We received a wide range of feedback on LightFair, much of it delivered in person at our studio during the show. Additional comments came via text, weekend phone calls, and email. We plan to publish the email responses—some with the author’s permission for attribution, while others will remain anonymous at their request. Below are the some of the PRIVATE comments on LightFair we received via email:
President of a Major Architectural Lighting Manufacturer:
LightFair has long served as a cornerstone event for the lighting industry. For many, it was the show that first sparked a deep love for lighting—not just for the innovation and products, but for the community. “Seeing colleagues reconnect with hugs, handshakes, and laughter,” he shared, “made me realize why this industry is so special. That sense of belonging is what drives me.”
This individual, who has held leadership roles at both major and architectural manufacturers, is not one of the so-called “LightFair haters.” Quite the opposite: he is deeply invested in seeing the show succeed. But like many others in the industry, he sat out this year. Why? “Very few of my reps were attending,” he explained. “And those who did weren’t bringing specifiers along like they used to.”
He believes the magic of LightFair was always about more than just booths. It was about the relationships—the homecoming vibe. “That’s the value we need to bring back,” he says.
Regarding show makeup, he advocates for a broader, more inclusive approach. Lighting designers are vital, but so are the many other specifiers who drive decisions—architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and national account buyers. “If the show only includes lighting designers, it will feel sparse. We need a crowd that reflects the full industry landscape.”
He also raised concerns about the quality of attendees. “The floor has been overrun by non-relevant vendors in recent years. It’s frustrating to be interrupted by someone pushing cheap acrylic during a serious conversation with a key specifier. Attendees need to be vetted.”
He proposes that non-exhibiting manufacturers without a physical North American presence should not be allowed to walk the show. “They should invest in a booth. These interruptions hurt our ability to connect with our core customers.”
His most radical suggestion? Consider making LightFair invitation-only. “Imagine registering only through vetted exhibitors, agents, or industry organizations like IES and IALD. That level of exclusivity would elevate the experience.”
Another challenge is cost. “The ROI just doesn’t add up anymore,” he said. At LEDucation, his company brought a full team of eight to New York for under $90K. “That included flights, hotels, entertainment, and a double booth.”
While his current company has opted out of LightFair this year, it wasn’t due to a lack of interest in supporting the community. “We care deeply. But I can only justify so much goodwill on a balance sheet.”
Despite the critiques, the passion remains. “I want LightFair to return to prominence. I want it to be a meaningful touchpoint for our community again.”
Anonymous:
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Develop a Clear Vision That Attracts
Define and communicate a compelling vision that draws the lighting community in—something people want to rally around. -
Show Loyalty to Exhibitors
Prioritize and support those who commit to booth space. A successful show must be built on strong exhibitor relationships. -
Avoid Overloading with OEMs and Component Suppliers
Including too many parts suppliers dilutes the show’s relevance for designers and specifiers. Focus on exhibitors who elevate the design conversation. -
Showcase Breakthrough Innovation
To win back attention from designers, architects, builders, and reps, the show must feature true technological breakthroughs—not incremental updates. -
Make Learning the Core Draw
Create an environment where education is central. If you want key specifiers to show up, give them a reason to come and learn.
President of a Fiber Optics and Lighting Controls Company:
There are many issues with not only Lightfair but also with other similar tradeshows.
Firstly, Las Vegas is not a city that is conducive to doing serious business. Having exhibited at Lightfair and many other shows in Las Vegas we find most attendees are there primarily to party and business is secondary. The costs in Las Vegas have escalated to the point where it is no longer reasonable (hotel rooms, meals, etc.).
The costs at the convention center are insane. This is not only related to Lightfair, but also to other trade shows. The labor, drayage, etc. are so over the top that it’s ridiculous.
With Zoom meetings and Teams meetings available, there is no reason to spend those kinds of dollars on a three-day trade show, where many of the attendees are hung over, and spend half of their time off the trade show floor engaging in activities unrelated to business.
We have found that investing in our website and email blasts, etc. are much more effective in reaching our potential specifiers and customers.
The incredible concentration of Chinese factories makes the show unappealing to US exhibitors. As you know, most of the lighting products sold in the US are manufactured in China so you’re meeting yourself coming around the corner with all of these Chinese factories there. You should go back to the system you had years ago where there was one small section of Asian manufacturers. I looked at the exhibit show floor plan this year and the majority of the exhibitors were Asian.
Lastly, there are many other points I could raise, but Lightfair is a money-making enterprise so the goal of the show organizers is to ring the register as much as possible. So I am not sure how much of what I said will make a difference.