LFI 2016 creates a global dialogue with networking opportunities

For 2016, new events created to foster new connections form an extensive lineup of networking opportunities featuring speakers, thought leaders and manufacturers from across the lighting and design landscape.

Legends of Lighting Impact Speaker: James Carpenter will speak on 'The Substance of Light in the Public Realm' on April 27^th from 12:15-1p.m. Award-winning Carpenter, of James Carpenter Design Associates Inc., has worked at “the intersection of architecture, fine art and engineering for nearly 50 years, advancing a distinctive vision based on the use of natural light as the foundational element of the built environment.”

Preceding and setting the stage for the trade show opening, the prestigious LFI Innovation Awards will highlight the industry’s most innovative products and designs introduced during the last 12 months. The presentation takes place on April 26 beginning at 8 a.m., and the trade show floor will open an hour earlier this year at 9 a.m.

New events in The HUB Lounge sponsored by MINEBEA will bring together different groups of attendees to provide unique networking opportunities. 'Happy Hour in The HUB' brings people from all professions together on April 26^th from 5-6 p.m. 'Community Connections: Architects, Designers & Lighting Designers Meet & Greet' will take place on April 27^th from 9:30-10:15 a.m. The 'Meet the Speakers Reception' will be held on April 27^th from 5-6 p.m. and will give attendees the opportunity to spend time with LFI Conference speakers in an interactive setting. The HUB will be located in the Sails Pavilion in the Upper Level of the San Diego Convention Center.

Another new feature in the Sails Pavilion gives attendees the chance to capture the moment by taking their photo to create their own personalised postcard to mail from LIGHTFAIR’s new location – San Diego.

The New Exhibitor Pavilion will be a gathering place for viewing the latest innovations from first-time exhibitors while enjoying refreshments. There will be a special event each day: 'New Exhibitor Lounge Social' (April 26^th, 4-5 p.m.), “Sweet Treats” (April 27^th, 3 p.m.) and “Morning Mingle” (April 28^th, 10 a.m.).

Highly attended events are returning this year to continue to deliver knowledge and networking opportunities. The 'New Attendee Orientation & Tour' will again provide valuable information to those coming to LFI for the first time. 'Women in Lighting: An Open Dialogue Continued' will bring a fresh set of ideas with a diverse group of panel participants.

The newest giveaway at LIGHTFAIR will start even before the event as a t-shirt design will be selected by popular public vote. Attendees will select from three designs and the winning phrase will be featured on the tees given out at the 'Keep Calm and … T-Shirt Giveaway' on April 26 – 27^th, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and April 28^th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Exhibitor Presentations will take place in The HUB Lounge and give attendees the opportunity to learn about exhibitors and their products. Presentation sponsors are MINEBEA, PHILIPS, AUTEC LIGHT CONTROL and CURRENT, POWERED BY GE. Longer exhibitor seminars will also be featured, offering educational information from sponsors FX LUMINAIRE and UL.

The 'Oh to Be Young and in the Lighting Industry!' panel will be held on April 27^th from 3-3:45 p.m. Moderated by LD+A Editor and Publisher Paul Tarricone, this fast-paced roundtable discussion will bring together two emerging professionals and two industry veterans to discuss topics such as mentoring, inter-generational communication in the workplace and what makes an ideal new hire…or boss. Panelists include Brienne Willcock, Craig Casey, Jennifer Jaques and Lisa Reed.