Lightfair 2019: Exploring the Future of Light, Technology, Design and Connectivity

February 11, 2019

Thought leaders from across the globe will deliver the newest insights on the future of light, technology, design and connectivity at the celebrated Lightfair International Conference set for May 19-23, 2019 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The pre-conference Lightfair Institute is May 19-20 and the Trade Show & Conference are May 21-23.

The 5-day conference program will feature 76 courses with 140 speakers presenting a leading-edge custom curriculum developed by lighting, technology and design experts serving on the select LFI Conference Advisory Committee. The conference offers practitioners across the lighting, design and technology spectrum relevant topics, accomplished speakers and industry intelligence as an integral component of the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference.

Headlining the conference are keynote speaker Caleb Harper, Principal Investigator and Director of the Open Agriculture (OpenAG) initiative at the MIT Media Lab, and opening day speaker Alex Kanjeev, President of O’Leary Ventures, who will present his remarks in the newly named LFI Live Lounge (formerly The Hub). 

New to the conference is the IoT & Connected Lighting Forum. The transformation of today’s lighting infrastructure with LED products offers the potential for future connected lighting systems where each luminaire becomes a point of intelligence that can share information on space occupancy, activity patterns, changes in temperature or humidity, and daylight levels; and that can integrate wireless communications into the lighting system. The forum addresses connected lighting through a suggested design guide and a field study examining creation of reliable IT networks through smart lighting infrastructure, and using visible light through LiFi to carry data and information. It also addresses smart streetlights and master-planned connected cities.

The Light & Health Forum, which explores the non-visual effects of light on humans, returns with new courses. 

Beyond the conference, new events in the newly christened LFI Live Lounge and the New Exhibitor Pavilion include daily curated trade show tours, emerging professional and student programs, and celebrations for Lightfair’s 30th anniversary. Attendees can also tour Philadelphia landmarks Dilworth Park and Liacouras Center as part of the Conference. 

The pre-conference and conference programs include more than 170 hours of educational options presented as five two-day LIGHTFAIR Institute courses; four one-day Lightfair Institute courses; eight three-hour Lightfair Institute workshops; two three-hour conference workshops; 25 90-minute seminars; five 90-minute Lunch & Learn Seminars; 17 60-minute sessions; five IoT & Connected Lighting Forum sessions; and six Light & Health Forum sessions — all with AIA, ASLA, BOMI, IDCEC, IEEE, IES and NCQLP accreditation. 

Find out more: Lightfair.com/conference.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • August 27, 2026 - Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Meet David McCrone, Symmetry Lighting’s new Commercial Sales Manager!⁠ David brings extensive leadership experience in the lighting and electrical industries. His combination of industry expertise and technical knowledge is a valuable asset as they continue to grow and enhance the support they provide to their customers and partners. They are very excited to have him… Read More…

  • August 26, 2026 - Ben Fischer & Andrew Parker Promoted at Salex

    Salex Announces Two New Leadership Updates

    Salex is excited to share two important leadership updates! Ben Fischer, Principal has been appointed Vice President Sales & Strategic Accounts, where he will lead Salex’s overall sales strategy, supporting continued growth across their markets while strengthening their sales teams, key accounts, and manufacturer partnerships. Andrew Parker P.Eng., Principal has been appointed Vice President Technical… Read More…


Design

  • Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Ethernet is a high performance and reliable networking technology that has been making inroads into architectural LED lighting applications. Having undergone decades of research and development as a workhorse of the IT industry, Ethernet brings a refined pedigree to a lighting industry which is trending toward highly intelligent light fixtures and services. This article highlights… Read More…

  • LEDVANCE: Four-Inch vs Six-Inch Recessed Lighting – Which Is Better?

    LEDVANCE: Four-Inch vs Six-Inch Recessed Lighting – Which Is Better?

    When you need to add lighting to rooms in your commercial and residential spaces, one of the most popular options today is to install recessed light fixtures. It provides a visually pleasing effect while saving space, especially on ceilings. However, many people are confused about which size is appropriate for their needs. Usually, people hesitate… Read More…


New Products

  • WAGO: Lighting Management Solutions

    WAGO: Lighting Management Solutions

    WAGO Lighting Management is a sophisticated solution for lighting control in large spaces such as production facilities and warehouses. Using a combination of predefined hardware and user-friendly software, WAGO offers a lighting management system that facilitates design and commissioning of new lighting systems while providing numerous additional advantages for their operation. Read More…

  • Leviton – Certolux Visioneering (Viscor): LMNW Series LED Wide Commercial Wrap Luminaire

    Leviton – Certolux Visioneering (Viscor): LMNW Series LED Wide Commercial Wrap Luminaire

    When dependable row mounting performance and broad, uniform illumination are required, the LMNW wide commercial wrap delivers a practical solution for both renovation and new construction projects. Designed as a versatile commercial wrap, LMNW combines a wide footprint with a fully illuminated polycarbonate lens to provide smooth, even light distribution while helping simplify upgrades from… Read More…