Messe Frankfurt – the organizer of the renowned lighting fair in Europe – will have a presence in the U.S., adding LightFair to its Light + Building brand. Messe Frankfurt acquired the stake from ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers/IMC), which acquired LightFair in 2018 from AMC, when it merged with AmericasMart® Atlanta, which had co-owned, produced and managed LightFair for 25 years along with the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), both of which remain involved.
From now on, LightFair – which will be held alternately in Las Vegas and New York City – will become part of the Light + Building brand’s international network. Messe Frankfurt will be organizing the five-day trade fair together with an accompanying conference for the IALD and the IES. The next edition of LightFair is scheduled for May 4-8, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Messe Frankfurt President & CEO explains, “With the vast experience of our partners IALD and IES in North America and Messe Frankfurt’s track record as an organizer of leading international building technology trade fairs, we are pooling our shared strengths. This strategic decision also enables us to bring our expertise to bear in the USA.”
Constantin von Vieregge, President & CEO of Messe Frankfurt’s U.S. subsidiary Messe Frankfurt Inc., adds, “The signing of this agreement brings together the expertise of Messe Frankfurt – known for its successful track record in organizing world-class trade events with Light + Building, the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building technology – and the visionary approach of associations IES and IALD in the realm of commercial lighting. The synergies we share mark a significant step towards advancing the industry and promise an unparalleled platform for industry professionals, innovators and stakeholders.”
With more than 500 exhibitors, LightFair is the largest event for architectural and commercial lighting in North America. Focusing primarily on forward-looking innovations, an experience-oriented exhibition space, many new products, networking, and a wide range of training opportunities, LightFair sets new standards for light design and innovative lighting technologies in the United States.
Colleen Harper, Executive Director of the IES, states, “The IES is very proud to be a partner in this relaunch of LightFair. We expect our new union with the IALD and Messe Frankfurt to bring in a fresh perspective and cement the show as a must-attend event for everyone in lighting. By bringing together the unique expertise and communities of these three organizations, LightFair will provide the space to learn, network, and innovate in ways not experienced anywhere else.”
Christopher Knowlton, Chief Executive Officer of the IALD, adds, “The IALD is thrilled to partner with Messe Frankfurt for LightFair and is eager to reinvent the international trade show and conference alongside a widely respected event coordinator deeply connected with the lighting industry worldwide. The partnership will amplify the event’s ability to showcase cutting-edge lighting innovations and connect directly with the lighting community in the United States and beyond. As this next evolution of LightFair opens its doors to broader audiences, the IALD welcomes the fostering of collaboration and inspiration within the lighting industry that will come from this international alliance. This new stage in LightFair’s development will open up new possibilities for reaching a larger audience. This is why IALD welcomes wholeheartedly the increased cooperation and inspiration within the lighting industry that this international alliance will bring about.”
For more than 20 years, Light + Building has brought manufacturers from the areas of lighting, electrical engineering, home and building automation, and networked security technology together with architects, designers, interior designers, professional planners, engineers, and retailers in Frankfurt and all over the world. The partnership with LightFair is increasing Light + Building’s international brand network to a total of 13 events worldwide. Messe Frankfurt is represented in the growth markets of Asia, South America, and the Middle East with lighting and building technology trade fairs.
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