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

  • Jan 14, 2026 - GVA Lighting Promotes Gareth Bruce to Vice President – Sales & Marketing

    GVA Lighting Promotes Gareth Bruce to Vice President – Sales & Marketing

    GVA Lighting is pleased to announce the promotion of Gareth Bruce to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, effective December 5th, 2025. Gareth joined GVA in May 2024 as Regional Sales Manager – Southeast, bringing more than two decades of lighting industry experience from Philips / Signify. He was promoted to Director of North American Sales in September 2024 and has since… Read More…

  • Jan 14, 2026 - Intralec Electrical Products Proudly Representing SATCO NUVO Lighting Solutions

    Intralec Electrical Products Announces SATCO NUVO Representation

    Intralec is proud to represent SATCO | NUVO lighting solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial applications. SATCO | NUVO is a major supplier of lighting products, with solutions for nearly every lighting market across the commercial, residential, and industrial landscape. With over 1.5 million square feet of inventory throughout North America and thousands of products… Read More…


Design

  • EB Horsman: Can LED Roadway Lighting Enhance Road Safety & Efficiency?

    EB Horsman: Can LED Roadway Lighting Enhance Road Safety & Efficiency?

    At EB Horsman, they recognize that effective roadway lighting is a crucial component of public safety. With Lumec’s LED roadway lighting solutions, communities can ensure reliable, high-quality illumination that supports safer travel for everyone, day or night, while also improving energy efficiency and long-term operational performance. High-quality roadway lighting is a critical component of public… Read More…

  • Prolux Lighting & Controls: Project Spotlight – Residential House in the Kootenays

    Prolux Lighting & Controls: Project Spotlight – Residential House in the Kootenays

    Have a look at this custom residential home in the Kootenays, where Prolux utilized the HALO RL6 Slope Ceiling Direct Mount fixtures by Cooper Lighting Solutions designed specifically for sloped ceilings. These luminaires provided consistent, high-quality illumination while maintaining a clean, low-profile ceiling aesthetic. Their direct-mount design allowed for seamless integration throughout the home, supporting… Read More…


New Products

  • Philips Hue Transforms Lighting Design with the Hue SpatialAware Feature That Understands Your Space

    Philips Hue Transforms Lighting Design with the Hue SpatialAware Feature That Understands Your Space

    Signify is introducing Hue SpatialAware, which will transform how Philips Hue users experience light scenes. This feature analyzes the layout of your room and the placement of your Philips Hue lights to create the optimal lighting experience tailored to your unique environment. It’s like having a lighting designer in your pocket, allowing you to experience… Read More…

  • Liteline: New LUNA Fire Driver for 3.5″ Fixture

    Liteline: New LUNA Fire Driver for 3.5″ Fixture

    Introducing a new lower-cost driver option for LUNA Fire! This 12W, 120V driver with TRIAC/ELV dimming is designed to significantly reduce cost while maintaining performance, giving you more flexibility.  The LUNA Fire meets UL 1598 / 2108/ 263, CSA C22.2 #250.0 / 250.2, and ULC-S101 safety and building construction requirements granting inherent 2-hour fire-rated protection. It… Read More…