- January โ Spring Launches
- February โ Networking & Education
- March โ Spring Innovation
- April โ LED Leadership
- May โ Distributor & Awards Season
- June โ Summer Powerhouses
- August โ Technical & Design Education
- September โ Design & Technology
- October โ Global & Sustainable Innovation
- November โ End-of-Year Highlights
- Final Notes
As the lighting industry surges forward with innovation, education, and networking opportunities, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for professionals in lighting design, manufacturing, electrical contracting, architectural lighting, smart systems, LED technology, and more. Below is your definitive roster of the top lighting events around the world, from major trade shows to focused conferences and design expos.
Whether youโre a designer, specifier, manufacturer, distributor, contractor, or enthusiast, block out these dates and get ready to connect, learn, and innovate in 2026.
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January โ Spring Launches
Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Winter)
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January 10โ13, 2026
๐ Dallas Market Center โ Dallas, TX, USA
Lightovation returns for its winter edition โ North Americaโs flagship residential lighting expo. Expect an expansive show floor featuring decorative and architectural lighting, smart systems, ceiling fans and controls, and global exhibitors showcasing new product launches and trendsetting solutions. (See Details)
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February โ Networking & Education
NEMRA26 โ The NEMRA Annual Conference
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February 8โ11, 2026
๐ Orlando, FL, USA
The annual gathering of the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association brings industry leaders together for networking, strategy sessions, and business development. (Inside Lighting)
Lightapalooza
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February 16โ19, 2026
๐ Kalahari Resort โ Round Rock, TX, USA
Lightapalooza provides an intimate gathering of lighting manufacturers, integrators, and designers with a strong focus on collaboration, education sessions, and trend discussions. (
See Details)
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March โ Spring Innovation
IES Detroit Section Product Show
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March 5, 2026
๐ Livonia, MI, USA
Hosted by the Illuminating Engineering Societyโs Detroit Section, this product showcase highlights new developments from leading lighting manufacturers โ ideal for regional professionals. (See Details)
Light + Building
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March 8โ13, 2026
๐ Frankfurt, Germany
One of the largest global trade fairs for lighting and building-services technology, Light + Building brings together architects, designers, engineers, and specifiers to explore cutting-edge products and innovations. (designinglighting)
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April โ LED Leadership
LEDucation 2026
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April 14โ15, 2026
๐ New York, NY, USA
A must-attend for LED professionals, showcasing over 400 exhibitors and a comprehensive conference program covering solid-state lighting, controls, and sustainability. (See Details)
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May โ Distributor & Awards Season
NAED National Meeting
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May 12โ14, 2026
๐ USA (varies)
A pivotal event for electrical distribution executives, focusing on industry trends, leadership, and strategic development. (See Details)
IES Boston Illumination Awards
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May 21, 2026
๐ Boston, MA, USA
Celebrating excellence in lighting design, this awards event highlights standout projects and professionals in the lighting community. (See Details)
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June โ Summer Powerhouses
NeoCon
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June 8โ10, 2026
๐ Chicago, IL, USA
A key event for commercial design professionals, with strong lighting and architectural technology presence. (See Details)
AIA Conference on Architecture
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June 10โ13, 2026
๐ San Diego, CA, USA
While broadly architectural, lighting plays a major role in programming and exhibits focused on holistic design. (See Details)
Lumen Awards Gala
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June 18, 2026
๐ New York, NY, USA
Honoring outstanding achievements in lighting design and innovation. (See Details)
Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Summer)
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June 24โ27, 2026
๐ Dallas Market Center โ Dallas, TX, USA
The summer edition of Lightovation returns with expanded exhibits and new product showcases. (See Details)
Light! Design Expo
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June 25, 2026
๐ San Francisco, CA, USA
A focused expo dedicated to architectural lighting products and design professionals in Northern California.(See Details)
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August โ Technical & Design Education
IES26 โ The Lighting Conference
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August 13โ15, 2026
๐ Denver, CO, USA
The Illuminating Engineering Societyโs flagship conference emphasizes research, trends, technical sessions, and networking โ including award celebrations and CEU opportunities. (See Details)
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September โ Design & Technology
ArchLIGHT Summit
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September 15โ16, 2026
๐ Dallas, TX, USA
A focused event for architectural and commercial lighting professionals with exhibit space, education, and community building. (See Details)
American Lighting Association (ALA) Conference
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September 27โ29, 2026
๐ USA (varies)
Focused on residential lighting professionals, showcasing trends, technologies, and business strategy. (See Details)
CEDIA Expo
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September 1โ4, 2026
๐ Denver, CO, USA
While AV-centric, lighting and integration topics are increasingly prominent at this technology-forward expo. (See Details)
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October โ Global & Sustainable Innovation
NECA Show
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October 4โ7, 2026
๐ Las Vegas, NV, USA
A key event for electrical construction professionals with significant lighting technology focus. (See Details)
IALD Enlighten Americas
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October 15โ17, 2026
๐ Austin, TX, USA
A premier educational and networking event for lighting designers โ part of the global IALD conference series. (See Details)
NEMRA Lightingย
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October 15โ17, 2026
๐ Dallas, TX, USA
A lighting event for manufacturers and independent representatives for structured discussions, business planning, and professional development. (See Details)
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
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October 20โ23, 2026
๐ USA (varies)
Centering sustainability and green building innovation, lighting plays a central role in efficient design strategies. (See Details)
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair โ Autumn Edition
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October 27โ30, 2026
๐ Hong Kong
A major international trade fair offering a global platform for manufacturers, products, and sourcing opportunities. (See Details)
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November โ End-of-Year Highlights
IES Street & Area Lighting Conference
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November 8โ11, 2026
๐ Phoenix, AZ, USA
A specialized technical conference focused on outdoor, street, and roadway lighting solutions. (See Details)
Canada Light Expo 2026
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November 18โ19, 2026
๐ Canada
Canadaโs premier lighting expo showcasing products, trends, and technologies to a North American audience.ย (See Details)
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Final Notes
2026 promises a packed calendar of must-attend events for lighting professionals of every background, from global fairs to niche conferences that foster deeper learning, networking, and innovation.
Whether youโre discovering state-of-the-art products, gaining CEUs and industry insights, or building new business relationships, mark these events on your calendar and plan for travel, registrations, and opportunities to shine

