LIGHTFAIR International 2015 Breaks Showfloor, Attendance Records in New York City
June 1, 2015
In its 26th year, LIGHTFAIR International 2015’s show broke attendance and showfloor records across the board when it was held May 5-7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
“The convergence of light and technology is a defining factor in LFI’s 2015 unprecedented success,” said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of LFI managing partner AmericasMart® Atlanta.
He added, “For more than a quarter century, LIGHTFAIR has created the world’s global stage for lighting and design innovation. At LFI 2015, technology emerged as the omnipresent force linking innovation and design in transformative ways.”
The showfloor grew to 268,580 net square feet and had 599 exhibitors, including 108 first-time exhibiting companies and 110 manufacturers headquartered outside the U.S., according to Rochelle Richardson, LIGHTFAIR International vice president.
“The 2015 trade show depth, breadth and diversity captures the holistic nature of LFI’s expanding exhibitor mix,” she added.
LFI 2015 registration grew to 29,900, a 15 percent gain, compared with the previous record set in 2014, with representatives from 89 countries.
Last year’s show was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and had a 239,800 net square foot showfloor and 26.059 attendees, ranking No. 92 on the 2014 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list.
LIGHTFAIR International serves the architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference and is sponsored by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and produced by AMC, Inc.
“LFI has long been the nexus of lighting, design and thought leadership,” said Marsha Turner, CEO of IALD.
She added, “The 2015 showing sustained that mission in a global dialogue exploring the future of light and technology across virtually every dimension of integrated design practice.”
The showfloor featured a product mix of 44 categories that included integrated design, alternative energy and solar power, LEDs, OLEDs, healthcare, hospitality, digital signage and software.
“The volume of product and design innovations recorded at LFI 2015 produced a collective energy previously unseen in all aspects of trade show and Conference,” said Paul Mercier, president, IES. “The resonance of LFI 2015 will be immediate and far-reaching.”
Besides the exhibits, LFI also offered 198 hours of education and contained 78 accredited courses, in addition to a new forum this year – the LFI Controls & Connectivity Forum.
There also were two renowned keynotes - Shuji Nakamura, Ph.D., 2014 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics and inventor Chuck Hoberman, president and founder of Hoberman Associates, who offered their unique perspectives on lighting and design.
The show also hosted the LFI Innovation Awards®, which highlighted the best in new product innovation. LFI received 286 submissions from 151 companies and spanned 14 categories that were judged by an independent panel of lighting professionals.
Check out video highlights from the show HERE.
Next year’s show will be held in April at the San Diego Convention Center.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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