As the hubbub of the holidays approaches, don’t think for one moment that there’ll be any rest for the weary come January. All the stuff — the really good stuff — is still to come. Yes, my friends, we’re talking about the Dallas International Lighting Show, where literally everything from accent mirrors to zebra-striped glass pendants is illuminated.
“If you’re in the business of selling lighting, you must go to Lightovation in January,” says Laura Van Zeyl, Vice President of Lighting Technology Development & Marketing at the Dallas Market Center. “It’s the epicenter of new products for all lighting styles and categories. And the ARTS Awards is THE premier home decor awards event of the year. But there are some specific reasons to attend the January 2018 edition in particular.”
As if you needed more of a reason to pack your bags, we've got the scoop on the latest news and upcoming events from Lightovation. Read on for five more reasons to get excited — really excited — for Lightovation.
Merchandising tours
With so many industry folks in one place at one time, the January lighting market is (theoretically) the perfect opportunity to catch up with experts on the latest trends, technology and sales practices. But, with so much product to see, even the most efficient shoppers find it hard to take time off the Lightovation showfloor.
This January, you can have your cake (no, really, hopefully there will be cake involved at some point) and eat it too. In lieu of a sit-down keynote presentation, the Dallas Market Center is planning two merchandising tours on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Led by merchandising expert Paul Thompson, each tour will visit three to four showrooms where Thompson and a representative from that showroom will share practical tips on how to translate their best displays with limitations on budget and space.
Bigger, better showrooms
An industry veteran, Van Zeyl says she’s never seen this many major expansions in the Dallas Trade Mart atrium. For example, Modern Forms, which lived until recently inside sister brand WAC Lighting’s space, is opening its very own showroom. The growing company will use its new 14,200-square-foot digs in TM4808 to flaunt its all-LED contemporary lighting and perhaps some other surprises, as well.
Meanwhile, in TM3840, Progress Lighting is expanding its showroom from 8,300 square feet to 21,000 square feet in an effort to accommodate the growth of its designer-focused Design Series brand and parent company Hubbell’s newly acquired iDevices line of smart and connected products.
More smart and connected lighting
Hubbell’s acquisition of iDevices is part of a larger smart and connected lighting story — one that Lightovation attendees will see over and over and over again. The rumor mill is abuzz with news of some particularly exciting launches for January.
While those showrooms prepare to share, the DMC team is continuing to fill out its Trade Mart roster of companies that offer lighting products that do everything from set the mood to signal it’s time to sleep.
Networking events
When it comes to priorities, the only thing at Lightovation that can come even close to checking out new products is networking. And with all the happy hours, receptions and after-hours gatherings, chances are good you’ll find a party that suits your fancy.
Gen Xers and Millennials will want to check out the Cheers with Peers reception, a joint gathering of the American Lighting Assn.’s Young Executives and Accessories Resource Team’s Under 40 group. All the young attendees will meet Thursday, Jan 18, at 5 p.m. in the International Home + Design Center Gallery. And ladies, don’t miss a Dallas reception for ALA’s Women in the Industry group. ALA is working out the details, but in the meantime buyers can contact Amy Wommack (awommack@americanlightingassoc.com) or Elizabeth Ware (eware@americanlightingassoc.com) for information about joining.
Earn Luminary status points
The Dallas Market Center’s Luminary rewards program may have an L. Ron Hubbard-ring to it, but even Luminary members hanging out at status level one have some pretty sweet perks. Buyers who attended the Dallas lighting market last June can take advantage of their level one status by cashing in their earned $50 per night voucher for a up to five nights in a hotel.
Plus, regardless of status level, all program members have an opportunity to earn an additional $25-per-night voucher when they book a room at host hotel The Sheraton during January 2018’s Lightovation. Register for the program and book your hotel at dallasmarketcenter.com/lightovation.
Are you psyched for Lightovation? What is most interesting to you? Share with us in the comments!
