The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting
Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000
registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New
York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest
annual lighting industry event. With an expanded show floor, a record-high number of exhibitors,
and an array of new features and networking opportunities, the show was the largest to date.
Attendees were eager to network, expand partnerships, connect with customers, and
explore lighting products on the bustling exhibit floor. New York City is arguably the center of
the lighting design profession. LEDucation draws manufacturers and educators, agents and sales
professionals, facilities personnel, and builders, plus architects and the full spectrum of design
specifiers. “The energy on the show floor this year was amazing,” said LEDucation Co-Chair
Jamie Eck. “The feedback has been overwhelming, and we can’t thank the exhibitors enough for
bringing their best and brightest. We would also like to extend our thanks to the New York
lighting community who showed up in record numbers to support this important event.”
LEDucation Co-Chair Burt Grant added, “This year featured 470 exhibiting
manufacturers, offering fresh ideas and options in lighting, controls, design, and more. Specifiers
discovered potential new suppliers, connected with current manufacturers, and gathered insights
into industry trends and technologies. LEDucation has become the most important lighting trade
show and conference in North America.”
Newcomers and industry veterans were impressed with this year’s wide-ranging
educational sessions. The 47 online and in-person seminars were highly interactive. These
continuing education sessions attracted a worldwide audience and continue to play an important
role in the evolution of the industry. The LEDucation Seminars Co-Chairs Wendy Kaplan, Craig
Fox, and Shaun Fillion assembled a diverse lineup of 82 presenters. The quality of the speakers
was universally acclaimed. Over 1000 feedback surveys scored the quality of presenters as 4.9/5
stars. Topics ranged from highly digital to practical to sociological and forward-looking.
Cynthia Turner, President of the DLFNY stated, “DLFNY is committed to lighting
education. We give out multiple scholarships to local schools to encourage all students of design
to engage in lighting. We fund academic research in lighting as well as creative lighting
endeavors. We plan on extending our scholarship outreach to students studying construction
management and other related construction careers to educate them on the value of lighting.
LEDucation, and other programs run by the DLFNY, support the evolution of the industry and
newcomers to the lighting field.”
EdisonReport chose to celebrate their 9th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards (LAA)
on the eve of the Trade Show. The ceremony honored 12 luminaries who have made significant
contributions to the lighting industry over their careers. Caroline Rinker was awarded an LAA
posthumously; she was a driving force behind, and long-time leader of LEDucation.
An expanded lineup of events facilitated meaningful collaborations among industry
stakeholders. LEDucation once again hosted the 2024 Student Lighting Competition, run by the
Illuminating Engineering Society New York City Section. The 165-student works on display
explored how light can bridge distances and create intimacy.
Save the Date: March 18–19, 2025 – Coming off such a successful show, plans for next
year are charging ahead. Exhibitor registration is now open for LEDucation 2025, March 18–19, again at the New York Hilton Midtown. More than 375 returning exhibitors have already reserved their booth spaces! For the latest news on LEDucation, visit leducation.org.
