NIGHT LIGHTS IN NEW LEBANON Announces Launch of Emerging Professional Program on June 5th – 7th; Applications Now Open!
May 6, 2026 — Night Lights in New Lebanon is proud to announce the launch of its Emerging Professional Program, a new initiative designed to support and inspire the growth of the next generation of talent in the lighting community. The program is now accepting applications from emerging professionals from both the New York City and Boston lighting communities with a submission deadline of May 8th.
The Emerging Professional Program aims to provide interested professionals with hands-on learning experiences centered on collaboration, technical skill building, and enhancing industry connections. The EP Program will kick off with a weekend retreat on June 5–7th in New Lebanon, New York, the site of the annual Night Lights in New Lebanon Light Festival.
Event organizers will team the selected 10 to 15 Emerging Professionals with seasoned lighting designers to participate in design discussions on exterior lighting and use of color, gain hands-on exposure to wiring and controls, learn the process of event organization, and create their own mini–Night Lights vignette.
“We created this program to continue to invest in the future of our industry,” said Sara Schnour, Festival Co-Founder. “One of our goals of the NLNL festival is to foster education and mentorship. Emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and we’re excited to provide them with the tools and connections for some fun and inspirational hands-on experiences where their creativity and technical capabilities can shine in a low-pressure, supportive environment.”
Selected participants will benefit from:
• One-on-one mentorship with established industry leaders
• Networking opportunities with peers and professionals
• Access to workshops, panels, and educational resources
• Recognition across Night Lights in New Lebanon’s platforms
• CEU credits for participating
Eligible applicants should be current students or individuals with less than five years of experience in the lighting industry. All submissions must be 21+ and complete the application by the deadline. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by May 8th at the following link:
For more information about the Emerging Professional Program and the Night Lights in New Lebanon community light festival held on Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 5th, please visit www.nightlightsinnewlebanon.com.
For questions specific to the Emerging Professionals program, including eligibility requirements and application details, please visit www.nightlightsinnewlebanon.com.
About Night Lights in New Lebanon
Night Lights in New Lebanon (NLNL) is a lighting festival created, installed, and presented over Labor Day Weekend. Powered by lighting fixtures and imagination, lighting designers become light artists to transform an unassuming rural property with their creative installations and invite the community to experience and enjoy.
Since the event’s conception in 2023, each year over Labor Day weekend, the festival showcases over 25+ talented lighting designers from all over the country who share their talents and creative visions to create experiential lighting vignettes.
The annual event is facilitated by a group of lighting enthusiasts, designers, community volunteers, and more who volunteer their time and energy to create experiential lighting installations for the local community to enjoy. Throughout the year, teams design and source material for their installs, which are assembled and dismantled within 72 hours.
The goal of the event is to promote collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, and to share the love of light.
For additional information visit – www.nightlightsinnewlebanon.com
EdisonReport Editor’s Note:
Night Lights in New Lebanon continues to expand its impact with the launch of its Emerging Professional Program, reinforcing a broader industry push toward mentorship and hands-on education. By connecting early-career talent with established designers, the initiative highlights the growing importance of fostering the next generation within the lighting community.