May 7, 2025
LightFair 2025 Opens to a Subtle Buzz
First day brings mixed engagement and lighter-than-expected foot traffic
Day 1 of LightFair 2025 opened with more questions than answers. As the doors to the Las Vegas Convention Center swung open Tuesday morning, attendees were greeted by a show floor that was compact, easily walkable, and — by several accounts — quieter than some had hoped. While midday periods brought pulses of energy and activity, overall foot traffic appeared lighter compared to the last couple of LightFair events, 2023 in New York and 2022 in Las Vegas.
In past years, when LightFair featured a much larger footprint, attendees often spread their visits across multiple days, making Wednesday the traditionally busiest day. But in 2023 — and likely again in 2025 — the show’s condensed scale has made it possible to cover the floor in a single day. As a result, Tuesday’s opening day may be poised to attract the bulk of the traffic, with activity possibly tapering off as the week continues.
Above: LightFair opening reception at Brooklyn Bowl, sponsored by LEDVANCE. [Left to right] Colleen Harper (IES Executive Director), Christopher Knowlton (IALD CEO), Wilson Dau (IES President), Andrea Hartranft (IALD President), Constantine von Vieregge (CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America), and Jonathan Lubeck (CEO, LEDVANCE North America) — with at least three confidently sporting rented bowling shoes.
Engagement Feedback and Bright Spots
Exhibitor feedback painted a mixed picture. Some booths saw consistent engagement throughout the day, while others experienced longer lulls. Jaime Nunez of ALUZ Lighting reported that his booth was “very busy” for a significant stretch on Tuesday, drawing specifiers from Boston, New York, and Denver — an encouraging sign for those targeting the design community.
The visible presence of lighting designers was noted by many exhibitors. Some designers are participating in programs like Luminary Leaders, while others appear to be in town for various award recognitions. Their involvement added both credibility and energy to the show floor, helping boost the event’s relevance within the architectural lighting community.
We asked Lauren Dandridge, a Los Angeles lighting designer and adjunct professor at USC’s School of Architecture, what brought her to Las Vegas. “I'm here because it's really important to support the IES,” she said, “because the IES in turn supports students — and lighting education is the only way that the lighting industry will continue to thrive.”
Meanwhile, numerous other exhibitors faced slower-than-anticipated traffic, though many expressed optimism that key lighting decision makers may still arrive over the course of the three-day show.
“Made In” Labels Reflect a Shifting Supply Chain
A notable visual trend this year: an uptick in country-of-origin signage. Labels like “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in Malaysia,” and “Made in Cambodia” were more prominently displayed across a number of booths. With tariffs on Chinese goods still impacting sourcing decisions, several manufacturers appear to be leaning into alternative sourcing as both a supply chain strategy and a marketing message.
Above: Nothing says "Made in Malaysia" like a Sharpie
Walking the show floor, it was hard not to notice a broader-than-usual range of international exhibitors — particularly offshore manufacturers of luminaires, drivers, and components. While LightFair has always had a global presence, the proportion this year seems more weighted toward Asia-based suppliers. Whether this reflects a sign of LightFair’s evolving exhibitor base remains to be seen.
Above: Topstar’s backdrop spotlighted its Cambodian manufacturing capabilities
Offsite: Bowling, Darts and Business Cards
After the show closed, the lighting industry migrated to after-hours events that offered more than just free drinks. LEDVANCE sponsored the LightFair opening reception at Brooklyn Bowl, with attendees bowling between conversations.
Keystone Technologies hosted a well-attended event at the Flight Club inside the Venetian, where dart games and networking shared the spotlight. Both events created relaxed environments for the kind of conversations and connections that often outlast trade show booth visits.
Inside Lighting will continue on-site coverage throughout the week as LightFair 2025 unfolds in Las Vegas.
