Lightovation Was Bigger and Brighter Than Ever This Summer

July 26, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“The summer edition of Lightovation welcomed the industry to Dallas, where the energy was strong, best-selling and new products were showcased, and top retailers were celebrated,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center.

Among the new and expanded exhibitors were the International Pavilion (TM 4909), home to lighting manufacturers from around the world including new exhibitor wakaNINE, representing several lighting design brands including exemplars in sustainability David Trubridge and PLN Group/Hush out of New Zealand, and Thailand’s Ango.

Also new for June was Geo Contemporary (WTC 301) a Brazil-based brand designed by Maurício D’Avila combining high design with high quality and a focus on sustainability. New to the Spectrum Shared Showroom for June 2023 was Millennium Lighting (TM 4432-05,06,07), with exceptional decorative residential and commercial lighting solutions.

Among June’s product introduction highlights was Tamara Day for Quorum (TM 3004, 3111) lighting line designed by the Magnolia Network’s “Bargain Mansions” host. The launch included more than 50 designs across three collections, featuring chandeliers, pendants, wall mounts and vanities.

Retailers from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries attended the show, with the strongest attendance gains coming from the southeast U.S. and Upper Midwest.

In addition to lighting showroom principals, dozens of lighting professionals attended the show as part of the Light Stars program. These individuals were nominated by their employers and industry partners to recognize their efforts even if they are not normally able to participate in the show. Anyone in the industry may already nominate for the June 2024 Light Stars program by visiting www.dallasmarketcenter.com/lightstars.

Special Events, Showroom of the Year, and Lighting After Dark

It wouldn’t be a Lightovation without celebration. Key events included cutting the ribbon on new and expanded showrooms; numerous seminars and panel presentations; receptions for ALA’s Women in Lighting and Young Executives groups, and the Showroom of the Year Awards.

A collaborative program organized by Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine and Dallas Market Center, the Showroom of the Year Awards honor lighting retailers from throughout North America, with one Showroom of the Year winner in each of three dollar-volume categories, along with three specialty awards. Winners of the 14th Annual Showroom of the Year Awards, with special presenters Tamara Day and Breegan Jane, were:

• Revenue Under $2 Million: Tidewater Lighting & Design, Madison, CT
• Revenue $2 Million to $5 Million: Tallahassee Lighting & Decor, Tallahassee, FL
• Revenue $5 Million and Over: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
• Outstanding Merchandising Display: Alcott & Bentley, Louisville, KY
• Exceptional Community Involvement: LED Capstone, Vero Beach, FL
• Social Media Star: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL

On Thursday evening, June 22, attendees gathered at Scout at The Statler Hotel for the official Lightovation party: Lighting After Dark. Participants enjoyed music, food, drinks and prizes.

Upcoming Trade Events

Next January, Lightovation returns to its traditional date pattern running concurrently with the January 10-16 Total Home & Gift Market. 2024 dates for Lightovation are January 10 to 14 and June 19 to 22.

Hotel blocks are now open via Market Travel: https://book.passkey.com/event/50465930/owner/14227/home

In the fall, the next edition of ArchLIGHT Summit takes place September 19-20, 2023. ArchLIGHT Summit is a two-day commercial and architectural lighting event dedicated to delivering a dynamic, interactive, inclusive and collaborative experience for lighting designers and specifiers, interior designers, architects and other practicing and aspiring lighting professionals. More information on ArchLIGHT Summit is available at www.ArchLIGHTSummit.com.

Additional information about the largest residential lighting show in North America is available on the Lightovation page of the Dallas Market Center website. Keep up with the latest developments by following the #Lightovation hashtag on social media, via the Lightovation Facebook Page and Lightovation - Lighting Industry Discussion Group.