A Strong First Impression
At the top of the escalator, a smiling staff member greeted me immediately and asked if I needed help. “I’m an exhibitor,” I replied. She kindly walked me to the exhibitor registration desk and added, “Let me know if you need anything else.” That level of hospitality immediately set a welcoming tone.
A Bold Atmosphere—Mixed Reactions
One of the most noticeable elements was the lighting. The entire registration area was dark. Personally, I loved it. The low light created an immersive atmosphere and signaled that this show would break from tradition. However, several attendees disagreed, saying it felt too dim to interact comfortably.
Lighting designer Leslie North, of Aurora Lighting Design, an RBLD Studio, voiced her concerns clearly: “You can’t see anything. You can’t interact with people, and you can walk past a dear friend and never notice.” When I suggested that maybe show management preferred those conversations happen on the show floor, Leslie responded, “That would be fine if the stanchions weren’t black and people weren’t walking into them.”
A Flawless Move-In
The move-in process exceeded expectations. After speaking with 11 exhibitors, I heard only one minor problem about a blocked aisle—not about the logistics themselves. Several exhibitors praised it as very smooth. A manager from Nora Lighting called it her best LightFair move-in ever. ETC, positioned across from IALD, summed it up: “The move-in has gone incredibly well.” Later that day, ETC kept the good vibes going with a well-attended booth party.
The Blackout
When the show opened Tuesday morning, the exhibit floor was completely dark except for the booth lighting. The venue’s old metal halide lights stayed off, allowing each booth’s displays to shine without interference. I thought it looked fantastic—many booths glowed warmly, creating a dramatic effect. This European-inspired approach was one of Messe Frankfurt’s key changes. Leslie North did say that she loved the blackout look on the showroom floor.
However, not everyone was prepared. Two large booth manufacturers mentioned they hadn’t been informed of the blackout and had to scramble at the last minute. Smaller booths also struggled. For example, NALMCO, our neighbor at booth 865, didn’t have enough lighting. We stepped in and aimed one of our studio lights at their backdrop to help.
Although LightFair did publish the blackout information, the fact that some exhibitors were not aware of the blackout lighting can be blamed on one person. Me! As your humble editor, I should have communicated that detail more effectively. Although it was mentioned in my early discussions with LightFair management, it slipped through the cracks. I apologize!
A Buzzing Crowd and Successful Program
Tuesday morning brought strong crowds and steady traffic. The Luminary Leader program, designed to attract top lighting professionals, appeared to work well. Sixty luminaries joined, receiving full show registration, airfare, and three hotel nights. The program does require participants to meet specific commitments; otherwise, LightFair charges their credit cards as outlined in the terms.
I spoke with two Luminary Leaders staying at the Fontainebleau, and both were thrilled with their experience. Luminaries are easy to spot—they wear a name badge with a yellow stripe along the bottom.
Education Earns Praise
The education program, curated by IES’s Brienne Willcock, drew high marks. Eric Young of Stone River Electric attended A Deep Dive into Light Source Color Science with Tony Esposito. Reflecting on it, Eric said, “We did a deep dive into light source and color science, and it was a great class. I really enjoyed it—it was definitely an experience.”
Networking and Positive Energy
At the Brooklyn Bowl welcome party, hosted by LEDVANCE, I caught up with Webster Marsh. He was enthusiastic about the show’s first day. “The only people who are here are the people who want to be here—the dedicated, hard-core fans—and I think it’s great,” he said. “LightFair is a great accommodation for the lighting communities that matter.” He also mentioned that this might be his best LightFair yet, praising the manageable size of the show. “It’s easy to see everything and have meaningful conversations,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Behind the scenes, we’ve had productive discussions with leaders from IALD, IES, and LightFair. All three organizations are clearly committed to making continuous improvements. If you’re at the show and have feedback, I encourage you to visit our studio booth, 865. We’re happy to chat—on or off the record—and to make sure your comments reach the right people.