Master Lighting, Power & Design Through Lightapalooza 2026 Sessions

This new SHINEpro course introduces custom integrators to electrical fundamentals essential for modern residential technology projects. The curriculum covers voltage, current, power relationships, and circuit analysis through practical integration examples.

Topics include Ohm’s Law calculations, voltage drop assessment, conductor sizing, power factor basics, and service panel evaluation. Participants learn to read electrical specifications, coordinate circuit requirements with electricians, and identify when electrical upgrades are needed for technology installations.

As homes adopt electric vehicle chargers, battery systems, and higher-power equipment, integrators increasingly encounter electrical challenges that impact project success. This course provides the foundational knowledge to participate confidently in electrical planning discussions and avoid common installation problems.

Successful completion earns the SHINEpro Intelligent Power Systems Fundamentals Certificate.

Presented Twice During the Conference – Seats are Limited

This new SHINEpro course covers essential control protocols used in residential lighting systems. The curriculum examines phase dimming (forward and reverse), 0-10V analog control, DALI-2 digital protocol, and DMX integration for custom lighting installations.

Topics include dimming compatibility between fixtures and controls, protocol selection for different applications, addressing and configuration requirements, and troubleshooting communication issues. Participants learn when each protocol is appropriate, how to specify compatible components, and common integration challenges.

Modern lighting control systems increasingly rely on digital protocols for precise control and system feedback. Understanding these communication methods enables integrators to design reliable lighting systems, resolve compatibility issues, and coordinate effectively with lighting designers and electrical contractors.

Successful completion earns the SHINEpro Lighting Control Protocol Fundamentals Certificate.

Presented Twice During the Conference – Seats are Limited

Light Can Help You returns to Lightapalooza with a fresh round of lighting fundamentals education for the beginner. Wrapped in their famous graphics and presentations, this new coursework will dive deeper into the technical specifics of light itself, performance lighting fixtures, and the basics of control and is perfect for those just getting into the lighting category. Hands-on lab sessions, premiering at Lightapalooza, will enable participants to ground the lectures in practical experience.

Successful completion earns the SHINEpro Lighting Fundamentals Certificate. Presented Twice During the Conference – Seats are Limited

We always think about new construction, but what about a renovation?  What are the challenges of trying to make a client’s lighting better when you can’t start from scratch?  Can changing lamps (bulbs), adding lenses, aiming and similar techniques be enough?  How do you analyze what is needed (not as easy as just saying “more light”)?  How do you explain and defend your design suggestions?  And how do you look ahead to what the challenges to implementing those design improvements would be?

This hands-on session will introduce participants to the essential skill of reading and applying photometric data in a way that strengthens design outcomes. Attendees will learn how to make sense of fixture reports, understand basic terms like beam angle, lumen output, and distribution, and connect those numbers to real-world design choices. The session emphasizes how data can guide creative intent, helping emerging practitioners gain confidence in selecting fixtures that deliver the desired look, feel, and function.  Focus will be on relatively challenging spaces to predict.

Whether it’s a Picasso or a family portrait, artwork is important to a Client and it’s important to light it properly.  Recessed lights, track lights, framing projectors, and picture lights can all be appropriate but how do you choose?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each one?  How do you space them correctly?

This course explores the art and science of landscape lighting design, teaching participants how to move beyond simply lighting objects and instead create emotionally powerful scenes that transform outdoor spaces. Drawing inspiration from theatrical design, the program emphasizes the use of color, intensity, and direction to shape atmosphere and mood. Students will learn to select and apply light sources with purpose—avoiding “fixture fixation”—and develop systematic approaches to illuminating trees, architecture, and hardscapes effectively. The course also introduces the four critical phases of the design process, giving participants the tools to communicate value, overcome sales challenges, and deliver compelling lighting experiences. 

The best recessed light in the world is useless unless it is put in the right location…so true!  You can’t fix a basic thing like fixture placement once they have been installed and sheetrock goes up.  How confident are you that what you’ve put on paper will actually work?  And lighting design is SO MUCH more than just where you put recessed lights…are you thinking like a designer? Or are you just blindly drawing an array of circles on a plan without considering the effects?  This seminar is critical for anyone who wants to make sure they are not making a mistake in their design process.

