When the summer edition of the twice-yearly Lightovation show was cancelled out of concerns stemming from the pandemic, there was both disappointment and understanding from buyers and exhibitors. Along with health and safety considerations, there were also logistical challenges. The show attracts industry members from all over the U.S. as well as Canada, and not all states have been in sync with lifting stay-at-home orders ― not to mention Canadian borders remain closed to Americans.
The Dallas Total Home & Gift Market has always enjoyed synergy with Lightovation; both have been held concurrently for decades. When the pandemic caused the June edition of that market to be moved to August, the Dallas Market Center (DMC) team saw an opportunity to hold a lighting event at the same time that could be beneficial to both shows.
On July 6, the DMC announced a “Dallas Lighting Expo” will be taking place August 19-21 to enable crossover buying for those attending The Total Home & Gift Market on August 19-25. According to DMC, the event is an opportunity for exhibitors to highlight new products in advance of the January 7-10, 2021 edition of Lightovation.
Before formulating the “Lighting Expo,” the DMC assessed buyer interest by conducting a survey of lighting retailers. “Enthusiasm for participation was particularly strong in Texas and surrounding states,” a statement from the DMC read.
“Retailers, especially ones located in this part of the country, are eager to review what’s new and to place orders months in advance of the next Lightovation show,” says Cindy Morris, DMC President & CEO. “Based upon their feedback and in cooperation with lighting exhibitors, we’re creating this concise event that will help support retail as it ramps back up.”
“Having a summer show is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase new products and to reach customers ready to place orders,” notes Troy Lee, President of Savoy House. “We are confident in the safety measures put in place in Dallas, and we look forward to having a successful event.”
In addition to select Lightovation exhibitors in the Trade Mart, a number of lighting resources within the Total Home & Gift Market will also be open, such as Currey & Company, Uttermost, and the Visual Comfort Group.
Buyers will have additional opportunities to discover non-lighting categories, a benefit underscored by previous buyer surveys that reported 93 percent of lighting buyers also carry home accessories and 76 percent of those respondents say they find it beneficial to be able to shop both shows during the same trip.
Special host hotel rates are available in a limited quantity and exclusively at the Hilton Anatole. Buyers have a $129 rate; all other industry members will have a discounted rate of $159. To take advantage of this special rate, contact Market Travel via the DMC or call (214) 744-7444.
Luminary program members will also qualify for earned hotel rebates during the Dallas Lighting Expo, and attending the Expo will contribute to their Luminary status level for future Lightovation shows. Luminary members who do not attend the Expo will still retain their current status and will not be penalized for missing the show.
Health and safety measures will be followed during the shows, including deep cleaning, all participants wearing masks and having their temperature checked upon entering the building, and maintaining social distancing. Additional safety measures include: large entryways, quick registration in multiple areas, wide hallways, multiple escalators, and showrooms with controlled access to allow for the appropriate distance between customers. Food options will be on a to-go basis and individually packaged.
For more information, visit the DMC website or the DMC and Lightovation apps, or visit the Lightovation Facebook page as well as Lightovation Industry Discussion Group.
Below is a list of lighting showrooms slated to be open during Dallas Lighting Expo as of July 6:
AFX Inc. (TM 4713)
Allegri Crystal by Kalco (TM 4915)
Avant Designs (Spectrum Shared Showroom TM 4432)
B&P Lamp Supply (Spectrum Shared Showroom TM 4432)
Crystorama (TM 3503)
Dale Tiffany (WTC 309)
ELK Lighting (TM 3606)
Eurofase (TM 4002)
Fanimation (TM 4943)
Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting (TM 4705)
George Kovacs (TM 3725)
Hinkley (TM 3210)
Hudson Valley Lighting (TM 3902)
James R. Moder Crystal Chandelier Inc. (WTC 303-1)
Kalco Lighting (TM 3303)
Lantern & Scroll (IHDC 1D202 Gallery 08 & Spectrum Shared Showroom TM 4432.14)
Luminance (TM 3135)
Metropolitan Lighting Fixture Co. (TM 3783)
Minka Aire & Minka Lavery (TM 3725)
Norwell (TM 3531)
NUVO/SATCO (TM 4942)
Progress Lighting (TM 3840)
Quorum Int’l/Oxygen (TM 3004/3111)
Savoy House (TM 4901)
Viz Glass (TM 4509)
Z-Lite (TM 4600)
