LightFair 2025 Move-In Sets Positive Tone for Exhibitors
Move-in for LightFair 2025 is off to an impressively smooth start. Although the show officially opens Tuesday, the behind-the-scenes setup at the South Hall has been seamless — and exhibitors are definitely noticing.
Parking and Access: A Welcome Surprise
First, the parking. It’s free, convenient, and right in front of the South Hall. (It may not be free tomorrow, but it is free so far today.) I watched exhibitors carry literature, chairs, and booth components straight up the escalator without a single hassle. That’s rare for LightFair, where past venues like San Diego and Chicago often left exhibitors scrambling. Even though Chicago promoted an Exhibitor Bill of Rights, it didn’t help much because practical parking was nonexistent, making it almost impossible to bring any material in. This year in Las Vegas, exhibitors simply pull up, park, and carry in — no headaches, no stress.
The weather is also cooperating as there is often no moving air during move-ins. With an outside temperature of 63°, the temperature inside the hall is quite comfortable.
Inside the Hall: Immersive and Welcoming
Inside, the atmosphere is striking. The purposely dim lighting at the top of the escalator creates a near-nightclub ambiance. Even before the exhibit floor opens, the mood feels immersive and dramatic. At least six people proactively asked if I needed help — and while I may look like I could use it, the friendliness was genuinely refreshing. Christy Meade from Messe Frankfurt stood at the front doors, warmly welcoming exhibitors as they arrived.
Big Exhibitors See Big Savings
One large exhibitor told me they saved $5,000 by choosing the flat-rate drayage option. Remarkably, they paid less for their mega booth’s drayage here than they did at LEDucation, even though the booth in Las Vegas is much larger. Also, there are on freight elevator issues as we often experience in New York.
Food Trucks and Extras
Adding to the convenience, a food truck is parked right outside the hall, giving exhibitors an easy spot to grab a quick meal between setup runs.
Education Sessions Lead the Way
Beyond the show floor, the LightFair Conference is making its impact. Curated by Brienne Willcock, IES Director of Education & Standards, the program offers more than 100 in-depth sessions over two days, ahead of the exhibit opening. I briefly ran into Brienne as she hurried to a session, and she reported that the education portion, which began Sunday, is running smoothly — no surprise, given her leadership.
On-Site Wi-Fi: Mixed but Appreciated
Wi-Fi options on site are mixed. The first network I found, “.Convention Wi-Fi,” offers packages starting at $79 per day. There’s also a free “2025LightFair” network, though it clocked in at just 4.35 Mbps download and 5.05 Mbps upload. It will likely slow down even more once the crowds arrive, but it’s still nice to have a free option.
Final Impressions: Optimism for the Days Ahead
As I sit at booth 865 in our cozy studio space, the occasional forklift rumble makes the floor shake — a bit jolting, but nothing that will affect the show once it starts. Overall, this LightFair move-in ranks as one of the smoothest I’ve experienced. That’s setting a positive and optimistic tone for the exciting days ahead.
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