2026 Lighting Trade Shows, Conferences & Industry Events | Complete Gu

0 comments

Table of Content

January – Spring Launches
February – Networking & Education
March – Spring Innovation
April – LED Leadership
May – Distributor & Awards Season
June – Summer Powerhouses
August – Technical & Design Education
September – Design & Technology
October – Global & Sustainable Innovation
November – 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 you’re a designer, specifier, manufacturer, distributor, contractor, or enthusiast, block out these dates and get ready to connect, learn, and innovate in 2026.
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">January – Spring Launches</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Winter)</h3>
📅 January 10–13, 2026 📍 Dallas Market Center — Dallas, TX, USA Lightovation returns for its winter edition — North America’s 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. (<a href="https://dallasmarketcenter.com/home/">See Details</a><a href="https://lightapalooza.com/"></a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/lightovation-dallas-international-lighting-show-winter?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">February – Networking & Education</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">NEMRA26 – The NEMRA Annual Conference</h3>
📅 February 8–11, 2026 📍 Orlando, FL, USA The annual gathering of the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association brings industry leaders together for networking, strategy sessions, and business development. (<a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/nemra26-nemra-annual-conference-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Inside Lighting</a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Lightapalooza</h3>
📅 February 16–19, 2026 📍 Kalahari Resort — 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. (<meta charset="utf-8">
<a href="https://lightapalooza.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/lightovation-dallas-international-lighting-show-winter?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">March – Spring Innovation</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">IES Detroit Section Product Show</h3>
📅 March 5, 2026 📍 Livonia, MI, USA Hosted by the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Detroit Section, this product showcase highlights new developments from leading lighting manufacturers — ideal for regional professionals. (<a href="https://ies.org/section/detroit/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/ies-detroit-section-product-show-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Light + Building</h3>
📅 March 8–13, 2026 📍 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. (<a href="https://designinglighting.com/2025/04/03/new-spotlight-at-light-building-iald-international-lighting-design-awards-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">designinglighting</a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">April – LED Leadership</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">LEDucation 2026</h3>
📅 April 14–15, 2026 📍 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. (<a href="https://leducation.org/">See Details</a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">May – Distributor & Awards Season</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">NAED National Meeting</h3>
📅 May 12–14, 2026 📍 USA (varies) A pivotal event for electrical distribution executives, focusing on industry trends, leadership, and strategic development. (<a href="https://www.naed.org/national-meeting">See Details</a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">IES Boston Illumination Awards</h3>
📅 May 21, 2026 📍 Boston, MA, USA Celebrating excellence in lighting design, this awards event highlights standout projects and professionals in the lighting community. (<a href="https://boston.ies.org/illumination-awards/">See Details</a><a href="https://leducation.org/"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">June – Summer Powerhouses</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">NeoCon</h3>
📅 June 8–10, 2026 📍 Chicago, IL, USA A key event for commercial design professionals, with strong lighting and architectural technology presence. (<a href="https://neocon.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">AIA Conference on Architecture</h3>
📅 June 10–13, 2026 📍 San Diego, CA, USA While broadly architectural, lighting plays a major role in programming and exhibits focused on holistic design. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Lumen Awards Gala</h3>
📅 June 18, 2026 📍 New York, NY, USA Honoring outstanding achievements in lighting design and innovation. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/lumen-awards-gala-2026-ies-nyc">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Summer)</h3>
📅 June 24–27, 2026 📍 Dallas Market Center — Dallas, TX, USA The summer edition of Lightovation returns with expanded exhibits and new product showcases. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://dallasmarketcenter.com/home/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Light! Design Expo</h3>
📅 June 25, 2026 📍 San Francisco, CA, USA A focused expo dedicated to architectural lighting products and design professionals in Northern California.<meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://lightdesignexpo.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">August – Technical & Design Education</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">IES26 – The Lighting Conference</h3>
📅 August 13–15, 2026 📍 Denver, CO, USA The Illuminating Engineering Society’s flagship conference emphasizes research, trends, technical sessions, and networking — including award celebrations and CEU opportunities. <a href="https://ies.org/events/ies25/">(See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">September – Design & Technology</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">ArchLIGHT Summit</h3>
📅 September 15–16, 2026 📍 Dallas, TX, USA A focused event for architectural and commercial lighting professionals with exhibit space, education, and community building. <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://ies.org/events/ies25/">(</a><a href="https://archlightsummit.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">American Lighting Association (ALA) Conference</h3>
📅 September 27–29, 2026 📍 USA (varies) Focused on residential lighting professionals, showcasing trends, technologies, and business strategy. (<a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar/2026/american-lighting-association-ala-conference-2026">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">CEDIA Expo</h3>
📅 September 1–4, 2026 📍 Denver, CO, USA While AV-centric, lighting and integration topics are increasingly prominent at this technology-forward expo. (<a href="https://cediaexpo.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">October – Global & Sustainable Innovation</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">NECA Show</h3>
📅 October 4–7, 2026 📍 Las Vegas, NV, USA A key event for electrical construction professionals with significant lighting technology focus. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://www.necaconvention.org/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">IALD Enlighten Americas</h3>
📅 October 15–17, 2026 📍 Austin, TX, USA A premier educational and networking event for lighting designers — part of the global IALD conference series. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Events/Enlighten-Conferences.aspx">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 class="elementor-headline e-animated">NEMRA Lighting </h3>
<meta charset="utf-8">
📅 October 15–17, 2026 📍 Dallas, TX, USA <meta charset="utf-8">A lighting event for manufacturers and independent representatives for structured discussions, business planning, and professional development. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://www.nemra.org/nemra-lighting/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Greenbuild International Conference & Expo</h3>
📅 October 20–23, 2026 📍 USA (varies) Centering sustainability and green building innovation, lighting plays a central role in efficient design strategies. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Hong Kong International Lighting Fair – Autumn Edition</h3>
📅 October 27–30, 2026 📍 Hong Kong A major international trade fair offering a global platform for manufacturers, products, and sourcing opportunities. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklightingfairae/en">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">November – End-of-Year Highlights</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">IES Street & Area Lighting Conference</h3>
📅 November 8–11, 2026 📍 Phoenix, AZ, USA A specialized technical conference focused on outdoor, street, and roadway lighting solutions. <meta charset="utf-8">(<a href="https://ies.org/events/street-area-lighting-conference/">See Details</a><a href="https://ies.org/events/ies25/"></a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
<h3 dir="ltr">Canada Light Expo 2026</h3>
📅 November 18–19, 2026 📍 Canada Canada’s premier lighting expo showcasing products, trends, and technologies to a North American audience. (<a href="https://canadalightexpo.com/">See Details</a><a href="https://inside.lighting/resources/lighting-trade-show-conference-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>)
 
