July 14, 2023
5 Things to Know: Week Ending July 15
A NYC trade show officially launches with a 4-month runway. Plus, projects cost 35-40% more than they did three years ago.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. It’s On: NYControlled event
As we’ve previously reported in March and in June, a new controls-focused trade show is brewing in New York City and the details are now official:
NYControlled is a lighting controls focused, one-day event that will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Midtown Manhattan on November 14, 2023. The Metropolitan Pavilion is the same event space where local agents Enterprise Lighting Sales and SDA Lighting & Controls host their separate agent events every two years.
NYControlled is organized by the local New York sections (chapters) of the Illuminating Engineering Society and Designers Lighting Forum. The organizers seek to maintain a controls focus and purity by communicating the following terms to prospective exhibitors:
- Only those luminaires connected to electrified and operating controls may be exhibited.
- Only those third-party components essential to the manufacturer’s lighting control system may be exhibited.
- Luminaires with third-party controls are not permitted.
- Only OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) of controls will be accepted, no private label systems.
Exhibitor booths are $3000, and prices increase to $3500 after July 28. According to the IESNYC, there is a critical milestone of August 15, 2023 for show organizers to withdraw from event and minimize financial penalties if there is insufficient participation.
2. Light Trespass from Sports Lighting
According to a report from the Rose Law Group, the Scottsdale (Arizona) Unified School District has reached a settlement agreement with a local residential community over the use of Chaparral High School's baseball and softball field lights that caused vocal objections in recent years.
The two-year dispute sparked after the school installed excessively bright lights that disturbed the local neighborhood. The settlement allows the district to use the lights for 20 nights annually, including up to six Saturdays, provided games commence no later than 6:30 p.m. In return, the district will not use the lights on Sundays, agree to dim them by 20-50% after games, and turn them off one hour after games conclude.
3. Project price tags see 35-40% increase in recent years
According to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data by the Associated Builders and Contractors, construction input prices remained stable in June, matching the previous month's figures. The report, as noted by ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, indicates a moderation in inflation due to improvements in supply chains.
However, despite recent stability, construction input prices have surged over 38% since the onset of the pandemic, more than double the increase observed for economy-wide prices. Basu warns that high material costs, potential interest rate hikes, and tight credit conditions could dampen construction activity in the upcoming quarters. (ABC)
4. Airport Lighting Stolen. How does that happen?
The lighting system of a runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, has been stolen, with airport workers suspected to be involved, according to the BBC.
The theft has resulted in flight disruptions as domestic carriers divert to the international section. Yakubu Funtua, a spokesman for the airport authority, announced an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen property.
The theft is a significant disruption for the metropolis of Lagos, home to 13.5 million people. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria vows to prevent future incidents.
5. LED Drones…Fireworks Alternative?
Drone light shows, safer and more diverse than traditional fireworks, are gaining traction as popular entertainment, according to a CBS 13 Sacramento report. A local drone company creates unique and captivating drone displays, responding to rising demand for fire hazard-free alternatives.
According to the report, California is leading this trend, integrating drone light shows into its entertainment culture. This innovation allows for creative, risk-free displays year-round, recreating the fireworks experience minus the loud booms and fire danger.
