UPDATE: Plans are currently underway to present some elements of the 2020 LightFair show, including the conference and the 2020 LightFair Innovation Awards, in an online format. Attendees will also receive communications about options for previously paid 2020 conference and trade show access fees. Additional updates from LightFair will be available online at LightFair.com.
Although LightFair had been previously reported as being postponed from its originally scheduled May dates in Las Vegas, now comes word that the show will not be held this year after all.
Several weeks ago, LightFair executives announced the annual show would be postponed to a later date, with the intention that would continue to be staged at the Las Vegas Convention Center (ideally in late summer/early fall was the rumor).
Today, the trade show’s co-organizers the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and International Market Centers (IMC) have announced the next LightFair will be in May 2021 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City to coincide with NYCxDESIGN – New York Design Week. LightFair will then return to the Las Vegas Convention Center in June 2022.
“Since its inception 31 years ago, LightFair has represented a true collaboration and symbiotic partnership between IALD, IES and its managing partner,” says Dan Darby, Show Director. “The feedback we received from IALD, IES, exhibitors, and attendees is that a trade show and conference in 2020 during the available summer dates are not feasible. The overwhelming response is a desire to preserve resources to invest in an even stronger 2021 event. We are embracing that counsel and will present the preferred marketplace for commercial and architectural lighting and the most comprehensive training for lighting design and technology professionals again next year in New York and the following year in Las Vegas.”
“The decision to cancel LightFair 2020 was not easy to make. While a cancelation is a serious development that weighs heavily upon us and significantly impacts our partners, we believe that this is what is best for the industry,” adds Timothy Licitra, IES Executive Director. “Our focus is now on making LightFair 2021 the best event for all participants, while allowing our industry to focus its attention on navigating the uncertainty this crisis has created. We look forward to seeing everyone at LightFair 2021 in New York.”
“Canceling the reimagined LightFair 2020 is a difficult decision we must make as responsible leaders who care about the preservation of the lighting industry,” said Marsha L. Turner, IALD CEO. “LightFair is the industry event that our members look forward to every year. Now, we eagerly anticipate LightFair 2021 in New York and are delighted to have secured our return to Las Vegas in 2022.”
