Lightfair 2018 in the ‘Windy City’
Sarah Wang and I were the official Oculus representatives at Lightfair in Chicago. It was fun walking through a large variety of luminaires, controls and components at the show. Even better was to catch up with old friends and acquaintances.
As lighting design firms go, we are lucky to be considered important enough for many manufacturers to come by our office regularly to keep us appraised of their newest products and advances. However, Lightfair still gives us a wide overview into upcoming products and general trends in the lighting industry.
This year, Tunable White lighting (now better and less expensive) continues, and there were advances in controls (many wireless) and connected lighting (Internet of Things). There were also some demos on LiFi (wireless networking through lighting) and on white light disinfection, which seems promising on the healthcare and educational projects that we work on.
The IALD Educational Trust Fund Dinner and Annual IALD Awards is another event that I personally enjoy and look forward to every year. This year it was nice to see a couple of Los Angeles lighting design firms win at the Awards.
Chicago lived up to it’s name as the Windy City, with hair, clothes, furniture and fixture flying off at the convention center. Thanks to SCI Lighting for sponsoring our trip to Lightfair, and a special shout out to Kathie Palomino for her hospitality all through the trip! Also thanks to BK Lighting for having us at their table at the IALD Awards Dinner. And to Birchwood Lighting, SPI Lighting, DMF and Ecosense for the parties. I maybe would have attended more, but then I am not getting any younger…so until next year, see you then in Philadelphia.
