Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, took place January 8-11 and showcased new lighting designs, trends, and innovations to retailers, interior designers, and industry professionals. Lightovation also included Interior Designer Preview Day, which took place on January 7 and offered a first look at new lighting trends and the debut of the relocated International Lighting Pavilion.
Lightovation welcomed a record number of first-time attendees, as well as the highest number of international attendees in over 4 years. Interior Designer Preview Day, which took place the day before Lightovation, welcomed over 200 interior designers to see new lighting from top manufacturers as well as attend exclusive design panel discussions and networking opportunities.
“January Lightovation started the year with great energy from exhibitors and buyers,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We welcomed a record number of new attendees, as well as the highest number of international buyers for a celebration of new products, innovations, and education for everyone in the lighting industry.”
The International Pavilion (TM 4926) debuted a relocated and expanded space for lighting manufacturers from around the world. New in the International Pavilion (TM 4926) were Berkana Crystal (TM 4926-1), which distributes Czech crystal lighting, and Pooky Lighting (TM 4926-6), which offers decorative lighting at the right price point. They join WakaNINE, Zafferano, and Buster + Punch.
New showrooms for Lightovation included Alteck Lighting (TM 3383), which premiered in Dallas with innovative outdoor lighting solutions; Starfire Crystal (TM 4634), a fine crystal chandelier importer; and Viro (TM 4331), a custom lighting division of Hammerton. Dainolite (TM 3917) returned with its contemporary lighting. Additionally, lighting leader and maker of luxury crystal chandeliers Schonbek (TM 3303) relocated and expanded, part of a major renovation for WAC Group that physically connected that line to sister brands WAC Lighting and Modern Forms.
Also new in the Spectrum shared showroom (TM 4432) were Abba Lighting USA (TM 4432-21), distributor of outdoor lighting; lighting manufacturers Dainte Lighting (TM 4432-10), Neko Lighting (TM 4432-05) and Delta Light Group (TM 4432-01); and Hanover Lantern (TM 4432-6), which offered cast-aluminum lighting.
Exhibitors expressed enthusiasm for the show’s commerce and attendance.
Meredith Fingarson, Chief Marketing Officer of Innovations Lighting, said, “January market was an incredible success for Innovations Lighting, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Despite challenging weather conditions, we saw consistent traffic all week, showcasing the strong interest and enthusiasm for our brand. This was truly one of our best shows yet, with tremendous excitement around our latest collections and the debut of our revolutionary Light Lift.”
Added Becky Li, president of WAC Group, “This January’s Lightovation was awesome, a spectacular industry experience where customers saw our talented team at their best. Our brand-new, elegant Schonbek showroom and remarkably renovated WAC showroom are now connected to our beautiful Modern Forms space above. In addition, we debuted the WAC Home collection of connected lighting and control products, unveiled the WAC Group brand collective, and hosted a grand celebration of our company’s illustrious 40th anniversary. The show was a complete success.”
“As our North American Buster + Punch team reflects on Lightovation, the conclusion remains clear – being a part of the International Pavilion for a second season has been great. The new and expanded International Pavilion was the perfect venue to showcase our full range of lighting, electricity, hardware, and furniture,” says David Schlocker, President of Buster + Punch. “Lightovation proved to be inspiring and enlightening for showrooms, sales agents, and interior designers.”
Interior Designer Preview Day
On Tuesday, January 7, the design community attended Interior Designer Preview Day to enjoy a sneak peek of the latest lighting trends and special programming which included a tour exploring ASID’s Top Trends in Interior Design for 2025, and a discussion and happy hour with designer Barclay Butera, who debuted his new Embark lighting collection with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting. The company is also now distributing Mariner Luxury, a handcrafted lighting line from Spain.
Programming in Collaboration With ASID and NKBA
Lightovation sponsored ASID’s 2025 Trends Outlook, which was previewed at the January show, and the content was discussed by panels of experts. Attendees were granted special access to the full report, which is complimentary for ASID members and $179 for non-members.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association also presented highlights from its 2025 Kitchen Trends and 2025 Bath Trends reports for the first time. The local Texas North Plains chapter of NKBA participated in a panel discussion about these trends, as well as a tour of several Lightovation exhibitors with new products relevant to kitchens and baths.
Style Eyes Trendspotting
Interior designers Robin Burrill of Signature Home Services and Heather Fujikawa of Home Sprucing served as the official Style Eyes trendspotters and discovered new products at Lightovation. The Style Eyes program leverages the knowledge and taste-making skills of social media influencers for their insights and discoveries. Robin and Heather both shared their must-see and unique products and trends across the lighting marketplace. Follow Dallas Market Center’s social media channels and #dallasstyleeyes to see what was shared.
Special Events
Key events included ribbon cuttings for new and expanded showrooms; educational seminars and panel presentations; receptions for ALA’s Women in Lighting and Emerging Leaders groups, and exciting anniversaries for showrooms. The 35th ARTS Awards were also presented, honoring manufacturers, retailers, designers, and sales representatives across the home furnishings industry, including dedicated categories specific to lighting. The lighting industry was also recognized at the ARTS Awards with The H Foundation receiving this year’s HEARTS Award and Visual Comfort CEO Andy Singer receiving the 2025 Academy of Achievement Award.
