2014's Lighting Tradeshows

We're fortunate in this industry to enjoy a surfeit of high-value tradeshows. Figuring out which one(s) to attend can be a challenge.

Now that we've already rocketed through the first couple of weeks of 2014, it's time to put the finishing touches on the business plan and start implementing. As it does with any other company, our business plan covers most aspects of operation for the year. It anticipates sales, establishes budgets, and identifies the investments necessary to achieve the plan -- everything from capital equipment and infrastructure to tradeshows and education.

Tradeshows sometimes get disparaged, but they serve some useful purposes. They give insight into market and technology trends, and they provide access to key people in the industry. These could be customers, suppliers, or partners. It would probably take the better part of a year to see as many key people on independent trips.

We in the lighting business are fortunate to have many great annual tradeshows, among them LEDucation, Lightfair, Light + Building, and Strategies in Light. But with so many good shows and limited budgets, the decision of which one(s) to attend is anything but easy.

LEDucation 8 takes place March 18-19 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. This show has grown by leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings. It captures the vibrancy and energy of the Big Apple.

Lightfair International 2014 will meet June 1-5 in Las Vegas. It is the world's largest annual architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference (according to its sponsors).

Light + Building takes place March 30 to April 4 in Frankfurt, Germany. Its sponsors call it the world's biggest trade fair for lighting and building services technology.

Overlap?

You may have noticed that that Lightfair and Light + Building overlap in their claims. In fact, both shows have a lot to offer.

Lightfair is an excellent venue to see the latest in LED technology and, I must admit (grudgingly), other light sources and ancillary technologies, such as optics, optical coatings, optical filters, test equipment, and software. It is also a great venue to learn new skills or refresh old ones. Its workshops and courses cover the gamut from heavy-duty topics such as photometrics and the physiological effects of lighting to lighter fare such as lighted clothing.

The Messe Frankfurt trade grounds that host Light + Building are enormous. Each of the 10 multilevel buildings is roughly the size of a department store. More than half house technical lighting, lamps, and components for lighting technology and accessories. Wear comfortable shoes if you decide to go.

Strategies in Light will run Feb. 25-27 in the Santa Clara Convention Center. The organizers view their show as the world's largest educational and networking platform for the LED and lighting industry. This is the only one of the shows that I haven't attended personally (yet). My partner Mike hasn't missed one in recent years; he finds the technical content second to none.

Budgeting for tradeshows is always tough. I find all of them worthwhile. Fortunately, many exhibitors frequent several shows, so I can cover most of the bases by attending one or two.