August 19, 2024
The Definitive IES24 Conference Recap & Review
Video Thumbnail Photo: IES Progress Committee members, Paula Ziegenbein and Shaun Fillion, parody the Summer Olympics during the Progress Report program
Four days of workshops, awards, and networking delight attendees at NYC’s Marriott Marquis
Last week’s IES24: The Lighting Conference delighted attendees who gathered at the Marriott Marquis in New York City for four days of learning, networking, and camaraderie. The event was marked by an energetic and positive atmosphere, reflecting the Illuminating Engineering Society’s (IES) continued upward momentum. The enthusiasm was palpable, with participants eager to engage in the diverse array of sessions and activities offered throughout the conference.
In a promising trend, the conference saw attendee numbers surpass 500 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase may have been influenced by the conference’s prime location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan — a vibrant and dynamic setting that offered a stark contrast to last year’s event near the corner of IKEA and Olive Garden in some place called “Schaumburg, Illinois,” which, for many lighting people, lacked the appeal of New York City’s bustling energy.
Among the many highlights of IES24 were the prestigious IES 2024 Illumination Awards, which recognized excellence in lighting design and innovation. Attendees also participated in pre-conference workshops, including the Leadership Forum, where section leaders from various IES chapters across North America and beyond convened. The Emerging Professionals workshop provided valuable insights and networking opportunities for newcomers to the industry, while the eagerly anticipated Progress Report showcased the latest advancements and trends in lighting technology.
Above: Suzan Tillotson of Tillotson Lighting Design accepts an Award of Distinction at the Illumination Awards
The IES24 conference also featured 30 exhibitors along the perimeter of the Astor Ballroom, where many festivities and programs took place. While setting up tabletop displays requires a significant investment of both time and marketing funds, exhibitors almost unanimously agreed that the low quantity but high quality of attendees made it worthwhile.
Not to be outdone—and arguably the most important aspect of the event—were numerous seminars covering a range of topics. Key sessions included Light and Human Health: Putting the Recommended Practice into Professional Practice, Emerging Technologies, Light Pollution Remedies, and Lighting Science. Some of these topics, like Light and Human Health, were covered from different angles in multiple sessions.
Emerging Professionals
Over 70 Emerging Professionals (EPs) attended IES24: The Lighting Conference, participating in a vibrant full-day pre-conference workshop filled with interactive programs. Numerous local IES Sections focus much of their annual fundraising efforts on supporting trips for students and high-potential newcomers to the industry to attend the conference.
The day began with a Jeopardy! style panel discussion that was a hit, even with Inside Lighting's own Al Uszynski in the mix. Attendees then engaged in "speed dating" style networking, offering valuable connections with industry leaders and peers. The workshop also included an "Icons in Lighting" panel, where industry legends Peter Ngai and Cheryl English, moderated by Mark Roush, shared their career insights and contributions to lighting.
Above: EP Panel Discussion Participants | Left to right: Megan Carroll, Al Uszynski, Emma Weaver, Charles Selander, Ken Kane, and Jessie Frias.
The day concluded with a field trip to the Perelman Performing Arts Center, where dozens of EPs, many on their first-ever trip to New York City, navigated the subway to Lower Manhattan for an in-depth tour of the renowned facility. This experience provided a memorable and educational capstone to a day focused on learning, networking, and professional growth.
IES24 Progress Report Highlights 91 Products, Adds Humor
The Progress Report presentation at IES24, the annual conference of the Illuminating Engineering Society, showcased 91 innovative products advancing technology and the industry. To avoid a dry recitation, the Progress Committee once again incorporated humorous and zany interludes, continuing a tradition of making the event entertaining. This year's skits included parodies of the Summer Olympics, the 1980s TV series The A-Team (reimagined as "The A-19 Team"), the musical Wicked, the reality show The Amazing Race, and the popular web series Hot Ones.
Above: At this year’s conference, Paula Ziegenbein of Hartranft Lighting Design, known for her Taylor Swift-inspired performance at last year’s event, delights the audience with a parody of "Popular" from the hit musical Wicked, playfully serenading Shelly Prew, a.k.a. the Statue of Liberty.
Amidst the entertainment, the committee presented overviews of the 91 products accepted into this year’s Progress Report, highlighting features such as tunable color, high efficacy, and miniaturization.
Notable moments featured pop culture references to the Hawk Tuah Girl, Ross Geller from Friends, and a skit where committee member Rick Leeds sported a mohawk, channeling Mr. T (or was it Mr. T8?), and perfectly delivered the line, "I pity the fool who messes with the A-19 team."
IES Honors Technical and Service Achievements
On Thursday at IES24, the annual conference of the Illuminating Engineering Society, the organization honored the following individuals with Technical and Service awards:
Above: IES Past President, Lance Bennett, presents Naomi Miller with the IES Medal Award
IES Medal Award
The society's most prestigious technical achievement award.
- Naomi Miller
Louis B. Marks Award
Honors exceptional non-technical service to the society.
- Dan Salinas
IES Distinguished Service Award
Recognizes significant non-technical contributions to the IES mission.
- Shaun Fillion
- Michael Grather
- Christian Suvagau
IES Fellow Designation
Acknowledges valuable contributions to the society's technical activities.
- Mitchell Hefter, FIES
- Jeff Tsao, FIES
IES Presidential Award
Recognizes excellence among IES members.
- Brienne Willcock
- Patricia McGillicuddy
- Dan Ozminkowski
- Mark Lien
- Frank Agraz
Past President's Award
- Frank Agraz
IES24 The Lighting Conference was by nearly all accounts a resounding success, blending insightful seminars, engaging workshops, and memorable networking opportunities. The event not only celebrated the achievements within the lighting industry but also set the stage for future advancements. With the positive momentum from this year’s conference, anticipation now turns to IES25, which will be held in Anaheim, California, from August 21-24, 2025. This upcoming event promises to continue the tradition of offering attendees a chance to connect, learn, and advance the field of lighting.
