Lighting design is an invaluable discipline in design since it can affect anything we create, be it urban planning, architecture, interior design, you name it.
Conversations about the effects of light on humans and spaces, about the introduction of technology in lighting fixtures, or about the many innovations that we can expect for the future are some of the themes designers can expect to indulge in at these conferences and events. Knowing how exciting this is, D5 chose the 10 most important events for the lighting design industry, all happening in 2024. If one has already passed, no problem, save it for next year.
Light + Building (March 3–8, Germany)
The Light + Building event is a key happening for lighting designers all over the world, as it includes over 2,000 exhibitions and more than 150,000 visitors from all over the world. The lighting and building sectors of design are always well represented as industry leaders get together to discuss the industry’s future and the current problems society faces.
Sustainability, Connectivity, and Work+Living are the main themes of this year’s edition. Visitors are invited to reflect on the critical needs of the lighting and building industry, such as energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and the integration of digital technologies.
LEDucation (March 19-20, USA)
LEDucation is the largest LED-only tradeshow and educational forum in the United States, where visitors delve deeper into the power of lighting design and its effect on humans. As a non-profit, the event’s goal is purely to stimulate LED innovation through scholarships and lighting programmes.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds have always been assiduous participants in the event, so expect to meet leading voices from industries such as lighting design, manufacturing, and technology. The event hosts a series of educational conferences that analyse sustainability, trends, health and well-being, and LED technologies. Exhibitions are also held, as manufacturers from all over the US are invited to showcase their projects and products, making this event great for networking and finding future collaborators.
Lightovation (January 10–14 and June 19–21, USA)
Lightovation is a biannual event in the US recognised as the largest residential lighting trade event in North America. Business, trade, and networking are given centre stage in this event as the venue joins all of the most innovative people and products in residential lighting design.
New lighting collections are known to be presented here first, with interconnectivity and LED technology at heart, making this event a must for professionals in the industry. The Metaverse Lighting TrendHouse is specific to this event, where future trends and technologies in lighting design are shared with the public, who can’t help going back home and dreaming about the magic of the future. showcasing future trends and technologies in lighting.
IES24: The Lighting Conference (August 15–17, USA)
The IES24 Lighting Conference event is held in New York City once a year, a city that has already marked its place among the design community with several other events. The conference is centred around themes all related to lighting design, such as research, design, technology, and brands, making it a must-attend event for those who wish to broaden their knowledge in the industry.
Education is a pillar of this conference, as the calendar is filled with workshops, presentations, talks, and socialising moments where the conversation always surrounds light and technology. The Industry Progress Report is a star of this conference, which, along with exhibits and receptions, gives professionals valuable insight into the industry and opens up networking opportunities. In the end, the Mai event of the conference puts a spotlight on some of the industry’s best. A gala is held where great design and knowledge of the field are awarded: the Illuminations Awards Gala.
ArchLIGHT Summit (September 17-18, USA)
The ArchLIGHT Summit is a commercial and architectural lighting event where visitors are offered an interactive, inclusive, and collaborative experience. Multidisciplinary at heart, this event strives to show the importance of lighting design in any space, which is why you can expect more than just lighting designers to attend, as interior designers and architects are also part of the party.
Workshops and educational sessions are held while brands and designers showcase their latest products and share their visions, making this the perfect place to experiment, learn, and collaborate. Live-streamed sessions are also held, opening up the event for students from local universities to participate and learn from it.
IALD Enlighten Americas (October 17–19, USA)
IALD Enlighten Americas takes place in the Californian Rancho Bernardo region, acting as one of the top conferences in the architectural lighting design industry. Education, networking, and innovation share the space, making this a conference no designer wants to miss out on.
The latest trends, technologies, and best methods in architectural lighting design are discussed in detail in the many workshops, lectures, and conferences held at this event. Establishing new relationships among designers is a major goal of this event, so the IALD Enlighten Americas is perfect for either well-established industry professionals or young designers looking for a shot.
Prestigious industry leaders and designers are expected to talk and give presentations, giving both inspiration and guidance to those who wish to make a change in the lighting design world. On the other hand, exhibitions of the latest lighting products, technologies, and solutions give visitors hands-on experience with new products and the invaluable chance to give their feedback to manufacturers.
NAILD Annual Convention (August 19–21, USA)
The NAILD Annual Convention gathers professionals from the lighting distribution industry under the same roof, providing the perfect platform for networking, education, and innovation in lighting technology and distribution.
Expect keynote presentations from industry leaders, networking events to create connections, and interesting conversations where collaboration and light are the main topics. In the end, the highlight of the event is the President’s Dinner, which creates an extra relaxed setting for networking and socialising.
Light-Tech Expo (May 9–11, Poland)
The Light-Tech Expo is an international lighting trade fair where companies get the chance to showcase their innovative technologies and products, as well as create new business relationships in the field of lighting.
Over 7,000 visitors are expected, as well as more than 110 exhibitors. Because of this, the Light-Tech Expo is more than a conference, it is a comprehensive get-together of industry leaders and lighting innovation. Visitors will be able to meet industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers, as well as explore the many products that shed light on the future of lighting design.
IALD Enlighten Europe (June 21–22, UK)
The IALD Enlighten Europe is a conference that focuses on the lighting design industry, its future and wonders, and how technology and designers can help transform it. To accomplish this, the event hosts presentations, and workshops, and offers visitors invaluable networking opportunities.
This is the perfect event to learn from industry leaders and engage in discussions about the latest trends and technologies in lighting design. Interactive in nature, the event opens up the space for industry professionals to connect with one another, such as designers, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
Some of the highlights of this event are its keynote speeches, lighting cross-talk sessions, exhibitor demonstrations, and social gatherings. On the other hand, the conference also shed light on students and educators, who are recognised by the IALD Education Trust, which acts as a little push for the next generation of lighting designers.
Guzhen International Lighting Fair (October 22–26, China)
The Guzhen International Lighting Fair, held at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zhongshan, China, is an important event in the lighting industry. Not only does it showcase the latest in lighting technologies, products, and innovations from around the world, but it also connects Western and Eastern professionals through their love of design.
The fair will be introducing new elements this year, such as smart lighting experiences, new energy applications, and crossover home goods, making it a specialised, market-oriented, and international industry event. Its impressive exhibition area spans a whopping 1.5 million square metres and hosts around 3,300 lighting exhibitions.
Such a massive and comprehensive setting gives visitors the perfect chance to network, increasing, in the end, their phone book with several international names that can come in handy when wanting to expand a business. Known for its organisation and high quality, this fair is a must-attend for lighting designers—or any designer and manufacturer, really—from all over the world.
