—The June 19-22 show will include David Avrin and Leslie Carothers keynotes, changes commemorating the 10th Showroom of the Year Awards and a must-see smart home space—
DALLAS – For four days this summer, Dallas will be the global center of inspiration and insights for the lighting business during Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (June 19-22). Inside the largest residential lighting marketplace in North America, leading-edge technology and design will be showcased alongside thought leadership, special awards programs, and business inspiration.
“This summer we welcome buyers from around the world to make connections, gain insights, and see the latest in technology and trends inside a dynamic center of inspiration,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Whether you are a newly opened showroom or are taking your enterprise to a new level of success, the summer edition of Lightovation offers you and your company the opportunity to advance your business and stay ahead of the competition.”
The SMART Center Seminar Schedule – Now entering its second year, The SMART Center (TM 4826), continues to be a hub for valuable educational opportunities in partnership with the American Lighting Association (ALA). For June 2019, popular ALA Conference speaker David Avrin will bring an insightful and actionable keynote on the subject of customer experience, as well as a follow-up session and a book signing. Digital marketing and social media expert Leslie Carothers also returns to Lightovation to help lighting retailers and other professionals compete in the age of Amazon and maximize return from their online assets.
New Products and Market Choice Awards – The marketplace will feature new product introductions from dozens of companies, many of which will compete for buyer votes in the Market Choice Awards. This summer Lightovation competition recognizes new product introductions in six categories and serve as an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their latest styles and innovations. This year, a record 129 entries from 48 brands were submitted for the sixth edition of these awards, which are determined by popular vote.
One Market Choice winner will be named in each of the six product categories: Bath, Ceiling Fans, Chandeliers and Pendants, Outdoor, Portable Lamps and Technology. The awards are sponsored by enLIGHTenment magazine and include a new honor for 2019: The enLIGHTenment editorial team will also select an Editor’s Choice winner as a “best in show” among entries in all categories.
Voting for the Market Choice Awards will open May 30 at www.MarketChoiceAwards.com. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote at a designated kiosk near the north escalators on the Trade Mart’s third floor, as well as on a touch screen in The SMART Center (TM 4826). You can also vote via the Lightovation app. Winning products will be announced at Lightovation after voting closes at noon on Thursday, June 20.
Of course, Market Choice entries represent only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new product introductions. Lightovation is the only venue where all categories of lighting and ceiling fans for the home can be sourced, reflecting the latest styles and technologies.
New Location, Time for Showroom of the Year Awards – To commemorate the 10th edition of the Showroom of the Year Awards, presented in partnership with Furniture Lighting & Décor magazine, the event will be held in a special location at a new time. Still on opening night, Wednesday, June 19, the event will kick off at 7:30 pm in the Wedgwood Foyer at the Hilton Anatole hotel, which is the host hotel for June 2019 Lightovation. The awards will honor one Showroom of the Year in each of three dollar-volume categories, as well as three specialty awards in the areas of merchandising display, social media engagement and community involvement.
Lighting After Dark: New Location For The Legendary All-Market Party – The Showroom of the Year Awards will precede the all-industry Lighting After Dark party, which will run 8 pm to 11 pm in the Hilton Anatole’s Wedgwood Ballroom. Celebrate a successful first day at market with this legendary party, which will be themed LED Them Eat Cake, a decadent mashup of the Palace of Versailles and the disco era. Lightovation attendees, exhibitors and reps are all welcome to attend Lighting After Dark; simply bring your show badge for entry.
Honoring Top Salespeople and Welcoming Special Groups – Among the newest attendees at this edition of Lightovation will be dozens of members of the Light Stars class of 2019. The Light Stars program provides travel and hotel support for top retail salespeople from across the United States and Canada who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the largest residential lighting show in North America. Along with rewarding hard-working and talented showroom employees, the Light Stars program enhances the perspective of the next generation of lighting retailing by exposing salespeople to educational opportunities, display inspiration and a higher level of engagement with product introductions. Profiles of the 2019 Light Stars will be featured on an interactive touch screen in The SMART Center (TM 4826). And anyone in the industry can already nominate for the 2020 Light Stars program at www.dallasmarketcenter.com/lightstars.
Prior to the start of June 2019 Lightovation, Lighting One will host its annual Convention at the Hilton Anatole and celebrate 20 years of supporting independent lighting showrooms. The lighting co-operative has more than 300 members in all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. Lighting One has been hosting its annual Convention in Dallas in tandem with the June edition of Lightovation for the past six years and has confirmed that it will continue to do so through 2024.
Visit the Lightovation page of the Dallas Market Center website for more information about the show, including registration, and hotel and travel assistance. Also, keep up-to-date by following the #Lightovation hashtag on social media, visiting the Lightovation Facebook page and joining the Lightovation Lighting Industry Discussion Group.