This course introduces the five critical areas of professional landscape lighting installation, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to deliver efficient, reliable, and high-performing systems. Topics include streamlined installation workflows, power management and system design, best practices for cables and connections, fixture placement and pre-aiming techniques, and final documentation for long-term serviceability. By combining technical expertise with practical application, this program empowers contractors and designers to elevate their craftsmanship and provide clients with durable, beautifully executed lighting solutions. 

Second only to recessed lights, linear LED fixtures are a huge aspect of architectural lighting that have to be fully understood.  How important are the extrusion choices and how do they work into the millwork details?  How important are things like color rendering, lumen output per foot, dimming range, etc?  How do you pair up linear fixtures with tunable white recessed lights?  These are just some of the difficulties with linear fixtures that will be covered.

This hands-on session will explore diverse visual strategies to convey design intentions clearly and persuasively. From curated portfolios and inspiration boards to the immersive impact of experience centers and labs, participants will discover how different mediums translate vision into understanding. The session highlights practical tools such as Pinterest mood boards, diagrammatic line drawings, color coding, digital sketching, and rendering, along with the role of mock-ups and photometric calculations in validating concepts. Attendees will learn how to combine these approaches into a layered communication toolkit that bridges the gap between abstract ideas and tangible outcomes. 

Analyzing recessed lights is an important thing that even experienced lighting design professionals need to do on a consistent basis.  If you don’t have a deep understanding of the most basic building block of architectural lighting design, then you need to learn more!  Fixture options change constantly…how do you know what to choose for your projects?  It’s not just about what you can sell, it’s about what solves the particular problems of a project.  Reading spec sheets, understanding lumen output, and how to compare fixtures to each other is critical information that will be covered.

How can we be certain a residential lighting system performs as designed? This hands-on session introduces the tools and techniques professionals need to measure, verify, and fine-tune lighting installations. Participants will learn how to use a light meter effectively, capture the right measurements, and apply procedures that assess brightness, contrast, and overall visual quality within a space.

The course will also cover the role of mobile apps in evaluating lighting conditions and provide guidance on selecting the right measurement tools—including examples of both appropriate and inappropriate meters. By the end, attendees will have a clear framework for commissioning residential lighting systems that meet design intent and deliver comfort, functionality, and client satisfaction.

The population of the US is aging. By 2050, nearly 25% of the US population will be over the age of 65. Older adults want to live healthy and productive lives; many in their own homes, and others in supportive retirement communities. In fact, retirement communities have become one of the fasting growing segments of luxury residential construction. In this seminar, Dr. Figueiro will discuss how visual needs change as we age, and how lighting can be designed and adapted to support safety, security, independence, and well-being for older adults. This will include practical tips and advice on how to implement lighting and control strategies for homes and other living environments that support health, independence, and well-being of people as they age.

This interactive workshop is designed to deepen understanding of how light reveals color in residential environments. Beginning with foundational color concepts, we’ll explore the interplay between light sources, objects, and human perception. The workshop will progress to advanced topics, including chromaticity, correlated color temperature, and color rendering, with a special focus on TM-30 IES Method for Evaluating Light Source Color Rendition. Participants will gain practical insights into how spectral characteristics influence object appearance and learn to predict and design for optimal color experiences in high-end residential settings. Through dialogue and hands-on demonstrations, attendees will develop the skills to interpret technical color metrics and apply this knowledge to create visually pleasing and psychologically satisfying living environments.

The beauty and effectiveness of lighting often boil down to the details, and at the forefront of these details is the science of optics. In this session, dive deep into the practical aspects that define a high-quality beam of light.

Uniformity: Discover the importance of consistent illumination, exploring the techniques and technologies that ensure a beam devoid of hotspots and shadows.

Beam Angle to Field Angle Ratio: Understand the nuances of beam spread and its implications on lighting design, ensuring optimal light distribution for various applications.

