lighting industry. Before the disruptions of Covid, it was the industry’s highlight of the year, offering excitement, innovation, and camaraderie. However, significant pre-pandemic errors, compounded by the pandemic itself, caused a seismic shift.

“I have attended LightFair every year since its inception and served as an educational facilitator for its conference for many years. The trade show is always helpful to keep up with rapidly changing lighting technologies. I know the effort that goes into planning the conference and the high-level educational opportunities it presents. In addition, it is an unparalleled opportunity to network with industry peers, from specifiers to end users to manufacturers and many others. I highly recommend attending!”

Craig Bernecker, Professor of Lighting Design, Parsons School of Design. 

Lightfair Immersive
LightFair Immersive Art Installation from Traxon e:cue and Tillotson Design Associates, 2023

Importance of Support from Manufacturers

Gean emphasized the importance of a unified industry show. He noted that European manufacturers often debut advancements at events like Light + Building. He stated, “The onus lies heavily on manufacturers. Without their participation, there is no draw, no funding, and no platform for the industry to converge.”

“LightFair continues to lead the way in lighting innovation, showcasing the evolving tools, techniques, and technologies that are shaping the industry. At this this year’s event, we look forward to exploring pivotal themes for education that will also be featured in the Exhibit Hall, such as new design and materials, sustainable practices, and navigating controls.”

Colleen Harper, CEO and Executive Director

Quality Exhibitors

Upon reviewing the LightFair floor plan, noticeable gaps are evident just five months before the event. In December, I met with Messe Frankfurt in Atlanta. They mentioned that the show could be fully booked but adhere to strict exhibitor criteria. I credit Messe Frankfurt for holding firm on their criteria. Still, credit also must go to Dan Darby, the previous show manager who decided to disallow 60 international exhibitors after the 2019 show. These strict limits should have been in place a decade ago and would have gone a long way to protecting LightFair’s image.

Unfortunately, fewer manufacturers are choosing to invest in LightFair, a trend that has long-term consequences for the industry, especially for IES and IALD, the other two owners of LightFair. However, other manufacturers are holding strong and supporting LightFair.

“With all the changes happening in the industry, 2025 feels like a pivotal year for LightFair. I truly hope the lighting community comes together to ensure its success for everyone’s benefit. The new owners are clearly focused on enhancing both the attendee and exhibitor experiences, which is encouraging. I believe there’s a place for a large-scale North American trade show like LightFair, and I hope the industry rallies to support it.”

Lisa Yeadon, Director of Marketing Communications at A.L.P.

Regional vs International Show

As I informally solicit manufacturers to exhibit at LightFair, some tell me they prefer LEDucation over LightFair. I cheerfully admit that LEDucation has done a tremendous job, and one of the reasons for its success is that passionate and hard-working volunteers built it. Some will argue that LEDucation is a national show with reps visiting nationwide. That is true, but I don’t believe LEDucation wants to be a national show. Many New York reps cringe when they see reps from Florida and California, especially as the NY teams can’t walk their designers through the show because it is too crowded. Northeast specifiers tell me the same about seeing Bay Area and Chicago specifiers. LEDucation is maxed out, and fortunately, there seems to be no interest in moving to Javits!

Industry Non-Profits

IALD and IES own two-thirds of LightFair and have relied heavily on its revenue until recently. Both organizations have made significant budget cuts. LightFair supports IALD and IES, but LEDucation also contributes to the industry. DLFNY, another non-profit, benefits financially from LEDucation’s success. They pass this funding to groups, including the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education.

“We’re returning to LightFair this year in our continuing support of IALD and IES. LightFair brings together an audience of designers, specifiers, engineers, manufacturers, and our partners to promote solutions for our industry. Obviously, we’re proud of our lighting systems and find LightFair an excellent opportunity to speak directly to the people committed to advancing the industry and show them how we can help create better lighting.” –

Paul Greening, Commercial/Architectural Market Manager, ETC.

The Role of Specifiers

Specifiers play a pivotal role in shaping the industry. By supporting manufacturers that actively engage with events like LightFair, they send a clear message about the importance of these gatherings. Should specifiers prioritize manufacturers who support industry shows? It’s a question worth considering.

“LightFair has been the must-attend event for decades, and it still is. More importantly, the proceeds from the event help fund the IALD and the IES and their activities. Attendance and support advances OUR lighting community.”

Chip Israel, Founder and CEO, Lighting Design Alliance

Gean continues, “When manufacturers participate in LightFair, they create opportunities to showcase their products, wow representatives, and engage with specifiers, contractors, and distributors. This engagement benefits the entire industry by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Specifiers, in turn, can influence which manufacturers thrive by considering their involvement in these events as a factor in their decision-making process.”

The lighting industry needs a unified approach to support growth and sustainability. LightFair represents more than just a trade show. It symbolizes the industry’s ability to unite, share knowledge, and drive innovation. Manufacturers must see the value of investing in these events. Specifiers should consider how their choices impact the industry’s future direction.

LightFair is the optimal opportunity to engage with and support industry organizations and brands. We will be attending and supporting our brands,. It makes sense to invest in these events for the betterment of the industry at large.”

Matt Seconi, Principal of Moxie Lighting

Without collective support, the industry risks fragmentation and stagnation. 

Improvements to 2025 LightFair

LightFair is launching initiatives to improve the experience for attendees and exhibitors. The Luminary Leaders Program covers travel costs for influential specifiers, agents, and decision-makers. Participants agree to meet with exhibitors, fostering valuable connections. LightFair 2025 will include a redesigned blackout show floor, with 95% of the lighting turned off. This creates a sleek, dimmed environment for exhibitors to showcase their products effectively.

“LightFair is an unparalleled platform that brings together the best minds in lighting design, technology, and innovation. We are excited to be putting a world-class design on display with the return of the IALD immersive lighting installations. The IALD is also hosting the 42nd Annual International Awards on the evening of Wednesday, 07 May 2024. These initiatives and the desire from our community to meet in person present a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge products, connect with industry leaders, and gain insights that shape the future of our field. Attending LightFair is not just about staying current—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in lighting.”

Andrea Hartranft, IALD, Principal Hartranft Lighting Design, and IALD President

It is time to get on board and support LightFair, who supports us!