Lightovation, one of the largest residential lighting events in North America, welcomed buyers from around the world to its recently completed trade show at Dallas Market Center. The event reportedly had its largest attendance in three years.
In addition to the strong turn-out, a record number of new and expanding showrooms debuted totaling more than 50,000 square feet of retail space within the Trade Mart.
Among the exhibitors with expanded showrooms were WAC Lighting’s Modern Forms, Progress Lighting, Tech Lighting, Arteriors, and Designers Fountain. Additional new showrooms included Matteo Lighting, Hunter Fan Co., Koncept, Primo Gas Lanterns, and GS Designs. Shared showroom Lucas + McKearn nearly doubled their space and were joined by new exhibiting companies Abra Lighting, DBM, JS LED, Luxrite, and PLC Lighting in Spectrum.
“We serve as the global center of residential lighting innovation, craftsmanship, and style,” says Cindy Morris, President & CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We delivered the complete experience for attendees representing nearly 30 countries through our compelling showrooms and inspiring events, restaurants, and nightlife. Looking ahead to June 2018 and beyond, we will be creating even more opportunities to highlight the exciting advancements in technology and connectivity driving more consumer decisions and retail options.”
The program included merchandising tours as well as seminars from the American Lighting Association (ALA), which also hosted a networking event for women in the industry and a special event for its Young Executives members. For the first time, exhibitors in the 3900 aisle — Access Lighting, Vaxcel Lighting, ABC Lighting, Capital Lighting, Canarm and newcomer Matteo Lighting — hosted a block party featuring street performers, food, and raffles.
“We were busier than I can remember in recent years, and there were positive attitudes across the board,” says Rick Wiedemer of Hinkley Lighting.
Headlining the market events, showroom receptions, promotions, and seminars was the special appearance by Hollywood actress Diane Keaton. Attended by more than 1,000 customers, the talk included the personal story behind her latest book, “The House That Pinterest Built.”
During the home furnishings’ industry annual ARTS Awards, lighting showroom honors were given to Hermitage Lighting Gallery, Lightology, and Elume; the Green Award to Varaluz; and lighting manufacturing awards to John-Richard and Currey & Company.
Smart home technology also took center stage with four exhibitors launching Friends of Hue products, compatible with Philips’ connected lighting ecosystem: Access Lighting, Craftmade, ELK Lighting, and ET2. Minka Aire also announced a partnership with Olibra, makers of the BOND, to offer smart home connectivity for all of the company’s remote-controlled fans. Additionally, two designers launched collaborations with corresponding in-showroom appearances — Corey Damen Jenkins of HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown provided a sneak peek at his chic new collection for Hudson Valley Lighting, while designer Lisa McDennon launched a line with Hinkley’s luxury brand Fredrick Ramond.
“Lightovation is the most important decorative lighting industry event of the year and the January edition was a blockbuster event,” says Rick Seidman of Quoizel Lighting. “Buyers were motivated by the continuing strong pace of retail as well as the products they saw at the show. What a way to start 2018.”
