New York, NY — The LEDucation Committee and the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY) have announced a series of leadership transitions that position the organization for continued growth while honoring the volunteers whose vision and dedication helped build LEDucation into one of the lighting industry’s premier educational conferences and trade shows.
As part of a carefully planned succession strategy, two longtime volunteer leaders are completing their terms after mentoring the next generation of leadership. The incoming volunteers have worked alongside their predecessors over the past several years to ensure a seamless transition and preserve the collaborative spirit that has defined LEDucation since its inception.
Burt Grant Passes the Torch After Two Decades
After 20 years as LEDucation Co-Chair, Burt Grant of Metro Area Sales will transition into an advisory role. Succeeding him is Randy Wilson, Principal of Randy Wilson Design, who will serve with current LEDucation Co-Chair Jamie Eck of Satco.
Burt Grant is one of LEDucation’s founders. Alongside Peggy Meehan and Bob Nadel, he helped launch the inaugural event in January 2007, which featured 31 LED-focused exhibitors, three educational presentations, and approximately 350 attendees.
Throughout his tenure as Co-Chair with Caroline Rinker and others, Burt helped guide LEDucation through a period of remarkable industry growth, transforming it into an internationally recognized trade show and educational conference. Reflecting on the organization’s journey, he noted, “One of our greatest challenges—and greatest rewards—was successfully managing LEDucation’s rapid growth while continually evolving the event to meet the changing needs of the lighting community.”
During the LEDucation 20th Anniversary Celebration held on April 13, Burt was presented with a commemorative plaque recognizing his extraordinary leadership and two decades of service. Presenting the award, Jamie Eck thanked Burt for his vision, unwavering commitment, and countless contributions that helped establish LEDucation as one of the lighting industry’s most respected events.
Wendy Kaplan Transitions Educational Leadership
After years of dedicated service, Wendy Kaplan will conclude her role as Presentations Co-Chair and serve as a LEDucation advisor. After serving as Presentations Co-Chair for the past two years, Shaun Fillion of RAB | NYSID will assume Wendy Kaplan’s role, partnering with continuing Presentations Co-Chair Craig Fox of ETC, Inc.
Wendy Kaplan played an instrumental role in developing LEDucation’s nationally recognized educational program. Through her leadership, the conference became known for presenting timely, relevant, and thought-provoking content addressing emerging technologies, lighting design, sustainability, lighting controls, codes and standards, and other issues shaping the profession.
“Wendy’s commitment to recruiting respected industry experts and developing high-quality educational programming has made LEDucation a leading source of continuing education for lighting professionals,” stated Craig Fox.
Craig Fox and Shaun Fillion will continue building upon that strong foundation as they guide the expanded educational program for LEDucation 2027, introducing new voices and emerging topics while maintaining the educational excellence attendees have come to expect.
DLFNY Welcomes Jennifer Mason as President
The Designers Lighting Forum of New York is also pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Mason from QTL as its new President, effective July 1, 2026.
Jennifer Mason succeeds Cynthia Turner of USAI Lighting, who has provided dedicated leadership as DLFNY President, helping advance the organization’s mission of promoting lighting education and supporting the industry through scholarships, grants, and professional development initiatives.
Matt Seconi, Principal and Founder of Moxie Lighting, will assume the role of Vice President of DLFNY, succeeding Jennifer Mason following her election as President.
As President, Jennifer will work closely with the LEDucation Committee and DLFNY Board of Managers to help guide the organization’s strategic direction while supporting the continued growth of LEDucation and its educational mission.
“The DLFNY extends its deepest appreciation to Burt Grant and Wendy Kaplan for the extraordinary time, energy, and dedication they have devoted to LEDucation since its inception,” said Mason.
Jamie Eck added, “Through their leadership, vision, and countless volunteer hours, Burt and Wendy helped transform a modest trade show and conference into one of the lighting industry’s most influential events. Their legacy will continue to benefit thousands of professionals and support the DLFNY mission.”
CONEXSYS Expands Role in LEDucation Show Management
DLFNY also announced that CONEXSYS will assume an expanded role in the management of LEDucation, taking on show management responsibilities under the direction of the LEDucation Committee.
A trusted partner of the LEDucation Committee since 2012, CONEXSYS has been instrumental in supporting the event’s continued growth. As a leading provider of event and technology solutions, the company brings more than three decades of experience delivering customized event services through its team of industry professionals.
With its deep understanding of LEDucation and extensive event expertise, CONEXSYS will help ensure a seamless operational transition while supporting the conference’s continued evolution and long-term success.
Looking Ahead
As these pioneering leaders conclude their terms, a new generation of experienced volunteers is ready to build on their legacy. Having worked closely with their predecessors over several years, the incoming leadership team is well positioned to guide LEDucation into its next chapter.
With an expanded three-day conference planned for 2027, strengthened organizational leadership, and professional show management, LEDucation remains committed to delivering a world-class Trade Show and Conference, fostering meaningful industry connections, and continuing the mission established more than two decades ago by the dedicated volunteers of the Designers Lighting Forum of New York.
Visit LEDucation.org for future announcements.