Lightovation this January welcomed more customers, celebrated new exhibitors and inspired lighting retailer success at Dallas Market Center. The event saw an increase in attendance by retail decision makers over last year, including a 29 percent 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.
New showrooms included Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, Acuity Brands, Accord Lighting, Beacon Lighting, Artika, Kanova & Co. and Viz Glass. Expansions were unveiled from SONNEMAN—A Way of Light, Terracotta Designs, Ulextra, and DALS Lighting, which also relocated to an atrium showroom nearly tripling the company’s size at Lightovation. Six new brands debuted in the popular Spectrum shared showroom (TM 4432): Aeratron, Clark Communications Group, DDI System, SPECTRA Marketing Group, Windward Software and XO Logic.
“The January 2020 edition of Lightovation was a sweeping success thanks to the ongoing commitment of our exhibitors and the enthusiasm of attendees,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “It’s critically important to welcome new buyers to the show, and we were thrilled with the number of first-time attendees who joined loyal buyers to see thousands of new products plus inspiring events and the legendary Dallas showroom parties and nightlife.”
Robert Sonneman, founder and creative director, SONNEMAN—A Way of Light commented: "Lightovation 2020 was a major milestone for Sonneman as we expanded our showroom by 3,000 square feet and launched 180 new products. We couldn't be happier with the success of this year's show, from the talented members of the design community who walked through our doors to the excellent support of our partners at the Dallas Market Center."
SONNEMAN—A Way of Light was one of two Lightovation winners of Dallas Market Center’s Visual Presentation Awards, which honor exceptional exhibitor displays on each floor. SONNEMAN earned the award for the Trade Mart’s fourth floor, while the third floor award went to DALS.
Headlining the market events were keynotes inside The SMART Center, powered by Dallas Market Center and the American Lighting Assn. (ALA). The education portion of Lightovation kicked-off with David Rendall delivering two presentation on uniqueness and differentiation. Leslie Carothers returned for digital strategy sessions; Peter Romaniello delivered technical presentations; and interior designer Glen Boudreaux held a session on transparency and ethics.
On Friday evening, the 31st Annual ARTS Awards took place to a capacity crowd, awarding the home industry’s highest honor across more than 20 categories including Lighting Showroom awards to Chloe Winston Lighting Design (East/Atlantic Region), Idlewood Electric Supply (Midwest/Southwest Region), and Western Montana Lighting (West Region); the Green Award to Currey & Co.; and lighting manufacturing awards to Visual Comfort & Co. (for Lamps) and Currey & Co. (for Lighting Fixtures).
With a new night on Thursday evening, the most notable networking opportunity was the all-industry Lighting After Dark party, which featured a sci-fi theme and transformed the Chaparral Room of the Sheraton Dallas Hotel for hundreds of party-goers.
Looking ahead, make plans now to secure special rates for the June show. Limited blocks of rooms at a discounted rate are available for retailers and sales representatives at the Sheraton through Feb. 12. More information is available at www.dallasmarketcenter.com.
In addition, anyone in the industry may nominate retail personnel who have never been to market before for the June 2020 Light Stars program, which enables top retail sales floor personnel to experience the largest lighting market in North America. Aside from rewarding hard-working and talented showroom employees, the Light Stars program enhances the perspective of the next generation of lighting retailing by exposing them to educational opportunities, display inspiration and a higher level of engagement with product introductions. Details are available at www.dallasmarketcenter.com/LightStars.
In partnership with Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, nominations are underway for the 11th annual Lighting Showroom of the Year Awards, honoring independent lighting retailers across North America. The awards presentation takes place in Dallas in June. Details are available at www.furniturelightingdecor.com.
