November 6, 2023
Architectural Lighting Design Shines at Enlighten Americas
Creativity and collaboration highlight a lively lighting design conference in the Canadian Rockies
BANFF, Alberta – The historic grandeur of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel played host to a vibrant celebration of architectural lighting design, as the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Enlighten Americas 2023 conference unfolded over four days from Wednesday to Saturday. Attracting a dynamic crowd of 396 professionals, the event became a nexus for the brightest minds in lighting design from across North America, South America and Europe, including a notable contingent of architectural lighting manufacturers who cater to the design community.
The IALD Enlighten Americas conference has long been a draw for some of the most gifted lighting designers – the very individuals behind some of the most exclusive and high-profile architectural projects. Yet, unlike conferences of many, many years ago, which some attendees recall for their atmosphere of ego and pretentiousness, the 2023 gathering took on a decidedly different tone. This year's attendees, many of whom compete in the marketplace, shared a palpable spirit of collegiality, lifting each other in a celebration of their profession rather than vying for superiority or the spotlight.
A series of programs and experiences captivated attendees. Noteworthy among them was Osvaldo Sepulveda's profound exploration of lighting in film, and British lighting artist Bruce Munro’s opening talk. Munro offered an inspiring glimpse into the creative process behind his renowned global installations, capturing the audience's imagination.
Another high point of the conference was the induction of Gustavo Avilés, FIALD, into the IALD College of Fellows amidst applause from his peers. This honor, bestowed upon Avilés at the conference's opening session, recognized his extensive contributions to the IALD and the architectural lighting design profession.
Above: The IALD’s next President, Andrea Hartranft, poses with the current IALD President, Mônica Luz Lobo
This year's conference also marked the end of Mônica Luz Lobo's tenure as IALD president, with President-elect Andrea Hartranft set to take the helm on January 1, 2024. Lobo reflected on her term with satisfaction: "Celebrating here my two-year term of IALD Presidency. Great challenges, awesome collective achievements. The future of the IALD is bright! Andrea Hartranft, our talented next president owns it!"
Hartranft shared her anticipation, expressing gratitude and excitement for the year ahead: "Forward and upward—the future of IALD is indeed bright! Thanks to the insightful and collaborative efforts of the staff and the board, and a special thank you to Monica—you are a generous mentor and a wonderful friend. Bring it 2024!"
Business of Light (BOL)
Further enhancing professional development, the 'Business of Light' session equipped attendees with strategies for improved project management and profit maximization.
At the Business of Light interactive workshop presented by the Zweig Group, project management and leadership expert Justin Smith led a half-day session titled "From Project Management to Project Leadership: Unlocking High Performance." The workshop, aimed to transform project managers into project leaders, emphasizing the necessity of delivering high-value projects efficiently in today's competitive market. This transformation is deemed essential for businesses striving to maintain an edge, with high-value projects defined by their ability to balance team leadership, client management, and driving business performance. Smith, leveraging research and experience with over a thousand project managers, shared insights into the foundations of successful project leadership, intended to equip attendees with the tools for consistent high performance in their projects.
The session attracted a diverse group of lighting designers, ranging from business owner novices who recently started their own firms to seasoned veterans with decades of experience. Even the most experienced attendees, who might have considered themselves well-versed enough to forgo such a session, chose to invest time in sharpening their skills and knowledge. A testament to the workshop's value was overheard in the words of a seasoned lighting designer who characterized the session as both "entertaining and informative." They highlighted the acquisition of strategies for more efficient thought processes that culminate in superior project outcomes.
Evening Receptions
Lighting people mingle at Cooper Lighting's Thursday night reception
The evening receptions, generously sponsored by Axis Lighting, Cooper Lighting Solutions, and Acuity Brands, offered a lively array of networking events:
Wednesday's pre-conference cocktail hosted by Axis Lighting welcomed early arrivals in the Fairmont's Riverview Room, setting the tone for the days to come.
Thursday evening featured the President's Opening Reception, where Cooper Lighting Solutions once again provided the generous hospitality and also gifted attendees with distinctive souvenirs to enhance their personal bar collections at home.
Friday night's CAMPLIGHT party, orchestrated by Acuity Brands, took attendees to a nearby Banff National Park event space for an unforgettable rustic adventure complete with firepits, sleigh dogs, live owls and line dancing – all starting with a Moscow Mule served in a frozen glass made entirely of ice.
Illuminated ice sculpture at Acuity Brands' CAMPLIGHT event
On the exhibition front, manufacturers displayed the latest in lighting and controls at tabletop exhibits, leveraging the breaks for engaging discussions with designers. The Cross Talk sessions provided a fertile ground for focus group feedback, proving crucial for product development, as evidenced by a manufacturer's anecdote about a pivotal product decision influenced by past conference feedback.
As the conference concluded in the serene setting of the Canadian Rockies, the architectural lighting design community looks forward to reconvening in next year, in mid-October, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California, for another illuminating encounter.