Accent Lighting: Delve into the art and science of highlighting specific objects or areas, learning how to create focal points that capture attention and elevate spaces.

Wall Washers: Dive into the techniques to achieve smooth, even illumination on vertical surfaces, exploring the balance between light intensity and distribution.

This session is perfect for professionals, hobbyists, and anyone keen on mastering the intricacies of optics in lighting. With a blend of theory and real-world applications, attendees will leave with a sharpened understanding of what makes light not just bright, but right.

Light and dark have a profound impact on humans. A robust, regular pattern of daytime light and nighttime darkness keeps us in synch with our environment, leading to more daytime alertness and better nighttime sleep. In this presentation Dr. Figueiro will review the latest research

This interactive workshop guides participants through the complete process of laying out a residential lighting system, from concept to analysis. Using a sample residential space, attendees will explore fixture selection, placement strategies, and the application of lighting layers to achieve both function and aesthetics.

The session will introduce web-based lighting design software, making it accessible regardless of computer platform, and will demonstrate how analysis tools can simplify the evaluation of design decisions. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and actively work through the exercises, gaining hands-on experience in applying professional techniques to real-world residential projects.

Lighting adds value to a home, but it is not always easy for customers to see and appreciate the value that lighting provides. In this keynote address, Dr. Rea will discuss the value of lighting.

His presentation will include important value propositions of lighting and controls, and how these can best be articulated by technology integrators and explained to customers. His presentation will include information about how people see, how lighting interacts with surfaces, and how it can add value and change the way people feel in a space. Dr. Rea will discuss layers of light, how each function of lighting control must have a purpose, and how technology integrators can articulate the purpose and show the value to their customers.

How can we be certain a residential lighting system performs as designed? This hands-on session introduces the tools and techniques professionals need to measure, verify, and fine-tune lighting installations. Participants will learn how to use a light meter effectively, capture the right measurements, and apply procedures that assess brightness, contrast, and overall visual quality within a space.

The course will also cover the role of mobile apps in evaluating lighting conditions and provide guidance on selecting the right measurement tools—including examples of both appropriate and inappropriate meters. By the end, attendees will have a clear framework for commissioning residential lighting systems that meet design intent and deliver comfort, functionality, and client satisfaction.

This interactive workshop is designed to deepen understanding of how light reveals color in residential environments. Beginning with foundational color concepts, we’ll explore the interplay between light sources, objects, and human perception. The workshop will progress to advanced topics, including chromaticity, correlated color temperature, and color rendering, with a special focus on TM-30 IES Method for Evaluating Light Source Color Rendition. Participants will gain practical insights into how spectral characteristics influence object appearance and learn to predict and design for optimal color experiences in high-end residential settings. Through dialogue and hands-on demonstrations, attendees will develop the skills to interpret technical color metrics and apply this knowledge to create visually pleasing and psychologically satisfying living environments.

Presented by: Kevin Houser, PhD, PE (NE), FIES, LC, LEED AP Professor, School of Civil & Construction Engineering, Oregon State University Chief Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Co-Founder and CEO, Lyralux Inc.

Offered Once Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:00pm-2:30pm – 90 Minute Session – $60 (Fee Increases to $90 December 1st and $120 January 1st)

Level: Proficient to Expert

For: Architect, Design, Interior Designer, Sales

Is Human-Centric Lighting merely a new phrase for old concepts, or does it represent transformative concepts for residential lighting practice? This presentation provides practical guidance for approaching human-centric lighting while navigating both credible scientific potential and marketplace hype. We’ll examine evidence-based strategies that balance human needs with realistic implementation in residential environments.

Presented by: Mark Rea, PhD
Light and Health Research Center
Icahn School of Medici

Offered Once Wednesday, February 18, 2026
8:30am-9:30pm – 60 Minute Session – $40 (Fee Increases to $60 December 1st and $80 January 1st)

Level: Intermediate to Proficient
For: Architect, Design, Engineering, Interior Designer, Sales

Homes today are being built to support the needs of a wide range of family members from small children and teenagers to adults, and grandparents. Each of these family members have individual lighting needs and preferences. How can we design a home lighting and control system to support the health and well-being of each of these individuals living under one roof? 

