This news is the latest in a string of postponements and cancellations that have affected the industry lately – with LightFair announcing its cancellation just yesterday.
In a statement by Cindy Morris, President & CEO of Dallas Market Center (DMC), concerns over the Coronavirus and an anticipated more limited airline travel availability were key reasons behind the decision. The show was slated to run June 24-27, alongside the Total Home & Gift Market (June 24-29) for a cross-category buying opportunity that includes gifts, home accents, and accessories.
“After careful consideration, and in partnership with our lighting industry Board of Governors, we have made the unprecedented decision to cancel the summer show,” Morris states. “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 aforementioned Total Home & Gift Market are scheduled to proceed as planned, as it draws from 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 the 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 at a later date, 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-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 8 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.
For more information, visit the Dallas Market Center website or keep up to date on all information by visiting the LIGHTOVATION Facebook page as well as LIGHTOVATION Industry Discussion Group.
