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
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
Add new comment