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

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…

  • Signify: Unleash Colors from Your TV Screen with New WiZ HDMI Sync Box

    Signify: Unleash Colors from Your TV Screen with New WiZ HDMI Sync Box

    Signify has announced the release of new TV sync features and products for its smart lighting brand WiZ, enabling users to effortlessly immerse themselves in a world of dynamic colors and moods. With the new WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV backlight, users now have an easy and affordable way to sync lights to their… Read More…