May 12, 2021

The Return of Local Lighting Events

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Our memories of Cinco de Mayo are usually a blur – but this year, we may remember the day for the reemergence of larger-scale local lighting events.

Over the last 12+ months, local organizations and companies have converted nearly all their meetings and large group activities to virtual events. During that time there have been many instances of trunk shows with boxed lunches and other masked/socially-distanced smaller-scale outdoor venues that took place, but for the most part, 100+ person events weren’t happening in lighting circles.

As more and more lighting professionals get vaccinated and as pandemic caution subsides, there are more and more lighting events happening that are attracting 100+ people.

Lighting Associates, a leading St. Louis lighting agency, recently hosted its Cinco De Mayo – Fiesta in the Park. The event attracted over 275 people including 16 different manufacturers whose representatives traveled to Missouri to attend. The agency had to invest extra effort in obtaining special permissions from the City of St. Louis. They submitted a detailed health plan to the City of St. Louis Health Department. And they were required to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance in the City’s name. But they pulled it all off successfully to the delight of the lighting professionals in attendance.

Instead of having this event at our facility, we chose to have it at Forest Park – a venue where we knew everyone would feel comfortable and safe. Our objective was not only to see our customers and show products but also to give our customers a way for them to see and catch up with friends.

Tony Randazzo, Lighting Associates, Inc.

In Atlanta, the pandemic delayed lighting agent SESCO Lighting from hosting a 2020 grand opening of their new offices and regional warehouse. Spring weather, Cinco de Mayo and top-shelf tequila drew many manufacturers and approximately 175 attendees – including Signify executives – to the new space for a lighting fiesta.

SESCO Atlanta was proud to announce the opening of the SESCO Atlanta Warehouse where we are now stocking Signify’s Ready-to-Go luminaire family of products with same day service! It was great to see so many specifiers, distributors and contractors at the event having a great time of fellowship.

Bryan Pike, SESCO Lighting, Atlanta

Many industry people have been clamoring to reconnect with lighting professionals – and all indications point towards more in-person lighting events happening in the coming weeks and months. We can't wait to see what the industry has in store for Flag Day, which is a mere 33 days away.