Three social events. Two happening at the same time. One evening to fit it all in

That was the challenge last night at IALD Enlighten Americas in Austin. From conversations about equality to career advice for students, the evening offered plenty of substance. Then came the neon, the cowboy hats, and enough Tex-Mex to carry me comfortably into next year.

Starting at Intersections

Our first stop was Intersections, where attendees gathered around a shared interest in advancing equality across the DEIR space. The gathering offered a chance to celebrate progress, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas. Everyone was welcome, whether they worked directly on these issues or simply wanted to join the conversation.

The room drew a good crowd, though I would have liked to see more people. Unfortunately, Intersections overlapped with the IALD Education Trust Networking Reception, sponsored by Vode Lighting. Even lighting people still haven’t figured out how to occupy two rooms at once.

Still, a mocktail made a sensible start to an evening with three stops on the agenda.

A Reception That Put Students First

At the IALD Education Trust reception, attendees had settled into familiar clusters of three or four. Ann Schiffers welcomed everyone, then introduced Jill Cody, FIALD, CLD, president of the IALD Education Trust.

Jill briefly discussed the Trust’s work and welcomed the students from Texas Christian University. I counted roughly eight or nine students gathered in one corner. Then she encouraged the professionals in the room to meet them.

The response was immediate. Those comfortable little conversation circles broke apart as attendees headed toward the students. Soon, professionals and students were talking in smaller groups throughout the room. It was networking doing exactly what it should.

Chip Israel’s Advice: Experience Before Salary

Joe Zamore and Chip Israel,FIALD, FIES, LEED-AP, LC, were among those sharing a table with students Emma Kirchofer and Lily Plaster. Chip offered a comparison that illustrated the variety a lighting career can provide.

A relative in engineering, he explained, had worked on three projects over five years. Someone in his lighting design office might touch 300 projects during that same period.

However, his most valuable advice concerned the first job. Chip encouraged students to look beyond the highest starting salary. Instead, he urged them to seek strong designers with diverse experience who could help them learn. “The money will come later,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joe, of USAI, shared stories from his early career lighting clubs. His recollections of the 1970s and 1980s offered a fascinating look at bringing theatrical lighting into architectural spaces. I made a mental note: Joe needs to be a future interview.

Last Call—with a Bus Waiting

By 6:30, the beer, wine, and conversation were flowing. Then Jill did something unusual for a reception host: She brought it to a close.

Acuity Brands had sponsored the evening’s next party, she reminded everyone and we needed to support the sponsors. It was time to board the bus for a ride of less than a mile to the motel.

Yes, the motel.

For an industry that spends so much time discussing luxury hotels, a retro roadside property offered a welcome change of scenery.

Motel Glow Delivered the Austin Atmosphere

Acuity Brands’ Motel Glow party took over the Austin Motel with neon, music, and plenty of local character. The theme, “Leave the Lights On in Austin,” felt appropriate for this crowd.

I arrived with two good friends, and we quickly spotted silver cowboy hats outlined with LEDs. Naturally, we put them on and joined the festivities.

A helpful friend soon leaned in and explained that we had selected the cowgirl hats. We promptly returned them, located the cowboy hats, and considered the situation resolved. Apparently, even a lighting industry party requires careful product selection.

As we walked through the outdoor passage between rooms, several people from my generation recalled childhood road trips. Places like this were once familiar overnight stops with our parents. Last night, however, the glowing hats gave the nostalgia a distinctly different look.

Familiar Faces, New Conversations

One reason I enjoy these events is that they push me beyond my usual conversations. I look for people I know—but do not really know—and take the opportunity to change that.

I enjoyed talking with several people, including AJ Gorman, PE, CLD, LC, director of business operations at LightStanza. I learned how AI is helping the company grow. The conversation also reminded me that another article about lighting software belongs on my assignment list.

Earlier in the day, I had spent time with the Acuity team learning about new Peerless products. That discussion continued at the party. I saw some unique and very impressive offerings and plan to share more early next week.

That is the value of an evening like this. Somewhere between the introductions and the food, a casual conversation becomes the beginning of a story.

A Sweet Finish to IALD Enlighten Americas

The food was excellent. Nevertheless, it is only mid-October, and I suspect I have already reached my annual Tex-Mex allocation. Fortunately, I found room for hazelnut gelato, which provided a very agreeable finish.

Thank you to Acuity Brands, Vode Lighting, the IALD Education Trust, and IALD Intersections for an evening filled with hospitality and worthwhile connections.

If this report arrived a little late, blame the conversations. And perhaps the margaritas!

Go Deeper:IALD Education Trust Reports 71% Drop in Expenses