LEDucation 2022 Concludes

NEW YORK CITY March 23, 2022—LEDucation, a premier gathering for the lighting industry, returned to the New York Hilton Midtown for its first post-pandemic trade show and conference March 15–16. The showcase of lighting ideas and innovation welcomed more than 4000 attendees, exhibitors, and presenters to a buoyant atmosphere of in-person “reunions” and new business connections.

LEDucation Committee Co-Chairs Burt Grant, of Metro Area Sales, and Caroline Rinker, O’Blaney Rinker Associates commented, “It was refreshing to see the positive energy and excitement at the show. It is a testament to the resilience of the lighting community and eagerness to get back in action after the two-year hiatus.”

After two years of waiting to showcase their lighting in-person and up-close, the LEDucation 2022 Trade Show exhibitors shone their leading-edge innovations to enthusiastic attendees. The expanded trade show floor provided plentiful opportunities to demo lighting products, and to develop new business. “Specifiers commented to me that seeing products in their intended applications, instead of on a Zoom call, was extremely satisfying,” said Megan Carroll, Specification Sales Manager at Illuminations, Inc.

Many remarked on the success of the show and return to “normal.” “That was by far the best show I’ve attended in the history of attending every LEDucation NYC—even the virtual ones,” commented Asher Schoenberg, Sales Representative, Architectural Lighting & Controls at Stan Deutsch Associates. “Great to see everyone back in action!” Randy Reid, editor of Edison Report, awarded LEDucation 2022 “Ten Stars.”

Industry luminaries presented 26 educational sessions addressing today’s trends and issues and targeting the future of the industry. Without exception, the virtual sessions were well attended and widely discussed. Rafal Han, CEO of Silvair, sparked conversation about his virtual workshop covering Bluetooth mesh lighting controls and sustainability.

The in-person circadian health presentation by Mariana Figueiro, Professor and Center Director, Light and Health Research Center at Mount Sinai, was popular among the several workshops that addressed the topic. Shoshanna Segal, Principal of Luminous Flux, presented a panel discussion on the importance of controls intents and sequences in lighting design. She commented: “LEDucation is a remarkable event. It is truly an honor to be accepted as a speaker.”

Presentations Co-Chairs Wendy Kaplan, Feelux Lighting, and Craig Fox, ETC, expressed gratitude to all the LEDucation speakers: “This year’s outstanding presenters brought their in-depth knowledge and expertise. But the passion and truly aspirational guidance they shared are what will help position specifiers for success in a marketplace that is changing at lighting speed.”

For those who could not attend in person, educational content from all the sessions will be posted on the LEDucation website in coming weeks.

“LEDucation 2022 was forward-looking (as it usually is), showcasing products and concepts at the forefront of the lighting industry,” said Billy Hodges, President of Digital Filaments and Founding Member of the newly established American Association of Independent Lighting Agents. “At LEDucation I’ve discovered new products, made industry connections, and introduced my new team members to the lighting industry…. LEDucation is intimate, intense, educational, and inclusive. I can’t wait for next year!”

The LEDucation Committee invites the lighting industry to come together again and celebrate at the 2023 LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, March 7–8, back at the New York Hilton Midtown. Exhibitors are encouraged to reserve their space for 2023, and a call for speakers will be issued in a few months.

About LEDucation Organized by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York, LEDucation is the ultimate marketplace for solid-state lighting innovations, giving industry professionals a chance to experience new technologies as well as continue their education through a wide range of accredited seminars. LEDucation is a non-profit event, and its proceeds help stimulate future LED advancements by supporting a variety of grants, scholarships, and lighting programs.

About the Designers Lighting Forum of New York The Designers Lighting Forum of New York is committed to exploring and presenting the power of lighting in design. Founded in 1934, the Designers Lighting Forum is a not-for-profit organization, led by a volunteer Board of Managers and sustained by member dues and the generous support of corporate sponsors. They enthusiastically provide designers, architects, manufacturers and their representatives, contractors, educators, and students the opportunity to meet and experience the wonder of lighting in New York City and beyond. The DLFNY also supports formal lighting education through contributions to local universities and design schools, as well as national funds.