IES25 Closes “In the Black,” Sets the Table for a Member-First 2026
The Illuminating Engineering Society wrapped IES25 with a milestone at the IES conference: a surplus. As Executive Director & CEO Colleen Harper put it, “We are excited to announce that, for the first time in the history of our annual conferences, IES25 financials ended in the black! … Thanks to careful planning, strategic budgeting, and the support of the lighting community… Onwards to IES26!”
That outcome tracked with what your humble editor observed on site. Attendance ran roughly 15% ahead of forecast, tabletops sold out at 30, and the event carried the energy of new faces who don’t typically attend IES conferences—tailwinds that helped push the meeting into the black. Earlier this year, we also noted several financial fixes under Colleen’s tenure: the sale of LD+A, exit from the costly 120 Wall Street lease, and the end of the “conferences always lose money” era—three drains addressed in quick succession.
Board Agenda: Growth, Global Reach, and Fundraising
At the opening session of the IES Board, leaders laid out ambitious objectives through 2030: grow to 7,500 members, stabilize revenue, expand global reach, deepen Emerging Professional engagement, and emphasize win-backs and retention. Action items included social media expansion, onboarding improvements, regular KPI reporting, and laying groundwork for international representation in 2027. A rules update will raise the age for Emeritus Membership eligibility to 62 (with 30 years of service). Meanwhile, a newly professionalized Philanthropy Committee is pursuing a prospect list and training board members on effective donor outreach.
Program Notes: Progress Report & Awards
The Progress Report shifted to a silent slide format this year—comprehensive, but low on energy in the room. The tabletops made up the difference by letting attendees handle and compare recognized products, reinforcing that hands-on time still matters. We are aware of a new format for the 2026 Progress Report which will be welcome.
Opening-night awards celebrated volunteer leadership and technical excellence. Highlights included a Presidential Award to Antonio Garza for strengthening ties with Latin America; Fellow grade to industry standouts such as Paul Gregory—who reminded the room that when tools didn’t exist, “We invented them!”—and Kimberly Mercier’s call for confident public communication: “We are people of science. And now is the time to show the world our light.”
Next Year: Mile-High Momentum
IES announced Denver as host city for IES26—an apt choice for an organization aiming higher on membership, global collaboration, and fiscal discipline. Expect the member-first strategy to continue, with incremental refinements to program formats and continued attention to the bottom line.
Taken together—attendance strength, clearer goals, early fundraising structure, and a conference surplus—IES25 felt like a turning point. The work continues, but the Society now has both the runway and the momentum to make good on its ambitions in 2026.