This presentation will provide information on how, in the not-too-distant future, lighting can be designed to integrate information gathered from smart wearable devices like personal light and activity meters with controls within the home that can tailor the lighting in individual spaces to support the health and wellbeing of the particular family members using each space

Overwhelmed with acronyms and technical terms and barely understandable science- or trying to convince reluctant clients to upgrade their lighting? Join David Warfel for an easy-to-understand dive into lighting design theory based on human perception, needs, and comfort. Simple terms and clear value propositions will make high-end lighting more digestible by you, your team, and your clients, opening the door to category growth.

David Warfel expands on last year’s Brilliant seminars with a closer look at lighting plans for kitchens in this workshop. Learn how to pick the places for fixtures, pick the products, and get creative when designing kitchens and see how the same principles can apply to almost any room in the home. See common details and explore options as you create your own kitchen plan along with David.

Great lighting design is only as effective as the documentation that communicates it. In this session, we’ll break down what makes documentation clear, complete, and useful—and how to spot when critical information is missing. We’ll explore the essential elements every set of lighting documents should include, discuss the bare minimum needed to move a project forward, and highlight examples of both effective and ineffective documentation. Along the way, we’ll consider documentation from both perspectives: what you should expect when receiving documents from others, and what to provide when you’re the one preparing them. Attendees will leave with a practical checklist of the most important details to include and the confidence to recognize when documents support success—or leave too much to guesswork.

When budgets tighten, lighting design often comes under pressure—but value engineering doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for adjusting designs in ways that respect client budgets while still delivering beautiful, functional results. We’ll look at common approaches for reducing costs without undermining the project, and highlight the pitfalls that can leave clients disappointed or compromise the long-term value of the lighting system. Through examples and discussion, you’ll gain insight into how to make smart trade-offs, preserve design integrity, and keep clients happy even when tough choices are required. Walk away with a framework for turning budget challenges into opportunities for creative problem-solving and client trust-building.

David Warfel of Light Can Help You and Dennis Jaques of Maverick Lite join forces to share a wealth of tips, tricks, and procedures for aiming, adjusting, and fine-tuning light fixtures throughout the home. Design and installation are important, but the final tweaks of optics, accessories, aiming, and tuning can push a project from good to great. Leave this session with a list of what to do in this critical commissioning step.

Did you know that Light Can Help You is several businesses combined into one? You may know us for lighting training and education, or perhaps you know we are the leading lighting design team in the custom integration space. But Light Can Help You is also a sales enablement team, supporting dealers in many aspects of the lighting category. Come find out about awesome website assets, online chat support, trade partner CEUs, dealer discussions, amazing pitch decks, and so much more you can use to accelerate your lighting business. 

Lighting placement, product selection, and control integration are only the first brushstrokes of Lighting Design. The true magic begins when light itself becomes an experience during scene programming. 

Join David Warfel and Greg Barrett, to discover how thoughtful lighting scenes transforms the way people live and feel in their homes. In this one-hour session, we will explore both the art and the science of creating dynamic lighting scenes for every space in a home. You’ll learn how to layer light with the right intensities, select color temperatures that support daily rhythms, and how to elegantly utilize saturated colors to evoke specific moods. From morning routines to evening relaxation, this course shows custom integrators how to design scenes that enhance comfort, wellness, and wonder in every home.

Excitement is building for the next evolution of the lighting revolution, and Light Can Help You is building incredible tools to help you up your game. Learn about LDX, the groundbreaking education and experience program and CLIO, the curated online communities, both designed to build competence and confidence in everything from lighting design to deployment to picking just the right fixture. Get in the know and get early access to upcoming releases.

Fixture cut sheets are full of valuable information—but they can also be overwhelming to read, especially for those newer to lighting design. In this interactive session, we’ll walk through cut sheets for a variety of fixture types and use them to build a complete product code for a sample project. Along the way, you’ll gain practical tips for identifying the details that matter most, learn how to avoid common pitfalls, and build confidence in working with manufacturers’ documentation. Whether you’re new to the industry or have years of experience, you’ll leave with tools to make fixture selection and specification a little clearer, a little faster, and a lot less intimidating. 

