Lighting One, the largest lighting and home cooperative in North America, has extended its commitment to holding its annual convention in Dallas for the next five years. The powerhouse collective of more than 330 leading showrooms unites each year in a two-day convention to learn, network and purchase. The June 17-18 Lighting One Convention takes place immediately prior to Lightovation—Dallas International Lighting Show, which runs June 19-22.
“There is a winning combination of factors exclusive to Dallas driving our long-term commitment,” said Gregg Garofalo, President of Lighting One. “First, Dallas Market Center has been integral to the success of Lighting One over the last decade and in the six years since we began holding our convention in tandem with the June edition of Lightovation in order to create unity and support for the membership and vendor partners. The June market provides members with networking time with not only each other, but with the Lighting One aligned suppliers. Furthermore, Dallas is the home of the lighting industry and is a cost-effective destination convenient for our members and our vendors—the vast majority of which have their trading headquarters located at Dallas Market Center. We are pleased to extend our commitment to Dallas and to maintain the same format under a continuing partnership.”
“Lighting One is an organization critical to the success of the industry and invested in new opportunities for hundreds of retailers as well as sales representatives and manufacturers,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We applaud their commitment to Dallas. Our partnership is one that works very effectively to help build meaningful business relationships and to educate and inspire the lighting industry. We are pleased that the organization is deepening their commitment to the long-range success of lighting, and we look forward to working together supporting their successful convention.”
Dallas Market Center, home of the largest residential lighting marketplace in North America, is a long-time supporter of Lighting One and is a major sponsor of the annual convention. Highlights of the upcoming Lighting One Convention, June 17-18 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, include two nationally recognized keynote speakers focusing on the future of retail as well as strengthening business through leadership, networking roundtables and workshops to enable members to share best practices, and a session presenting new features and benefits of the Lighting One marketing program. The team will be introducing additions to the American Lighting Brands “Made in America” products available exclusively to Lighting One members. The convention closes with the 20th Anniversary Celebration Gala, honoring members, suppliers and representatives. Lighting One will also recognize the achievements of The H Foundation with a 50/50 raffle to support the cause to find a cure for cancer.
The Lighting One cooperative, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is member-owned and steered by a member Advisory Council. The organization began in 1999 as a small group of lighting showroom owners known as Illucio. In 2001, the group was purchased by CCA Global Partners after realizing its potential. The re-branded Lighting One cooperative continued to expand in membership and value. The cooperative has grown from a purchasing-based group to a valuable resource with numerous business efficiency programs and events such as the annual Lighting One Convention. For more information about becoming a Lighting One member, visit www.lightingone.com.
“This year Lighting One continues to make valuable improvements to its digital marketing program to increase members’ ability to drive both consumer and professional leads to their showrooms,” says Jessie Pine, Lighting One Member Services Coordinator. “This digital marketing program now provides members with an e-commerce enabled showroom product catalog so the internet-centric consumer can conveniently purchase from a participating Lighting One member online and will be a key element of convention and the future ahead.”
