Lightfair International Returns to California: LIGHTFAIR International will produce its 2016 West Coast event in San Diego in a strategic move signaling the continuing growth for the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., President and COO of LFI managing partner AMC, Inc.
The 2016 staging at the San Diego Convention Center marks the San Diego premiere for LFI, which is produced alternately annually in large East and West Coast venues. The San Diego location follows LightFair International’s long-running staging in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, its West Coast venue beginning in 1998, continuing in 2001, and then recurring in even years 2004-2012.
The San Diego Convention Center size and scale – together with its proximity to extensive hotel facilities and transportation resources and services – is a defining factor in the LFI 2016 location decision. The Center is conveniently located within walking distance of more than 11,000 first-class hotel rooms as well as scenic San Diego Bay. The San Diego International Airport is located within three miles of the Center, which offers additional convenience with 21 airlines serving 54 domestic and international destinations. With 500,000+ square feet of exhibit hall space, the Center is well equipped to house LFI’s rapidly growing presentation of lighting, energy and design products, systems and technologies.
“San Diego will give 2016 attendees and exhibitors the unmatched advantages that extend naturally from an environment blending spectacular facilities, a superb waterfront setting, and a desirable year-round temperate climate – all captured in the beauty and charm of a fascinating city steps away from LFI’s front door,” notes Marsha Turner, executive vice president of LFI partner International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). “We are thrilled at all that San Diego holds for LFI.”
LIGHTFAIR® International 2013 is set to produce the single-largest trade show and conference in its 24-year history April 21-25 in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center, which will house important new category additions, which will be accommodated by expanding into an additional exhibit hall. The 2013 event is expected to continue its record-setting performance posted over the past 10 years.
“As we approach LFI 2013 in Philadelphia, we also look to the tremendous prospects of a 2016 event enriched and enlivened with the experience which only San Diego can deliver,” notes William Hanley, executive vice president of LFI partner Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). “Imagine walking the waterfront from hotel to exhibit hall, with the celebrated Gaslight District close by, and the energy and excitement of the world’s largest annual lighting event at the center of it all,” he adds.