<hr>
 
<h2 dir="ltr">Final Notes</h2>
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 you’re 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

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 you’re a designer, specifier, manufacturer, distributor, contractor, or enthusiast, block out these dates and get ready to connect, learn, and innovate in 2026.

January – Spring Launches

Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Winter)

📅 January 10–13, 2026
📍 Dallas Market Center — Dallas, TX, USA
Lightovation returns for its winter edition — North America’s 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 )

February – Networking & Education

NEMRA26 – The NEMRA Annual Conference

📅 February 8–11, 2026
📍 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

📅 February 16–19, 2026
📍 Kalahari Resort — 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 )

March – Spring Innovation

IES Detroit Section Product Show

📅 March 5, 2026
📍 Livonia, MI, USA
Hosted by the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Detroit Section, this product showcase highlights new developments from leading lighting manufacturers — ideal for regional professionals. (See Details )

Light + Building

📅 March 8–13, 2026
📍 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)

April – LED Leadership

LEDucation 2026

📅 April 14–15, 2026
📍 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)

May – Distributor & Awards Season

NAED National Meeting

📅 May 12–14, 2026
📍 USA (varies)
A pivotal event for electrical distribution executives, focusing on industry trends, leadership, and strategic development. (See Details)

IES Boston Illumination Awards

📅 May 21, 2026
📍 Boston, MA, USA
Celebrating excellence in lighting design, this awards event highlights standout projects and professionals in the lighting community. (See Details )

