Dallas-based Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, experienced an increase in attendance for the summer edition of the show, which ran June 21-24. The show saw a total increase in attendance and a greater than 50% increase in first-time attendees, including lighting retail showrooms and interior designers.
“The summer edition of Lightovation welcomed the industry to Dallas, where the energy was strong, best-selling and new products were showcased, and top retailers were celebrated,” said Cindy Morris, President & CEO of Dallas Market Center (DMC).
Among the new and expanded exhibitors were the International Pavilion (TM 4909), home to lighting manufacturers from around the world including wakaNINE, representing several lighting design brands including David Trubridge and PLN Group/Hush out of New Zealand, and Thailand’s Ango. Also new for June was Geo Contemporary (WTC 301) a Brazil-based brand designed by Maurício D’Avila that combines high design with high quality and a focus on sustainability. New to the Spectrum shared showroom for June 2023 was Millennium Lighting which offers decorative residential and commercial lighting solutions.
Quorum debuted its Tamara Day for Quorum lighting line designed by the Magnolia Network’s “Bargain Mansions” host. The launch included 50+ designs across three collections, featuring chandeliers, pendants, wall-mounted, and vanity lights.
Retailers from all 50 states and more than one dozen countries attended the show, with the strongest attendance gains coming from the Southeast U.S. and upper Midwest.
Said Janna Gray, owner of Tallahassee Lighting & Décor, “I attended Lightovation because I knew it would be an excellent opportunity to meet with our vendors, see new trends and products, and meet with other showroom owners. It is an incredibly efficient way to meet with many of our lighting reps in one place, strengthen our relationships and conduct business in a relaxed atmosphere.” In addition, Tallahassee Lighting & Décor was named a winner of the annual Showroom of the Year Awards held on-site. (See below for the full list of winners.)
Dozens of lighting professionals attended Lightovation as part of the Light Stars program. Each was nominated by their employers and industry partners in recognition of their efforts, even if they are not normally able to participate in the show. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Light Stars program and anyone in the industry may nominate a worthy individual www.dallasmarketcenter.com/lightstars.
Just one day prior to the official opening day, the first Interior Designer Preview Day took place for Lightovation on Tuesday, June 20. Participating showrooms were open for a sneak peek by more than 100 members of the interior design community. Special programming took place including a Trend Tour from trend expert Patti Carpenter and a panel discussion with AD 100 Designer Corey Damen Jenkins and HGTV star Breegan Jane, moderated by Rue magazine’s Kelli Lamb. Corey Damen Jenkins and Breegan Jane also provided a glimpse into their creative process via two exclusive trend displays for Lightovation expressing their interpretations of trends in mood boards inspired by products from Lightovation exhibitors.
“DMC is the home for lighting, and we are thrilled with the support and partnership,” said Andrew Knapp, VP of Sales for Hubbardton Forge. “The Dallas Market Center did an amazing job bringing a diverse group of excellent designers to their first preview day. This is an important customer for Hubbardton Forge, and we were happy to welcome them and be able to show them our line and our capabilities to customize our product. Their excitement was a great way to begin June Lightovation and we look forward to many more events with the Design community and the DMC.”
And it wouldn’t be Lightovation without celebration. Key events included cutting the ribbon on new and expanded showrooms; numerous seminars and panel presentations; receptions for ALA’s Women in Lighting and Young Executives groups, and the Showroom of the Year Awards.
A collaborative program organized by Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine and Dallas Market Center, the Showroom of the Year Awards honor lighting retailers from throughout North America, with one Showroom of the Year winner in each of three dollar-volume categories, along with three specialty awards.
Winners of the 14th annual Showroom of the Year awards, with special presenters Tamara Day and Breegan Jane, were:
Revenue Under $2 Million: Tidewater Lighting & Design, Madison, CT
Revenue $2 Million to $5 Million: Tallahassee Lighting & Decor, Tallahassee, FL
Revenue $5 Million and Over: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
Outstanding Merchandising Display: Alcott & Bentley, Louisville, KY
Exceptional Community Involvement: LED Capstone, Vero Beach, FL
Social Media Star: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
On Thursday evening, June 22, attendees gathered at Scout at The Statler Hotel for the official Lightovation party: Lighting After Dark. Participants enjoyed music, food, drinks and prizes.
Trend experts Tamara Day and Breegan Jane discovered new products at Lightovation as Style Eyes, the program leveraging the knowledge and taste making skills of social media influencers for their insights and discoveries. Tamara Breegan made selections across the marketplace in lighting as well as home décor.
The January edition of Lightovation returns to its traditional date pattern running concurrently with the January 10-16, 2024 Total Home & Gift Market. The 2024 dates for Lightovation are Wednesday, January 10 to Sunday, January 14 and Wednesday, June 19 to Saturday, June 22.
Hotel blocks are now open via Market Travel
