ArchLIGHT Summit Day 0: Smooth Setup, Strong Content, and a WILD Welcome
ArchLIGHT Summit began with encouraging reports from exhibitors, a preview of its educational program, and a WILD welcome party that brought the lighting community together.
The exhibitors I spoke with said setup went smoothly. Two advantages came up in those conversations: no union labor requirement and zero drayage charges. This is a very important tool allowing companies managing the cost and logistics of a trade show.
ArchLIGHT Summit Brings Quality into Focus
Bill Plageman of Amerlux offered a reminder of why his company participates in this annual ArchLIGHT Summit event.
I think this is what makes events like ArchLIGHT so important. You don’t need an expo to showcase inexpensive products—you need one to experience quality and performance firsthand.
Bill’s point gets to the value of being here. A specification sheet or product photograph can tell part of the story. Seeing the light, examining the construction, and discussing the application can tell much more than a picture on the Internet.
Welcome to Game Day
I can’t wait to learn more about the Texas Lighting College Game Day. They had a QR code at their booth where you can register to win $250. While Kirk Herbstreet does live in Nashville, I didn’t see him on my plane! (He probably does not fly Southwest.)
Education Worth Making Time For
Your humble editor had the privilege of interviewing C. Webster Marsh, Director of Education and Programming for ArchLIGHT Summit and a Lighting Controls Designer at Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting Inc.
Webster has assembled a strong educational program, and we explored several highlights in our video interview. I believe that the content here will be the strongest content of any previous ArchLIGHT event.
I also caught up with Andrea Hartranft, who will deliver Wednesday’s closing keynote, “What Happens When the Race to the Bottom Is Over? The Evolution of Value.” Andrea shared a preview of her remarks, and it promises to be a fascinating discussion for all ArchLIGHT Summit participants.
ArchLIGHT made a smart move saving a headline speaker and critical topic for the finale—it discourages people from leaving early.
A WILD Welcome at the WAC Showroom
The evening continued at the WILD welcome party, hosted by WAC in its showroom. It was an appropriate setting for a lighting gathering, with plenty to experience while reconnecting with industry friends. The food was delicsious!
Historically, the WILD Welcome Party has been held in the World Trade Center’s D15TRICT Lounge on the 15th floor, a considerably smaller venue. Moving to the WAC showroom was a welcome change, offering more room to mingle and a fitting backdrop as I saw two lighting designers looking at product during the event. For some, this new location made the networking even better.
Michelle Cruz of Peterson, Scharck & Associates welcomed attendees and thanked WAC for opening its doors. She econducted the raffle of donated prizes—and getting attendees on their way to their dinner plans.
Jill Cody of Dark Light Design won the Hudson Valley lamp, while Jeremy Ludyjan of the DALI Alliance took home a Hunter fan.
It was a great evening and a strong start to the 2026 edition of ArchLIGHT Summit.