June – Summer Powerhouses

NeoCon

📅 June 8–10, 2026
📍 Chicago, IL, USA
A key event for commercial design professionals, with strong lighting and architectural technology presence. (See Details )

AIA Conference on Architecture

📅 June 10–13, 2026
📍 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

📅 June 18, 2026
📍 New York, NY, USA
Honoring outstanding achievements in lighting design and innovation. (See Details )

Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (Summer)

📅 June 24–27, 2026
📍 Dallas Market Center — Dallas, TX, USA
The summer edition of Lightovation returns with expanded exhibits and new product showcases. (See Details )

Light! Design Expo

📅 June 25, 2026
📍 San Francisco, CA, USA
A focused expo dedicated to architectural lighting products and design professionals in Northern California.(See Details )

August – Technical & Design Education

IES26 – The Lighting Conference

📅 August 13–15, 2026
📍 Denver, CO, USA
The Illuminating Engineering Society’s flagship conference emphasizes research, trends, technical sessions, and networking — including award celebrations and CEU opportunities. (See Details )

September – Design & Technology

ArchLIGHT Summit

📅 September 15–16, 2026
📍 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

📅 September 27–29, 2026
📍 USA (varies)
Focused on residential lighting professionals, showcasing trends, technologies, and business strategy. (See Details )

CEDIA Expo

📅 September 1–4, 2026
📍 Denver, CO, USA
While AV-centric, lighting and integration topics are increasingly prominent at this technology-forward expo. (See Details )

October – Global & Sustainable Innovation

NECA Show

📅 October 4–7, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV, USA
A key event for electrical construction professionals with significant lighting technology focus. (See Details )

IALD Enlighten Americas

📅 October 15–17, 2026
📍 Austin, TX, USA
A premier educational and networking event for lighting designers — part of the global IALD conference series. (See Details )

NEMRA Lighting

📅 October 15–17, 2026
📍 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

📅 October 20–23, 2026
📍 USA (varies)
Centering sustainability and green building innovation, lighting plays a central role in efficient design strategies. (See Details )

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair – Autumn Edition

📅 October 27–30, 2026
📍 Hong Kong
A major international trade fair offering a global platform for manufacturers, products, and sourcing opportunities. (See Details )

November – End-of-Year Highlights

IES Street & Area Lighting Conference

📅 November 8–11, 2026
📍 Phoenix, AZ, USA
A specialized technical conference focused on outdoor, street, and roadway lighting solutions. (See Details )

Canada Light Expo 2026

📅 November 18–19, 2026
📍 Canada
Canada’s premier lighting expo showcasing products, trends, and technologies to a North American audience. (See Details )

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 you’re 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

80%

(972)

17%

(202)

(19)

(2)

(15)

Great Connectors!

These connectors are very well made. The screw mechanism also feels solid when you attach the wires or the light strips.

The screw driver is a little on the cheap side, but since that is not part of the connectors I am still rating the connector 5 stars; I just use my own screwdriver.

The thing I cannot figure out is what the little adhesive stickers are for. I THOUGHT they were to attach the connector, but the stickers only have adhesive on one side, that is, they are not double sided adhesive. See photo.
If you peel the sticker that says "3M" off it is sticky on one side. Once you peel the "3M" sticker off one side underneath there is a white slick paper (no adhesive). You flip that over and the other side is brown and say "3M". You peel that off it is also sticky on one side and you are left with the OTHER side of the white slick paper (no adhesive on this side either). So what you have is a total of three pieces once you have finished peeling everything off. Two pieces that say "3M" and are sticky on side, and one piece that is white and slick paper with no sticky on either side.

None of these items are double sided adhesive, so if someone can tell me what they are for I would appreciate it.

Great experience love the product.

Delivery was in time

Small size excelent quality

Great Customer Support and Service

I had this dimmable driver installed for my kitchen cabinet led strip lights. The original driver stopped working after about 2 years and I contacted support as this is warrantied for 6 years. Mr. Meden provided exceptional service and support in getting the replacement shipped to me in no time.
Fantastic people. I'm a Happy Customer.

1 2 3

2026 Lighting Trade Shows, Conferences & Industry Events | Complete Guide