Global Networking Events Create New Connections at LIGHTFAIR International 2018

The global lighting, design, and technology community will converge at LIGHTFAIR International to make new connections with colleagues from a diverse array of disciplines. The extensive networking opportunities accompany the trade show and conference experience in Chicago, Illinois, at McCormick Place May 6 - 10, 2018 (pre-conference Lightfair Institute: May 6 - 7; trade show and conference: May 8 - 10).

Lightfair is the pre-eminent event bringing professionals from across the globe together making it an annual conclave of industry colleagues, thought leaders, and manufacturers.

Preceding and setting the stage for the trade show opening, the prestigious LFI Innovation Awards will highlight the industry's most innovative products and designs introduced during the last 12 months. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, May 8, from 8:00 - 9:00am, and the trade show floor will open at 9:00am.

Opening day impact speakers are visionaries Anastasia Su and Martin Lesjak, co-founders of product design firm 13&9. Lesjak is also the CEO and creative director of INNOCAD Architecture. 13&9 is a transdisciplinary product design firm based in Graz, Austria. Their presentation, "New Holism -- A Transdisciplinary Approach to Human-Centered Design," will take place on Tuesday, May 8, in The HUB, booth 4585.

The HUB lounge will offer a central meeting space for events in South Hall, Level 3, booth 4585 at McCormick Place. Networking opportunities will take place May 8 - 10 including featured speakers, exhibitor presentations, receptions, and giveaways.

The "Networking Reception: Industry Professionals, Students, and Emerging Professionals" will bring together attendees in all stages of their studies and careers in the industry on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:00 - 6:00pm.

Exhibitor events in The HUB include presentations by Current, Powered By GE; NEDAP, INC.; Noon Home, Inc.; CBRIGHT Lighting and Zhaga Consortium; and seminars by Enlighted, Inc. and Silvair.

On the final day of Lightfair, the morning in The HUB will begin with "Life Before and After a Lighting Designer: Why Hire a Lighting Designer?" sponsored by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). The events in The HUB end with the complimentary attendee appreciation lunch from 12:00 - 1:00pm while supplies last and a giveaway at 1:00pm to celebrate the 2019 Lightfair location of Philadelphia.

The Chicago Architectural Cruise will give attendees the opportunity to explore the renowned architecture of the city on a docent-led tour by Chicago's First Lady Cruises. This event is open to all and a great networking event on Tuesday, May 8 from 6:00 - 9:00pm.

The New Exhibitor Pavilion will be a gathering place for viewing the latest innovations from first-time exhibitors while enjoying refreshments. There will be a special event each trade show day: "Cocktail Hour" (May 8, 5:00 - 6:00pm), "Chicago Snack" (May 9, 2:00 - 3:00pm), and "Morning Mingle" (May 10, 9:30 - 10:30am). Attendees can also enter to win prizes by logging five or more booth visits in the New Exhibitor Pavilion in the Pavilion Giveaway section in the Lightfair app.

Those interested in learning about navigating the beginning stages of their career in the industry will attend the "Student and Young Professionals Roundtable" on Wednesday, May 9, from 3:00 - 4:30pm in Level 5, room S505.

Attendees will have the opportunity to have a professional headshot photograph taken at the #LFI2018 My Headshot area in booth 1885 in South Hall, Level 3. Another fun stop will be the #LFI2018 Connect with Us: Photo Experience area in Booth 206 in South Hall, Level 3 where they can take a photo or boomerang to post on social media.

The sought-after giveaway at Lightfair will be the brand-new Lightfair reusable water bottle. Attendees with the ticket in their badge can pick up their bottle in The HUB, Booth 4585 while supplies last on May 8 - 9, 9:00am - 6:00pm and May 10, 9:00am - 3:00pm.

Choose Chicago is sponsoring a "Welcome to Chicago Coffee Break" in the Design Lounge, Booth 1262 in South Hall, Level 3 on Wednesday, May 9, from 9:30 - 10:30am.

Visit Lightfair.com/networking-special-events for additional information about the Lightfair International 2018 networking events.

Events at Lightfair International 2018 take place at McCormick Place located at 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616.

For Lightfair International 2018, the pre-conference program will take place from Sunday, May 6 - Monday, May 7, and the LFI trade show and conference will run from Tuesday, May 8 - Thursday, May 10. For more information about Lightfair International, please visit the URL below.