Chicago-based NeoCon, the largest and longest-running show serving the commercial interiors (A&D) industry, will launch Illuminate at NeoCon 2026 (June 8-10), a new show-within-a-show concept dedicated to architectural, technical, and decorative lighting. Debuting during NeoCon at The Mart in Chicago, the strategic expansion reinforces the show’s commitment to the evolving ecosystem of design innovation. The…
Throughout 2025, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board (NFIB) has been marking its centennial anniversary — a milestone that commemorates 100 years since the Falls first became lit every evening. These nightly illuminations are used not only to add a majestic visual to the intense power of the water, but also to honor global causes, notable…
Reading, Pa.-based FrommConnect, the services division of Fromm, a leading Mid-Atlantic electrical products and solutions provider, has appointed Andrew Nairin as Business Development Manager. Nairin will work with area businesses and community organizations to promote FrommConnect’s services and pursue opportunities that support economic growth in the region. Nairin joined the company after a successful career…
A 14-year Acuity Brands Lighting veteran, Donna Sumner has stepped into a new role at the company as Senior Director of Strategic Operations for the Innovation + Architectural Division. She noted in a statement announcing her new position with the company, “Leading the Mark Architectural Lighting and Peerless Lighting teams as Director of Product has…
The concept of sports and event lighting used to be confined to professional stadiums and playing fields, but now sports fans at home can enjoy a similar dynamic atmosphere through customizable lighting controls. For example, Govee, a global leader in smart lighting innovation, has just partnered with the Miami Dolphins football team to bring…
When it was time to create a lighting plan for the new office of an international software firm in Munich, Germany, the Berlin-based architectural firm Kinzo specified lighting products from Light Forms to meet the brief that requested innovation, individuality, and technical finesse. Guided by Kinzo’s vision of a workspace that feels both customized and…
Efficiency Forward, Inc. – the nonprofit organization that administers the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and EVCAN (Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility Network – has appointed two energy executives to its board of directors: Meg Lusardi and Karen Zelmar. “Both Karen and Meg come to Efficiency Forward with years of experience leading high impact energy initiatives that have…
By Emily Lai, LC I was talking to some architects recently who have very little lighting control knowledge. To convey the necessary information easily, I explained the process as if they were five year olds — because when we don’t know a subject, we are all essentially five year olds. Indulge me for a moment…
Illinois-based Crescent Electric Supply Company, one of the largest independent distributors of electrical hardware and supplies, has appointed Penny Cotner President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Cotner joins Crescent after a 12-year tenure at Infinite Electronics, a global supplier of electronic components, including the past seven years as CEO and member of…
DMF Lighting, the leader in modular lighting in the technology integration channel, today announced the appointment of Charlie Derk as Senior Director of Product Strategy. In this new role, Derk will lead DMF’s product roadmap and innovation strategy, driving the continued development of cutting-edge lighting solutions designed to elevate performance, aesthetics, and integration for the smart…
AFX has just released a series of ceiling fans, its first entry into this category. “Expanding into ceiling fans was a natural step for AFX. Our portfolio is strongly aligned with the multifamily channel, and this expansion gives us the opportunity to provide our customers with a more complete overall solution,” noted Greg Weiss, vp/product…
By David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group From a tech viewpoint, AI is what companies talk about. Distributors are implementing it or at least discussing it. Not much gets shared within the manufacturer environment, but it is well in use. In fact, Zekelman just hired a VP AI and Innovation, and he was the #2 person at…
By Geoff Marlow The debate is over. Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming to the lighting and electrical industry — it’s here, working, and delivering measurable results today. While industry professionals continue discussing whether AI represents evolution or revolution, the AI in construction market is projected to reach $22.68 billion by 2032, with AI at the center…
According to an article by Mike Cham, CTO of Encentiv Energy, the transition to smart building technology represents one of the most significant opportunities for property owners to reduce operational costs, improve tenant satisfaction, and enhance asset value. He tackled that very topic in a recent blog post on the company’s website. While the benefits…
By Luis Valls, President & Co-CEO, Turtle In the next five years, U.S. data centers may consume more electricity than the entire state of California. Across the electrical infrastructure landscape, one reality is clear: the grid was not designed for the demands of artificial intelligence, electrification, and continuous digital growth. AI workloads, cloud platforms, and…
Atlanta-based Acuity Brands, Inc. has announced that nine Acuity Brands Lighting solutions were selected for the 2025 Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Progress Report, which showcases the year’s most significant advancements in the art and science of lighting. Selections were made by an impartial committee that evaluated submissions based on uniqueness, innovation, and significance to the…