When LIGHTFAIR® International returned to Chicago earlier this month for the first time since 1995, it marked a special occasion for Focal Point. The hometown architectural lighting manufacturer had opened for business the previous year; therefore it was much different this time. New products, line extensions and human-centric technologies combined to attract crowds to the Focal Point booth at McCormick Place, May 8-10.

An historic moment occurred on May 7 when Peter Thornton, Sr. was recognized with an industry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edison Report. The company’s patriarch thanked his wife Marijane and five children, in addition to his agents for helping Focal Point become the company it is today. Mr. Thornton recalled the early days when the company first started and discussed some of the challenges that are unique to the lighting industry.

“My father’s award kicked off what was a very successful and rewarding next three days. We have certainly come a long way since 1994 and it was great to see how many people visited the booth,” commented Mike Thornton, Chief Marketing Officer.

“Heading into the show, we expected there would be much interest. The “Bringing It All To Light” theme was geared to generate awareness around our new products and technologies, and our vertical integration, which allows us to support the process from specification to installation.”

The new booth earned rave reviews from visitors, especially the Preferred Light immersion area. It gave people the opportunity to experience the advanced LED technology that renders more vivid colors and enhances skin tones, creating more comfortable and visually appealing environments.

The series of new products were a hit, some of which were on display for the first time and others that have yet to be introduced to the market. This included extensions to popular product lines such as Skydome® Edge, the new ID+ Cylinders, as well as the Seem® 1 line, including a suspension with lit endcaps and another one with point sources.

Thornton said he received praise for several products that promote well-being. Skydome Edge, which features a low-profile housing, a regressed lens, and a sharp knife edge, also offers an acoustic companion, in pendant and surface mount options.

The ID+ 3.5” and 4.5” cylinder series also proved popular at LIGHTFAIR. Companion pieces to the popular ID+ Downlights, they offer a one-piece, die-cast reflector with a knife edge and a decorative reveal with a dual purpose: it serves as a heat vent while enhancing the aesthetic.

Thornton mentioned the Seem 1 Acoustic linear luminaire and baffle system attracted attention for its unique ability to be specified with direct, indirect, or indirect/direct light distributions, or simply as an unlit acoustic baffle. Designed for multi-purpose areas, the narrow linear LED luminaire offers a housing made of an eco-friendly and sound absorbing material.

“Gone are the days,” Thornton summarized, “where lighting designers had to drop mismatched linear light fixtures or cylinders between baffles. Or they were having a difficult time specifying a space, let alone making sure the delivery would be synced and the installation done correctly.”

In conclusion, he added, “Focal Point proposes simple ways to ensure both visual and acoustical comfort for today’s open spaces. Featuring our AirCore™ technology, the construction significantly increases the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of the luminaires and baffles.

Learn more about our people, approach, and why we value trusted partnerships by visiting our web site at www.focalpointlights.com.