Plans for Light + Building 2026: A Packed Week in Frankfurt

C-Suite Interviews at Light + Building in 2024
In 2024, your humble editor interviews Colleen Harper, CEO of IES, Christopher Knowlton, CEO of IALD and Constantin von Vieregge. President & CEO Messe Frankfurt North America

Light + Building 2026: LightPitch™, C-Suite Interviews, and a Packed Week in Frankfurt

Light + Building 2026 is almost here, and the schedule is packed. This year, the plan is simple: cover more ground, capture more content, and connect with as many people as possible across the global lighting community.

Getting Ready for Light + Building 2026
At the Nichia Booth at Light + Building, 2024

LightPitch™ Returns—Limited Slots Available

LightPitch™ will once again be a major focus. These short, two-minute videos take place right on the show floor and highlight one or two key products. As a result, manufacturers gain immediate visibility during the show.

We film on-site, post to YouTube the following day, and promote heavily across social media. In turn, that drives traffic back to the booth and extends the value of a company’s investment well beyond the show.

Several LightPitch™ segments are already confirmed. However, three prime slots remain open. LightPitch™ allows the L+B invesment to pay returns throughout the year.

C-Suite Series at Light + Building in 2024
Lisa Bartlett and Anne Kustner from AKLD participate in the C-Suite Series at Light + Building in 2024

On Camera from Hall 4.1: C-Suite Interviews and Designer Insights

In addition, we will operate our studio in the Foyer of Hall 4.1. From there, your humble editor will conduct a series of C-Suite interviews with leading manufacturers. These conversations stay direct and unscripted, so executives can clearly share their strategy, innovation, and market outlook.

At the same time, we will welcome a steady stream of lighting designers into the studio. These discussions consistently deliver some of the most valuable insights of the week. Designers explain what they are seeing in the field, what clients now demand, and how design priorities continue to shift. Consequently, these interviews offer a real-time look at where the industry is heading.

IALD Awards and Industry Recognition

On 10 March, I will attend the 43rd Annual IALD Awards Ceremony in Frankfurt. This event consistently stands out as a highlight of the week. It showcases some of the most thoughtful and inspiring lighting design work from around the world.

Just as important, the awards often spark deeper editorial opportunities. Many of these projects later become feature stories in designing lighting (dl) magazine.

Speaking Session: Storytelling as a Connector

Later in the week, I will speak during a PechaKucha-style session titled “Growing a Connected Global Lighting Community.” This is part of the VLDC series hosted by Amardeep M. Dugar.  My presentation, “Storytelling as a Connector: Media’s Role in Shaping a Caring Lighting Culture,” will explore how storytelling strengthens connection across the industry.

The format moves quickly—six slides, one minute each—followed by a moderated panel discussion. During my segment, I will share three unique design stories that I have written about. Each story demonstrates how narrative builds empathy, increases visibility, and strengthens a shared identity within the lighting community.

A Full Schedule from Start to Finish

Beyond these highlights, the calendar remains full. Meetings, booth visits, interviews, and events fill each day. From early morning product briefings to evening press dinners, every hour has a purpose.

Light + Building remains the global stage for the lighting industry. This year, I plan to cover it from every angle.

If you are exhibiting and want to participate in LightPitch™ or reserve time in our Hall 4.1 studio, reach out soon. Only a few openings remain, and demand continues to build.

Frankfurt is right around the corner—and it is going to be a busy week. If you are there, please stop by the studio in Hall 4.1 and say hello.

26 FEB 2026, 10:36 Eastern. This article has been updated.