What does great lighting design look like when it all comes together? In this session, we’ll take a closer look at a completed residential project that delivered beautiful results for the client and valuable lessons for the design and build team. You’ll hear how collaboration among the client, integrator, interior designer, architect, builder, and lighting designer shaped the process—and how the right products, decisions, and communication strategies helped overcome challenges along the way. By walking through real-world choices and outcomes, this session highlights not only the design itself but also the teamwork and problem-solving that made it possible. Attendees will leave with inspiration, practical insights, and ideas they can apply to their own future projects.

Having a great idea is only half the battle—getting others to understand it is what makes a project successful. In this interactive session, we’ll explore practical techniques for communicating your design vision, from quick sketches and inspiration images to AI-generated visuals, written notes, and formal drafts. We’ll also discuss how different audiences—clients, builders, trade partners, and designers—process information in different ways, and what strategies can help you adapt your approach for each. Alongside shared tools and tips, participants will have the chance to exchange what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in real-world practice. You’ll leave with new techniques and insights to help ensure that the ideas in your head come through clearly, confidently, and convincingly to everyone on your project team.

If you’re struggling to get consistent referrals from architects, builders, and designers, you’re not alone. Many integrators find themselves overlooked — not because they lack expertise, but because they haven’t built the kind of value-driven relationships trade partners rely on. In this session, you’ll learn how to position yourself as the go-to technology resource by providing solutions that make your partners’ jobs easier. We’ll cover strategies like hosting educational events, leveraging thoughtful gifting, and building trust that turns connections into steady project referrals. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to create win-win partnerships and a clear roadmap to unlocking new business opportunities.

Think 1:1s are a time suck? Think again. The most successful business leaders use short, regular 1:1 meetings to drive performance, retention, and culture. When done right, 1:1s are where coaching happens, bottlenecks surface, and team members step up. This session teaches a repeatable framework that makes 1:1s productive, not painful — even for the busiest owner.

In-Session Work:

• Learn the VITAL 1:1 structure: check-in, friction, goals, coaching.
• Practice running and receiving a 15-minute 1:1 using real scenarios.
• Build a weekly 1:1 rhythm that fits your calendar without overwhelming it.
• Create a simple shared agenda system to keep conversations focused and actionable.

Outcome: Leave with a clear plan and template to start weekly 1:1s that boost alignment, uncover hidden issues, and build trust — in 30 minutes or less.

The most successful integration firms don’t rely on word of mouth alone, they create a steady pipeline of opportunities by building trusted partnerships with architects, builders, and designers. Earning that trust doesn’t come from a cold call, it comes from showing up as a reliable collaborator who adds value long before a project begins.

In this roundtable, we’ll discuss practical strategies for connecting with the design-build community through:

• Hosting targeted events that showcase your expertise.
• Leveraging education as a value-add for partners.
• Using marketing to position your firm as the go-to resource.
• Strategies to get in early on the project and establish your value

This session is designed to be interactive. Attendees will share what has (and hasn’t) worked for them, leaving with a clearer playbook for building stronger, more profitable partnerships.

Your proposal isn’t just a summary — it’s a sales weapon. A clean, intentional, and persuasive proposal builds trust, removes confusion, and makes the buyer say “yes.” Yet too many proposals look like quotes, not buying decisions. In this session, we’ll show you how small changes to layout, language, and logic can dramatically improve your close rates.

In-Session Work:

• Deconstruct the anatomy of a high-converting proposal: intro, scope, value, price, close.
• Audit your current proposal design for friction points and weak links.
• Rewrite one section (e.g., intro or scope summary) for clarity and persuasion.
• Identify and implement one visual or structural improvement using templates and examples.

Outcome: Leave with a proposal design checklist and a refreshed sample proposal that sells, not just informs — ready to use on your next deal.

