LEDucation 2027 Introduces LEDawards

The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, presented by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY), is launching LEDawards-a new product recognition program.

Inspired by LEDucation's core mission of accessibility and community education, LEDawards creates an inclusive platform by offering one complimentary product submission per table to every exhibiting manufacturer.

"Traditional industry awards play an important role, but their submission fees have historically kept many exceptional products out of the spotlight," says Kenny Schutz, LEDawards co-chair and principal, Focus Lighting. "Removing those financial barriers, LEDawards allows every LEDucation exhibitor the opportunity to bring their best work to the table."

LEDawards is a lighting product recognition program organized entirely by project application-matching how lighting designers and specifiers research products in the real world.

LEDucation exhibitors can enter one product per table across one targeted application category: commercial, education, entertainment and architainment, healthcare, hospitality, institutional, landscape, lighting controls, luminaire components, offices, residential, retail, and site lighting.

"Designers come to LEDucation energized to find real solutions for their project challenges," says Shaun Fillion, LEDawards co-chair and director of Lighting Design, RAB | NYSID. "With 450-plus exhibitors to view in just three days, LEDawards acts as a curated roadmap, organized by application category, making it easier for designers to find products relevant to their projects."

A volunteer jury of lighting designers and educators will review submissions, looking for originality of form and function, technical performance breakthroughs, tailored application solutions, and sustainability benchmarking.

Approximately 60 leading products will be shortlisted and announced in February 2027, giving manufacturers early news to share across their pre-show outreach and social channels.

Winners will be announced and celebrated in person on April 13 during Designer Day at LEDucation, with additional recognition on the show floor and featured coverage across LEDucation's marketing platforms.

Submissions are now open, closing December 31. The judging period will take place in mid-February, with the shortlist announced the same month. Winners will be revealed on April 13, which is also Designer Day at LEDucation 2027.