This October, it will have been 2.5 years since the last LightFair at Philadelphia in 2019. While getting out of the house to see people (and products) is probably reason enough to go, our new series explores other reasons you will want to put LightFair on your calendar.
1. DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW
With lighting and construction being essential industries, there was no lockdown on lighting innovation. Manufacturers’ product development pipelines have seen a lot of activity in the last two years.
The pandemic put the spotlight on germicidal technology and UV-C LEDs. There has been increasing focus on sustainable buildings and circadian health especially with a large section of the population transitioning to remote work. Sensors and lighting controls are revolutionizing lighting design as we know it, offering unprecedented energy and cost savings among other benefits. The important question of food sustainability has brought into focus vertical farming, advances in horticultural lighting, and technologies designed to help meet the needs of a growing urban population and shrinking agricultural lands. And we have barely scratched the surface. Being at LightFair will be key to keeping up with what’s new.
2. A SHOW LIKE NO OTHER
LightFair is the only show of its kind in North America that for 30+ years has focused on delivering a quality experience for the architectural and commercial lighting design industry. LightFair is also uniquely positioned as the only show of its kind to be co-owned by two industry associations—the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)—and the International Market Centers (IMC). What does this partnership mean for you? It means that the show is a true reflection of the voice of the industry. Our advisory committees include leaders and members of both associations and our programs are designed by taking into account what you want to see, learn and experience.
3. STRICTLY VETTED EXHIBITORS ONLY
Our exhibitor vetting process has gotten significantly more stringent and is designed to attract only serious, trustworthy, high-quality manufacturers. These measures should enhance your experience at the show and make your time on the floor worth it. For exhibitors, this means a healthy competition with serious, quality players on a level playing field.
4. EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Learn the skills you need to emerge at the top of your game. No matter what the job market looks like, the right skills, certifications, and education give you a competitive edge whether you’re seeking a new job, looking for professional growth, or want to build credibility with clients. LightFair has been setting the industry standard in education for 30 years. This October will provide the perfect opportunity to earn the CEUs you need.
5. NETWORK AGAIN…FINALLY!
Who’s ready to meet real humans face to face? Surveys indicate that connecting with peers is what professionals miss the most about 2020’s canceled events. LightFair’s show floor and schedule are designed to elevate and optimize your experience as an attendee. Built-in networking and educational opportunities help you mingle with exhibitors, peers, leaders, and SMEs. Our safety protocols (learn more about “Safer Floor. Safer Show.”) will be updated to meet CDC, New York state and the Javits Center’s guidelines.
6. LIGHTFAIR INNOVATION AWARDS
The top innovations. The most coveted honor. The event you don’t want to miss. The LightFair Innovation Awards event is your chance to mingle with the makers of the most exciting and noteworthy products of the year before you hit the trade show floor.
(If you are an exhibitor participating in LightFair 2021, learn more about submitting your products to the LightFair Innovation Awards.)
7. MENTORSHIP
LightFair is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with inspiring leaders and professionals you admire. Celebrated lighting designers such as David Ghatan, Glenn Heinmiller, and others emphasize the role of networking and mentorship in their own careers and believe it is key to one’s growth. In addition to the countless ways in which you can network informally, stay tuned for more information on a new mentorship program designed to help you deepen your connections and expand your horizons.
8. THE JAVITS CENTER
We are pleased and proud to be staging LightFair 2021 at this newly renovated world-class facility. Not only has the Javits Center come to be recognized as a New York icon for sustainability and state-of-the-art technology, the facility also recently achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ Facility Accreditation. This is the gold standard for facilities implementing strict infectious disease protocols by demonstrating compliance with 20 core elements. With safety on top of our minds, we are glad to be hosting LightFair at a facility that has demonstrated adherence to the strictest stipulations and modelled social responsibility in their efforts to curtail the pandemic.
9. SAFER FLOOR. SAFER SHOW.
Speaking of safety, it is our priority. Our evolving safety program has been designed in consultation with health experts and trade show leaders to reflect the latest best practices and guidelines. Our protocols will align with the requirements and recommendations of the New York state, CDC, and the Javits Center. They may include measures ranging from temperature checks and health questionnaires to limited conference seating and a modified experience that provides socially distanced opportunities to connect face to face.
10. NEW YORK, NEW YORK!
Statue of Liberty, Statue of Liberty Island, NYC 
Hudson Yards Plaza, Chelsea, NYC 
Times Square, Manhattan, NYC
Image credits:
Statue of Liberty, Hudson Yards Plaza: Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company
Times Square: Walter Wlodarczyk/NYC & Company
LightFair is set to take place in the heart of New York city with easy access to everything including Hudson Yards, world class, dining, shopping, museums, entertainment and more. You will be among the first to experience the Javits Center’s historic expansion along the scenic Hudson river. The show offers endless lighting inspiration by day + amazing opportunities to explore the city by night.
Stay tuned for more reasons to be at LightFair in Part 2 of this series.
What’s your top reason to put LightFair on your calendar?