Inside NY Controlled: A Deep Dive Into the Fastest-Growing Event in Lighting Controls
NY Controlled has quickly become the go-to event for lighting controls. Here’s why it’s growing so fast and what you can expect this year.
The Growing Need for Lighting Controls Education
In just its second year, NY Controlled is already making waves. The event has rapidly become a must-attend for anyone involved in lighting controls. Megan Carroll, chair of NY Controlled 2024, sat down with me to discuss the reasons behind the event’s success. According to Megan, the growth is fueled by one thing: the need for education.
“The complexity of controls continues to grow,” Megan explains. “Everyone needs to know more, whether they’re building owners, specifiers, or consumers.” With increasingly complex lighting controls, there’s a universal demand for knowledge.
What’s New for 2024?
NY Controlled is leveling up this year. Megan reveals that in 2023, they operated like a “garage band,” managing everything themselves. This year, however, they’ve hired professional contractors to handle logistics. This shift allows the team to focus on curating high-quality content and working closely with exhibitors.
The show has already expanded. “We’ve moved to a bigger space and have 44 exhibitors,” Megan says. The response has been overwhelming, with exhibitors eager to participate. Notably, only companies offering unique, high-quality products are allowed to showcase, ensuring a higher standard of presentations.
Exclusive Talks and Exhibits
Unlike many trade shows, NY Controlled limits its presentations to just seven. Why so few? According to Megan, they’ve prioritized depth over quantity. These presentations, which run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., are designed to be “almost like TED Talks but more technical.” Some talks will dive deep into topics like DMX and analog controls, offering attendees a chance to gain practical insights.
Interestingly, some manufacturers are sponsoring talks, which allows them to showcase their products in greater detail. Megan points out that this approach makes the presentations more useful, as attendees leave with a clear understanding of which products they can specify for their projects.
The Future of NY Controlled: Hands-On Learning
Megan hints at exciting plans for the future. She envisions the event growing into a two-day show with more physical space for interactive displays. “I’d love for attendees to be able to build out control systems right on the floor,” she says. “It would be a hands-on learning experience, where people can see what happens when they wire things right—and wrong.”
While this year’s show won’t feature these interactive setups, Megan sees it as the next big step for the event, ensuring attendees not only learn but also apply that knowledge in real-time.
Networking Opportunities and Lyte Bytes
NY Controlled isn’t just about tech talks. Attendees can also participate in Lyte Bytes, a live interview segment hosted by your humble editor. These quick interviews are designed to let participants discuss industry trends, challenges, or new technologies. What’s more, the event has attracted attendees from beyond New York City, including professionals from Washington, Boston, and Connecticut.
The event’s rapid growth has exceeded expectations, and Megan is already planning to expand the networking and educational opportunities for future shows.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss NY Controlled 2024
NY Controlled is shaping up to be one of the most important events in lighting controls this year. For just $25, attendees get access to all the sessions, lunch, and beverages—a deal that Randy Reid calls “the best value in the history of lighting conferences.”The event is FREE for IESNY and DLFNY members.
So, what are you waiting for? NY Controlled 2024 is happening on 29 October at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with industry experts, and explore the future of lighting controls.
Watch the full interview with Megan Carroll here!
Visit NY Controlled here for more information.