September 27, 2024
Well-Attended Street & Area Lighting Conference Shines Bright
Outdoor lighting people converge upon Atlanta to learn, network and engage
The Illuminating Engineering Society's (IES) Street & Area Lighting Conference (SALC) wrapped up its four-day event in Atlanta, Georgia, this week, drawing a record post-COVID crowd of approximately 920 attendees and featuring the largest exhibit floors in the event's history.
Held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis from Sunday to Wednesday, the conference attracted professionals from utilities, municipalities, departments of transportation, consulting firms, and the outdoor lighting sector, who participated in educational sessions, networking events, and a trade show with over 80 exhibitors.
Above: Attendees and exhibitors fill the aisles of the exhibit hall
Organizers noted that this year's attendance significantly surpassed recent years, highlighting the sector's ongoing growth, driven by advancements in LED technology and bolstered by government infrastructure investments. With past LightFair restrictions lifted, the exhibit trade show floor featured over 80 booths spread across multiple aisles in the spacious main ballroom.
According to conference organizers, the event aimed to deliver the latest outdoor lighting trends, research, real-world experiences, and educational content. Impressively, SALC’s focused gathering drew 920 attendees, nearly doubling the turnout at last month's IES National Conference in New York City, which attracted around 500 participants.
Focus on Light Pollution and Safety
One of the more popular sessions was Paul Mercier's presentation on "Modern Outdoor Lighting," which addressed the ongoing struggle between minimizing light pollution and meeting community lighting needs. He pointed out that lighting ordinances, often created to protect night skies, sometimes conflict with safety requirements in commercial settings. "Maximum pole height shall not exceed 15 feet," he recited, highlighting a common restriction that can compromise illumination quality, particularly in areas that demand unique solutions for effective lighting for safety and visibility. His presentation sparked important discussions on how to design lighting solutions that respect both environmental concerns and practical requirements.
Attendees in general session of the 2024 Street & Area Lighting Conference
In another notable session, Nick Mesler's presentation, "Blinded by the Light? Reconsidering Street Lighting’s Impact on Crime Prevention," challenged the conventional wisdom that increased lighting directly reduces crime. Mesler presented data from Santa Ana, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, revealing that improved lighting does not always deter criminal activity. The research showed that about half of reported crimes occur during daylight hours, underscoring the need for multifaceted approaches to urban safety.
Spotlight on U.S. Manufacturing and Policy
Attorney Dustin Painter’s presentation on the “Build America, Buy America” policy provided attendees with a detailed look at the impact of federal funding requirements on the construction industry. The act mandates that all iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in federally funded infrastructure projects be sourced from U.S. suppliers. Painter outlined how iron and steel policies will reshape procurement processes across the industry. His session delved into the potential challenges and opportunities that arise from this policy shift, prompting discussions on compliance and the possible use of waivers in special circumstances.
Networking and Emerging Trends
The conference was not only about educational content but also offered ample opportunities for networking, including breakout sessions, a welcome reception, and the popular Casino Night.
Jackie Jags, a marketing leader from Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, opened the event with a keynote that highlighted the importance of going the extra mile to delight stakeholders in every aspect of work, including the design and application process for street and area lighting. Her brief yet lively 12-minute presentation may have also made history as the first time the words “milkshake” and “juicy” were used on the main stage of the Street & Area Lighting Conference.
Above: Jackie Jags of Chick-fil-A delivers the opening keynote presentation
Throughout the event, several sessions highlighted cutting-edge research, case studies, and technology updates, making SALC an essential gathering for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the outdoor lighting industry. Presentations on topics like "DC Smart City Street Lighting" by Christian Lockard and "The Energy and Operational Impacts of Using 0–10v Operational Control for LED Streetlights" by Michael Poplawski kept attendees informed about the latest advancements in lighting technology and sustainability.
Above: Al Uszynski, Inside Lighting, with David Martin, LINX Lighting & Controls
The 2024 SALC in Atlanta proved to be a rewarding event for the lighting people in attendance, offering them insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities.
The 2025 Street & Area Lighting Conference is scheduled for September 21-24, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
