Earth City, Mo.-based Lighting One has added 60 members and grown to 207 member locations throughout North America over the past few years. “One change that is has become apparent is that we need more quality time as a group – not only for members, but for our suppliers as well,” explains Gregg Garofalo, Senior Vice President.
Starting with the June 2014 Dallas Market, Lighting One will go back to its previous day-and-a-half convention format. The expanded format will feature a General Session Business Meeting supported by a variety of guest speakers, National Business programs, Financial Benchmarking, a variety of break-out sessions, and a “Member Only” Pre-Market buying session that offers members special buy items from Lighting One suppliers. The organization will kick off the June Dallas Market with its annual Awards and Welcome Reception.
“It is a great testament as to the strength of Lighting One and the support we can show as a group by potentially having a significantly larger number of showrooms attend the normally lightly attended June Market,” Garofalo states. “This decision not only will allow us to have the time we need, but also enable us to bring the membership and suppliers real value. Additionally it will make a statement to the industry of our strength and ability to drive more showrooms to June market,” he remarks. “I am anticipating a goal of 100+ showrooms versus the 42 that attended last June. It is an exciting time for the Lighting One co-op and our suppliers. I feel strongly that it is the right move that will help not only our group, but the industry overall. The reaction from both members and suppliers has been fantastic and 100% supportive.”
John Rot, President of Hortons Lighting in Chicago, comments, “I think moving the Lighting One Meetings and Gala to June is a great idea. January is such a busy time [with everyone] seeing new product and setting assortments. The June Market will leave much more time to attend meetings, interact with our Lighting One suppliers, and share time and ideas with our fellow Lighting One showrooms. I think this is a good thing for our industry, our co-op, and our showroom.”
At the upcoming Dallas Market in January, Lighting One will still hold Lighting One member events at suppliers’ showrooms throughout market.
