January 27, 2025
Lightapalooza Delivers Education & More to Custom Integrators
Event highlights smart lighting, education, and networking for custom high-end markets
DALLAS, TEXAS — We’re accustomed to diving into the world of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) lighting at trade shows across the calendar, but last week brought us to a very different kind of “CI.” Lightapalooza 2025, hosted over 3 ½ packed days at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, shifted the focus to custom electronics integrators (CIs), delivering an experience uniquely tailored to their business models and clientele.
This specialized event emphasized education, training, and networking for professionals serving numerous markets, but primarily high-end residential markets. With a focus on smart lighting systems and integrated technologies, the event catered to a unique segment of design & installation professionals.
Lightapalooza is an event for integrators designing and installing custom systems for smart homes and other similar applications. These professionals handle services such as home automation, A/V solutions, networking, security and outdoor entertainment. Their clientele often involves high-end residential applications, a sector some described as “recession-proof” due to its steady demand despite economic fluctuations.
“Our vision is to continue delivering the best in education for the commercial integrator channel, which is poised to impact more lives with better lighting than ever before,” said show organizer Tom Doherty.
Custom Integration Professionals and Their Goals
While many attendees already offered various technologies, including motorized shades, audio/video systems, and security, Lightapalooza provided education in advanced lighting applications. Attendees were particularly focused on understanding how to design spaces with proper lighting and integrate lighting controls into existing systems.
Additionally, over 50 exhibitors were on hand in the bustling exhibit hall. “Lightapalooza is an opportunity to get our brand and products in front of different customer types and tiers that aren’t always reachable in traditional lighting circles,” said J.B. Lowe, head of marketing for Lucetta CI, a brand of Elemental LED.
The event offered a well-rounded agenda, including education tracks, expert panel discussions, and certifications like the SHINEpro Lighting Fundamentals course. Renowned speakers from academia, lighting design, and technology provided insights, including experts like Pete Romaniello, Craig A. Bernecker, Ph.D., Mariana Figueiro, Ph.D., Kevin Houser, Ph.D., Addie Smith, and Sean O’Connor.
Their expertise spanned areas such as human-centric lighting, energy-efficient design, and advanced integration techniques, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and applications in lighting.

Above (L to R): Sean O’Connor moderates a panel discussion featuring Mariana Figueiro, Ph.D., Kevin Houser, Ph.D., Addie Smith, and Scott Hershman
Educational and Networking Opportunities
The schedule reflected Lightapalooza’s emphasis on education and hands-on experiences. Key highlights included:
- SHINEpro Certification Course: A two-part lighting fundamentals course providing essential knowledge for integrators.
- Six Educational Tracks: Ranging from designer-led sessions to intelligent power systems, the tracks emphasized both technical expertise and business growth.
- Expert Panels and Keynotes: Speakers such as Dr. Kevin Houser, a noted researcher in lighting and human factors, headlined discussions.
- Exhibitor Show Floor: Featuring brands like AiSPIRE, DMF, Crestron, Luminii, and Lutron, the floor showcased cutting-edge technologies.
- Showcase Suites and Hands-On Labs: These immersive sessions allowed attendees to explore real-world applications of lighting and controls.
In addition to the educational sessions, the event featured receptions and networking opportunities, including the Women in Lighting Design (WILD) chapter meeting and luncheon, further connecting the CI community.
CI Market: Growth and Opportunity
The focus on custom integrators highlighted their distinct role in advancing the lighting industry. While traditional C&I lighting markets are susceptible to economic volatility, high-end residential projects often remain stable. Exhibitors noted that this market segment offers opportunities for specialized lighting manufacturers to diversify their customer base and tap into a more predictable revenue stream.
The CI community’s integration expertise enables them to bridge the gap between lighting, automation, and energy efficiency, providing clients with cohesive systems. The sustained growth of smart home technologies positions these professionals to continue driving innovation in residential lighting applications.
Forward-Looking Perspective
Lightapalooza 2025 successfully showcased the expanding role of custom integrators in the lighting sector. By focusing on education, integration, and innovation, the event reinforced the potential of the CI sector to influence high-end residential lighting design. With the rise of energy management, smart lighting, and home automation, the market appears poised for sustained growth, offering opportunities for both integrators and manufacturers.
As Tom Doherty noted, the event’s vision of delivering education to the CI channel ensures that these professionals remain at the forefront of technological and design advancements in lighting.