Dallas Market Center has announced that the June 24-27 edition of Lightovation has been canceled amid continuing Coronavirus concerns. The show draws exhibitors representing top brands, retail buyers and other lighting professionals from around the world to review and place orders for lighting in all interior and exterior categories as well as ceiling fans.
“After careful consideration, and in partnership with our lighting industry board of governors, we have made the unprecedented decision to cancel the summer show,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the lighting industry. Other determining factors included the global nature of our event, multiple week set-up time for the permanent showrooms, lighting retail conditions, and supply chain disruption.”
The June edition of other trade events at Dallas Market Center, including the Total Home & Gift Market (June 24-29), are scheduled to proceed as planned, drawing retailers located in central U.S. states less dependent upon air travel for participation.
Conditions will continue to be monitored to gauge the feasibility of a lighting event later in 2020, ahead of the January 7-10, 2021, edition of Lightovation. Revised timelines for June Lightovation awards programs, such as the Showroom of the Year Awards honoring lighting retailers and the Market Choice Awards honoring new product introductions, will be announced once more is known, as will related considerations for the popular Light Stars and Luminary programs.
The January 2020 edition of Lightovation was one of the most successful in several years—welcoming more retail decision makers than the previous year, including a dramatic 29% increase in stores attending for the first time. During the five-day event, buyers representing leading retail showrooms from all 50 states, Mexico and eight provinces in Canada reviewed a comprehensive collection of new products including the latest designs and technology across more than 1 million square feet dedicated to lighting.
