At the NALMCO 72nd Annual Convention in Des Moines, your humble editor sat down with Kevin Heid, the program chair, to capture the event’s vibrant energy. Kevin highlighted how the convention fosters connections in the lighting industry, starting with its standout speed dating event.

Energetic Speed Dating at NALMCO

Kevin described the speed dating as a high-energy highlight, with 250 attendees—including 60 associate members—buzzing with excitement. Everybody was standing feeling the electricity in the air. The format allows associate members a two-minute pitch to general members, followed by deeper booth discussions. Kevin emphasized its value: “It gives the best opportunity to engage and set up partnerships.” 

Building Lifelong Industry Friendships

Beyond programming, Kevin stressed NALMCO’s core: networking and camaraderie. “Some of my best friends are in this room,” he shared, naming mentors like Bill Hurd and the Mendelsohn family. Over 15 years, Kevin has built relationships with figures like the the Frank family, who’ve shaped lighting’s legacy. “What you put into it, you’ll get out,” he advised, underscoring the association’s role in creating lasting bonds.

Taresh Grover’s AI Keynote Spotlight

The conversation turned to the keynote by Taresh Grover of Pull Logic. Kevin praised Taresh’s intelligence and business acumen: “He’s got a great mind for AI in our industry.” Chosen for its timeliness, the session on AI’s role in lighting processes was a natural fit. “It’s coming—there’s nothing we can do to run from it,” Kevin said, noting Taresh’s industry expertise made it powerful, unlike generic AI talks.

Go Deeper: NALMCO Convention: The AI Surge