The USPTO denies Super Lighting's request to reexamine a PVTECH LED tube patent, finding no substantial new question of patentability. The Vancouver IES Section announces AEFI Vancouver 2026 for 23 October, and Dawn Doberenz of Columbia Pacific Sales makes the case for why regional rep agencies are indispensable partners — not just salespeople — for lighting manufacturers.

Immediately following IES26, Randy drove to Boulder for the 80th birthday celebration of David DiLaura, one of the true legends of the lighting industry. Held at the Koelbel Alumni Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, the evening brought together about 92 of lighting's biggest names to honor DiLaura as an educator, researcher, author, mentor, and friend — and the affection in the room said it all.

A special issue of The Spec drops today dedicated to Dave DeLora, with Randy sharing detailed coverage from Dave's birthday celebration in Boulder — a who's who of lighting leadership. Randy also responds to a competitor's recent critique, drawing a distinction between his decades of volunteer service to lighting industry nonprofits and reflecting on EdisonReport's advocacy for the industry.

The 2026 IES Progress Report recognizes 58 products and publications across eight industry trends. Sam Koerbel challenges lighting professionals to bridge the translation gap between technical expertise and decision-makers, and IES26 President Jared Smith makes headlines by using AI-powered glasses as a hidden teleprompter while maintaining eye contact with the audience.