LIGHTFAIR^® International will open May 7 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the 28^th staging of the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference.  Tens of thousands of professionals from around the world will experience the products and knowledge transforming the future of light and technology in the Pre-Conference LIGHTFAIR Institute^® (May 7 – 8) and Trade Show & Conference (May 9 – 11).

More than 590 exhibitors will present the lighting and design industry’s latest innovations and newest concepts from the world’s leading manufacturers.  Two brand-new pavilions—Intelligent Lighting and IoT—will display cutting-edge products and solutions showcased in product presentations featuring technology and connectivity innovations.

The trade show will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9.  Preceding and setting the stage for the trade show opening, the prestigious LFI Innovation Awards^® on May 9 from 8-9 a.m. will highlight the industry’s most innovative products and designs introduced during the last 12 months.

LIGHTFAIR’s unmatched Conference program is where lighting and design professionals learn about what’s on the horizon.  The knowledge shared by top industry practitioners informs the global community of the newest discoveries and practices.  Courses range from 60 minutes to 2 days in length and cover relevant topics while providing insight and inspiration from the industry’s top thought leaders. LIGHTFAIR will offer Spanish and Portuguese simultaneous translation for eight select seminars.

The IoT & Smart Lighting Forum on Wednesday, May 10 explores the benefits of connectivity that drive lighting and technology ahead.  Session topics include connected lighting, intelligent buildings, facility design, cyber security and city impact.  The IoT & Smart Lighting Forum is sponsored by ENLIGHTED, INC., Booth 3849.

The Light & Health Forum on Wednesday, May 10 outlines the impact of light on biological health and well-being and addresses current issues such as the potential for blue light as a hazard. Sessions cover research, blue light, independent living facility design, 24-hour lighting environments and hospital lighting.

LIGHTFAIR will offer an off-site tour to lighting design projects by The Lighting Practice (sponsored by B-K LIGHTING & TEKA ILLUMINATION, Booth 3325).

During the keynote luncheon on Sunday, May 7, Sakchin Bessette will elaborate on Moment Factory's work that continues to “push the boundaries of excellence in new media and public art” with a presentation titled "Another Light."  On Monday, May 8 for “ART: Illuminating Cities,” Janet Echelman will discuss her fascinating work and attendees will find out more about her sculptures around the world (keynote sponsored by EATON, Booth 1101).  For the third keynote—a new addition to the 2017 LFI calendar—on  May 9, Dr. Michio Kaku will present “The Next 20 Years: How Science Will Revolutionize Business, Medicine, Architecture, Lighting and Our Way of Life.”

New events in The HUB bring together different groups of attendees to provide unique networking opportunities. Events include the “Welcome to Philadelphia Reception” on May 9, two young professional events on May 10and a women in lighting series event “The Work/Life Balancing Act: Expectations & Communication across Generations” on May 11.  The HUB, sponsored by MINEBEAMITSUMI (Booth 3539), will offer a central meeting space for events in Level 100, Hall F, Booth 5455 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The New Exhibitor Pavilion will be a place to gather and enjoy refreshments while viewing the latest innovations from first-time exhibitors.  There will be a special event each trade show day: “Cocktail Hour” (May 9, 4-5 p.m.), “Philadelphia Snack” (May 10, 3-4 p.m.) and “Morning Mingle” (May 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.).  Attendees can also enter to win prizes by logging five or more booth visits in the New Exhibitor Pavilion within the Pavilion Giveaway section in the LIGHTFAIR app.

All LIGHTFAIR International 2017 events take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center located at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

For LIGHTFAIR International 2017, the Pre-Conference program will take place from Sunday, May 7 – Monday, May 8, 2017 and the LFI Trade Show and Conference will run from Tuesday, May 9 – Thursday, May 11, 2017.  For more information about LIGHTFAIR International, please visit LIGHTFAIR.COM.