August 3, 2024

5 Things to Know: August 10

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Three big tradeshow updates. Plus, Current Lighting faces an unexpected headache.

Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.

1. Current headaches

Current Lighting, LLC emerged victorious in an arbitration dispute with Serrala Americas, Inc., securing $310,818 in attorney's fees and expenses.

The conflict originated from a breach of contract claim, where Serrala sought $685,032 in damages after accusing Current of failing to pay for software services under a Master Services Agreement. However, the arbitrator ruled against Serrala, dismissing their claims and awarding Current a substantial sum for legal costs incurred during the arbitration process.

Despite the arbitrator's decision, Serrala is now challenging the fee award, arguing that the arbitrator exceeded their authority and that the fees were unsupported by evidence. Serrala has filed a petition in federal court to vacate the $310,818 award, claiming that 100% of the billing information on Current's invoices was redacted and that the amount of time Current claimed to have spent on certain tasks was "outrageously excessive." Serrala also disputes the $228,508 in attorney's fees that Current requested, calling the figure excessive given the nature of the case.

2 . LightFair Highlights Stricter Exhibitor Vetting Process

An article published by Inside Lighting on Monday provided several updates for LightFair 2025, including an excruciating analysis of a decrease in exhibitor participation (nine months ahead of the event) compared to LightFair 2023.

In response, LightFair's Senior Show Manager Latoya Gooding clarified that the lower count is due to a more rigorous exhibitor vetting process implemented to ensure the quality of participants. "Our process is more involved than in previous years, with a thorough review by the Board, IALD, IES and a special partnership with Chinese sales partners that are vetting each applicant to maintain high standards for all exhibitors," Gooding stated.

The new vetting process, a response to past exhibitor complaints, requires each applicant to undergo a comprehensive review, including a qualifying questionnaire and unanimous approval by the Board. Gooding explained that several companies allowed in previous years were rejected for the 2023 event to uphold these stringent criteria. "We currently have 20,000 sq. ft. and over 70 exhibitors awaiting approval. This stringent process takes time, but we believe it is necessary. In fact, we have rejected several companies that could tarnish LightFair's reputation." she added.

Since the article five days ago, the exhibitor count for LightFair 2025 has increased from 129 to 139.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

3. Strategy pivot for Prizm Lighting

Prizm Lighting, a subsidiary of American Lighting, has announced a significant strategic shift in its business model. In a memo dated August 9, 2024, the company informed its specification agents that it will be exiting the specification market to refocus on its core business.

The core Prizm products and brand are not going away as they will continue to be offered through American Lighting and the company’s core electrical distribution channel.

When reached for comment, Jennifer Kirkpatrick, Director of Sales, American Lighting shared, "Prizm Lighting is adopting a concentrated strategy by leveraging American Lighting's established market relationships. Prizm is transitioning from a division to a premium product line, marketed under the American Lighting brand. This shift allows us to utilize existing channels and focus on delivering high-quality fixtures, while still developing premium-grade products under the Prizm name. We are excited about the opportunities this transformation brings and the potential for a stronger market presence.”

Effective August 12, Prizm will begin the process of exiting the specification market primarily through ending relationships with spec-focused lighting agencies. The company has outlined a transition plan for its partners, including termination of rep agreements by September 5, 2024, continued commission payments on orders shipped through December 31, 2024, and fulfillment of existing orders and commitments. Reps with buy/sell agreements can continue to purchase products at a 10% discount.

4. ArchLIGHT Summit 2024 Tops 100 Exhibitors

In five weeks, the fourth iteration of the ArchLIGHT Summit will be held at the Dallas Market Center. The event, which has consistently delivered a strong curriculum in its first three years, has struggled to secure full support from the North Texas lighting and design community. But this year is shaping up to have the strongest support, locally, in the show's history.

This year’s summit has seen a significant boost with the addition of two major lighting agent partners, the Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA) and Texas Lighting, pushing the exhibitor count over the 100 mark for the first time. In comparison, the 2022 event hosted 81 exhibitors, while the 2023 summit saw a decline to 67 exhibitors. With five weeks remaining, the 2024 event already lists 106 exhibitors, indicating a growing interest and participation in the summit.

Bell & McCoy Lighting & Controls, is the largest local rep firm not participating as an agent partner this year. The company, which represents Current across much of the southern United States, recently invested $1.4 million to host its own event in Dallas in late July, choosing to focus on their independent venture instead of the ArchLIGHT Summit.

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5. What are the dates for the next four LEDucation events?

As this week’s “5 Things to Know” continues to build on the momentum from LightFair and ArchLIGHT Summit trade show updates, we're excited to provide an update on North America's largest annual trade show for the lighting industry, LEDucation.

The show’s website and Inside Lighting’s popular Lighting Industry Trade Show and Events Calendar updated months ago, but we have yet to officially publish this update on our editorial pages.

In what may be an indication that LEDucation is solidifying its future dates to avoid conflicts with other major shows—and demonstrating its commitment to staying at the New York Hilton Midtown despite the high foot-traffic congestion during day one of the event—the company has signed contracts and locked in dates for LEDucation through 2028.

Future LEDucation Dates: