LIGHTFAIR International 2017 Boasts Largest Trade Show to Date in Philadelphia
June 29, 2017
LIGHTFAIR International boasted its largest show and Philadelphia registration numbers at its most recent event, held May 7-11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference registered 27,939 attendees from 81 countries spanning 277,600 net square feet of expo space, with registration exceeding its 2016 event and increasing 7.4 percent, compared with its 2013 Philadelphia show.
“LFI 2017 was by every measure a study in superlatives with the trade show and conference eclipsing all predecessors in staging, scope and scale,” said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta, which produces the show.
He added, “These pivotal outcomes will accelerate LFI’s growth trajectory for 2018 and beyond.”
The event’s 592 exhibiting companies, including 59 first-time exhibitors, presented the lighting and design industry’s latest innovations and newest concepts, with two brand-new pavilions – Intelligent Lighting and IoT – displaying cutting-edge products and solutions showcased in product presentations featuring technology and connectivity innovations.
“Across every dimension of the trade show and conference, transformative innovation was pronounced and prolific,” said Shirley Coyle, president of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), which co-sponsors the show with the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).
She continued, “LFI 2017 was all about the continuing integration of lighting, technology and connectivity.”
LFI’s expanded trade show floor featured a product mix of 46 categories that included controls, IoT (Internet of Things), decorative, alternative energy including solar power, software, site and roadway, digital signage, healthcare and hospitality.
“The worlds of lighting and design converged in Philadelphia to discover all that is new, next and emergent in practice, concept and theory,” IALD President Victor Palacio said.
He added, “LFI delivered all of that, and more, to reveal a clear vision into the future.”
Preceding and setting the stage for the show’s opening, the LFI Innovation Awards highlighted the industry’s most innovative products and designs introduced during the last 12 months, with 255 entries from 135 exhibiting companies spanning 14 categories judged by an independent panel of lighting professionals.
In addition, the event offered its popular conference component, with 73 education courses taught by 135 industry experts, as well as keynotes, unique networking opportunities and a New Exhibitor Pavilion.
LIGHTFAIR International 2018 is set to take place May6-10 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
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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