Lightovation experienced an increase in attendance for the summer edition of the show, which ran June 21-24, 2023, according to Dallas Market Center. The show saw a total increase in attendance, and a greater than 50 percent increase in first-time attendees, including lighting retail showrooms and interior designers.
“The summer edition of Lightovation welcomed the industry to Dallas, where the energy was strong, best-selling and new products were showcased, and top retailers were celebrated,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center.
Among the new and expanded exhibitors were the International Pavilion (TM 4909), home to lighting manufacturers from around the world including new exhibitor wakaNINE, representing several lighting design brands including exemplars in sustainability David Trubridge and PLN Group/Hush out of New Zealand, and Thailand’s Ango. Also new for June was Geo Contemporary (WTC 301) a Brazil-based brand designed by Maurício D’Avila combining high design with high quality and a focus on sustainability. New to the Spectrum Shared Showroom for June 2023 was Millennium Lighting (TM 4432-05,06,07), with exceptional decorative residential and commercial lighting solutions. Among June’s product introduction highlights was Tamara Day for Quorum (TM 3004, 3111) lighting line designed by the Magnolia Network’s “Bargain Mansions” host. The launch included more than 50 designs across three collections, featuring chandeliers, pendants, wall mounts and vanities.
Retailers from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries attended the show, with the strongest attendance gains coming from the southeast U.S. and upper midwest.
Said Janna Gray, owner of Tallahassee Lighting & Décor: “I attended Lightovation because I knew it would be an excellent opportunity to meet with our vendors, to see new trends and products and to meet with other showroom owners. It is an incredibly efficient way to meet with many of our lighting reps in one place, strengthen our relationships and conduct business in a relaxed atmosphere.”
In addition to lighting showroom principals, dozens of lighting professionals attended the show as part of the Light Stars program. These individuals were nominated by their employers and industry partners to recognize their efforts even if they are not normally able to participate in the show. Anyone in the industry may already nominate for the June 2024 Light Stars program by visiting www.dallasmarketcenter.com/lightstars.
Interior Designer Preview Day and Trend Displays
On Tuesday, June 20, the first Interior Designer Preview Day took place for Lightovation. Participating showrooms were open for a sneak peek by more than 100 members of the interior design community and special programming took place including a Trend Tour from trend expert Patti Carpenter and a special panel discussion with AD 100 Designer Corey Damen Jenkins and HGTV star Breegan Jane, moderated by Rue magazine’s Kelli Lamb. Corey Damen Jenkins and Breegan Jane also provided a glimpse into their creative process via two exclusive trend displays for Lightovation expressing these top designers’ interpretations of trends from Lightovation’s 2023 Trend Report in mood boards inspired by products from Lightovation exhibitors.
“DMC is the home for lighting, and we are thrilled with the support and partnership,” said Andrew Knapp, VP of Sales for Hubbardton Forge. “The Dallas Market Center did an amazing job bringing a diverse group of excellent Designers to their first preview day. This is an important customer for Hubbardton Forge, and we were happy to welcome them and be able to show them our line and our capabilities to customize our product. Their excitement was a great way to begin June Lightovation and we look forward to many more events with the Design community and the DMC.”
Special Events, Showroom of the Year, Lighting After Dark
It wouldn’t be a Lightovation without celebration. Key events included cutting the ribbon on new and expanded showrooms; numerous seminars and panel presentations; receptions for ALA’s Women in Lighting and Young Executives groups, and the Showroom of the Year Awards.
A collaborative program organized by Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine and Dallas Market Center, the Showroom of the Year Awards honor lighting retailers from throughout North America, with one Showroom of the Year winner in each of three dollar-volume categories, along with three specialty awards. Winners of the 14th Annual Showroom of the Year Awards, with special presenters Tamara Day and Breegan Jane, were:
- Revenue Under $2 Million: Tidewater Lighting & Design, Madison, CT
- Revenue $2 Million to $5 Million: Tallahassee Lighting & Decor, Tallahassee, FL
- Revenue $5 Million and Over: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
- Outstanding Merchandising Display: Alcott & Bentley, Louisville, KY
- Exceptional Community Involvement: LED Capstone, Vero Beach, FL
- Social Media Star: Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
On Thursday evening, June 22, attendees gathered at Scout at The Statler Hotel for the official Lightovation party: Lighting After Dark. Participants enjoyed music, food, drinks and prizes.
Style Eyes Trendspotting
Trend experts Tamara Day and Breegan Jane discovered new products at Lightovation as Style Eyes, the program leveraging the knowledge and taste making skills of social media influencers for their insights and discoveries. Tamara Breegan made selections across the marketplace in lighting as well as home decor.
