October 24, 2024
NYControlled 2024 Highlights Expanding Focus on Controls
Event sees around 700 lighting people, expanded exhibits, and busy seminars
NYControlled, New York’s only trade show exclusively focused on lighting controls, returned to the Metropolitan Pavilion in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, October 29 for its second year.
Organized by the New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC) and the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY), the one-day event drew approximately 700 attendees from over 800 registered participants, representing a wide spectrum of professionals, from lighting designers to OEM integrators. With nearly 50 exhibitors, NYControlled delivered targeted insights into the latest advancements in lighting controls technology.
Megan Carroll, chair of NYControlled, highlighted the benefits of this year’s expanded layout. “A larger space served us well with 48 exhibitors and attendees from all professions in the industry,” Carroll stated, noting the diversity of the event’s audience, which included international guests from Belgium, Spain, and Germany. “Seminars were at max capacity, some standing room only, which reflects the industry’s hunger for focused controls education.” Carroll added that while the show successfully drew a broad range of professionals, reaching more building owners and developers remains a future goal.
Afternoon seminar
Engaging Education and Networking
Attendees and exhibitors praised the event’s robust networking opportunities and educational sessions. Kelly Roberts, principal at Primary Arc Design, emphasized how the show’s lighting controls-only focus facilitated her connections with manufacturers. “As a designer, it was a crucial opportunity to connect with local service teams and get an understanding of updates to the systems I use,” Roberts noted. She added that the controls-only approach allowed her to maintain a focused mindset during her visit, as opposed to shows where controls are one element among many.
Thanks to a rising number of exhibitors and attendees, this year’s event moved from the 3rd floor to the more spacious main floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion.
David Brooks, head of Traxon e:cue Americas, commended the event’s quality of attendees, emphasizing how meaningful conversations with specifiers enriched his experience. “It is great to spend time talking with specifiers and partners about the process of controlling lighting, not just the light produced by the luminaire,” he remarked. Brooks appreciated how the expanded space supported steady, manageable traffic flow, which he said allowed for efficient interactions and improved the overall experience for both exhibitors and attendees.
Steady Foot Traffic Amid Notable Absences
Some attendees observed that the larger layout led to a more spaced-out atmosphere, giving the event a slightly lower energy than last year’s event. Peter Augusta, general manager at Casambi, acknowledged this impact but expressed satisfaction with the show’s engagement levels, noting that “Casambi was busy from start to stop.” Augusta likened NYControlled to the well-established LEDucation trade show, describing the event’s breakout sessions as valuable and well attended.
However, some attendees felt the show could have been better served by attracting more specifying electrical engineers and industry end users, key decision-makers whose participation could enhance the industry’s understanding and integration of advanced lighting controls. Bob Bazan, COO of Chelsea Lighting, described the event’s foot traffic as “average” given the number of exhibitors present, reflecting steady but manageable attendance when he visited.
Above: Acuity Brands showcased multiple controls brands at NYControlled
Additionally, the absence of Lutron, the worldwide leader in lighting controls that had participated in the inaugural NYControlled event, was noticeable. Many attendees expressed curiosity about Lutron’s absence and speculated about its impact on the event’s exhibitor mix. Lutron's NYC showroom is located ten blocks north of the event location.
While NYControlled continued to bring together established and emerging brands, some attendees suggested that attracting a wider variety of controls-specific exhibitors could enrich the show and create a more comprehensive industry representation. Contrary to that notion, one attendee seemed unimpressed with some "no name" exhibitors.
A Growing Platform for Lighting Control
This year’s event continued to reflect the growing importance of lighting controls within the lighting industry. Nicholas Downham, lighting controls manager at Lighting Services Inc., highlighted the critical role of a show dedicated solely to lighting controls. “Having a show dedicated to lighting control is an important step to introducing controls to a wider audience,” Downham stated, encouraging more lighting designers, facility managers, and end users to attend future events.
Many attendees and exhibitors expressed optimism about NYControlled’s future as an essential platform for lighting controls, with the show’s organizers expected to consider participant feedback to further enhance its value and appeal.
