The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is showing encouraging signs of momentum, according to an update that CEO Colleen Harper provided during a recent meeting with the Society’s Past Presidents.
Colleen reported positive developments across membership, conferences, staffing, international expansion, and finances. Together, the updates suggest the Society is building momentum after several challenging years.
Membership Reverses a Multi-Year Trend
Perhaps the most encouraging news was membership growth.
IES has recorded its first year-over-year increase in membership since 2019. This focus on membership was a key topic at the IES Board of Directors meeting that your humble editor attended last year. At that meeting, then-Vice President Jared Smith announced a goal of 7,500 total members by 2030
Colleen also reported strong retention among Sustaining Members. She noted that Graybar recently joined IES as a Platinum Sustaining Member, further strengthening the Society’s support from leading industry companies. Two years ago, Sonepar joined as a Diamond Member. It is very refreshing to see these large electrical distributors again participating in the Society.
Annual Conference on Pace to Sell Out
Registration for the upcoming IES Annual Conference is running well ahead of last year’s pace. Colleen said the conference is expected to sell out (with tabletops selling out more than a month ago).
Demand has also been exceptionally strong for the Illumination Awards Gala, which has almost reached capacity.
Of note, a special two-day tribute honoring David DiLaura, whose decades of teaching, research, and writing have influenced generations of lighting professionals, will take place nearby in Boulder over the same weekend.
Society Adds Staff and Advances Governance
IES has expanded its staff with three new employees who will support membership services, marketing, business development, and administrative operations.
On the governance side, the Board of Directors has approved the slate of candidates for upcoming leadership positions, including Regional Directors. The candidates will be announced in late August, and member voting will conclude on October 15.
Global Initiatives Continue to Expand
IES has introduced the introductory module of a Global Manufacturer Training Program. The program is designed to help manufacturers outside North America better understand the U.S. lighting market and the standards that shape it.
In addition, Colleen announced that the Society will launch a new Greater China Section during the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair in late October. The new section represents another step in expanding IES’s global footprint.
Financial Results Running Ahead of Budget
Colleen also shared positive financial news.
Through the end of May, IES was operating ahead of budget and had generated a year-to-date operating surplus. While she did not provide detailed financial figures during the update, the results indicate the Society’s financial performance is tracking ahead of expectations.
Taken together, the updates paint a positive picture for IES. Membership is growing for the first time in six years. Conference attendance is on pace for a record year. The Society is investing in new staff, expanding internationally, and maintaining a healthy financial position. For an organization that has spent several years navigating industry and economic headwinds, those are encouraging signs for the future.