Like most trade shows and markets scheduled to kick off in just a few weeks, the COVID health crisis – which has brought with it individual travel restrictions depending on the state or country – the Dallas Market Center (DMC) announced today that the Lightovation portion of “Dallas Market” will be rescheduled to March 23-26. The January Total Home & Gift Market, which is held concurrently with Lightovation, will keep its scheduled January 6-12 dates. (The June edition of Lightovation will continue to take place as scheduled June 23-26).
This not to say that the March Lightovation won’t have crossover buying opportunities for gifts, accessories, and home décor as it will take place alongside the spring edition of Total Home & Gift Market.
The new Lightovation dates were determined after consultation with lighting exhibitors and evaluation of travel restrictions recently enacted in key states as well as international travel limitations. Lightovation serves as the primary buying event for retailers throughout North America, attracting buyers from all 50 states, 8 Canadian provinces, and more than 20 countries.
All Lightovation buyers will be contacted informing them of the date shift and to assist with travel changes including moving reservations to March.
“This decision was not an easy one but the right one for lighting retailers located across North America, Canada, Central America, and beyond,” says Cindy Morris, President & CEO of DMC. “For eight months we have held successful events serving buyers, and we are confident in our ability to continue to stage safe and inspiring shows. However, by shifting to March we will better serve global customers able to travel more easily. We look forward to seeing everyone in person in the spring.”
Even though the in-person Lightovation will not take place, a virtual show will be available featuring new introductions from more than 70 of the show’s exhibitors. Registered lighting buyers will be able to access this temporary online marketplace, which leverages DMC’s recently announced partnership with MarketTime, to discover new products and place orders. The virtual show will remain open for several weeks. (Additional details to be announced.)
Two opportunities for recognition surrounding June Lightovation are underway. The 12th Annual Showroom of the Year Awards program, presented in partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor magazine, is accepting nominations through March 1. Lightovation attendees are invited to submit entries and nominations for the Showroom of the Year Awards at www.SOTYAwards.com. Nominations are also being accepted for the Light Stars program, which honors top retail salespeople from across North America with complimentary travel to attend June Lightovation for the first time. Anyone in the industry may nominate a first-time attendee at http://dallasmarketcenter.com/lightstars.