Most integrators are stretched thin, juggling too many tasks with too little time. AI isn’t just hype; it’s a practical tool you can put to work right now. In this hands-on, tactical workshop, you’ll learn how GPT technology works and walk step-by-step through creating a custom GPT designed to save time, improve efficiency, and enhance client experiences. You’ll leave with both the confidence and the practical know-how to explore AI, along with a custom GPT you can implement immediately in your own business. 

*Please note: this is a tactical workshop — participants will need a paid ChatGPT account and some basic familiarity with the platform to fully participate.

Your clients are already buying landscape lighting…the only question is whether they’re buying it from you or your competitor. In this punchy session, Ryan Lee reveals how to turn an overlooked add-on into a six-figure revenue stream. If you work with high-end homeowners, you’re sitting on the biggest profit center hiding in plain sight. Don’t miss it.

This session will show you how to capture what’s already yours… Unlocking a $100K+ revenue stream from a service you’ve skipped. You’ll learn how to weave lighting seamlessly into your current offers, command premium pricing, and deliver the kind of“wow factor” that locks in long-term client loyalty. If you’ve been searching for the next big profit center that doesn’t require reinventing your business, this is it.

Your competitors aren’t standing still — and neither should you. Success in 2026 won’t come from doing more of the same, but from smarter strategies that put your business out in front. In this session, you’ll learn a proven framework of 8.5 steps that bring sales, business development, and marketing together to help you boost visibility, strengthen trade and client relationships, and win more of the right projects. Walk away with practical, actionable tactics you can implement immediately to stay one step ahead and position your company to dominate your market this year.

Every company has a constraint — a single weak link limiting growth. It might be quoting speed, staff capacity, financial clarity, or lead flow. The key is not to solve everything, but to solve the right thing. In this session, you’ll use a proven method to identify your biggest current constraint and walk out with a clear action plan to fix it.

In-Session Work:

• Use VITAL’s constraint mapping tool to walk through your core business systems.
• Identify symptoms vs. root cause: is the constraint upstream or downstream?
• Define success criteria for solving the constraint.
• Build a 30-day action plan including metrics, owner, and next steps.

Outcome: Walk away with clarity on what’s holding your business back — and a focused, actionable plan to remove the biggest barrier to growth.

Presented by: Lynne Stambouly, Light Lady at Illuminated Design

Offered Once Wednesday, February 18, 2026
9:00am-10:00am – 60 Minute Session – $40 (Fee Increases to $60 December 1st and $80 January 1st)

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
For: Design, Engineering, Ownership, Project Management, Sales

“Understanding the Interior Designer and Best Practices for Creating Your Best Technology Cheerleader!” 

Interior designers bring deep knowledge of aesthetics, spatial balance, materials, and color, and it’s essential to honor their contributions by listening carefully and aligning technology and lighting solutions with their design intent. In this session, I plan to share my most successful techniques for maximizing the interior designer relationship and making them your most valuable ally.

Delivering lighting successfully requires more than installing fixtures—it demands a clear framework of responsibilities across designers, integrators, electricians, and contractors. This session highlights why role definition is essential to protecting design intent, avoiding miscommunication, and keeping projects on track. Attendees will learn how to use tools such as Lighting Fixture Responsibility Charts to clarify scope and accountability from project kickoff through closeout.
 

By mastering the art of defining and communicating boundaries, project managers can minimize conflicts, reduce rework, and preserve profitability. The session provides practical strategies for setting expectations with other trades and ensuring the integrator’s role is understood, respected, and valued throughout the project lifecycle.

Missed handoffs, unclear ownership, and “I thought they were handling it” moments derail lighting projects every day. This session introduces a Responsibility Matrix, a modern take on the RACI framework, to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and handoffs across your lighting workflow. After learning how to use the tool, you’ll work through one designed around a standard lighting fixture installation project to helping you quickly identify gaps and overlaps, clarify task delegation, and even see where your next hire should be.

Fixture procurement introduces a host of new responsibilities for integrators—logistics, coordination, and financial risk that extend well beyond traditional AV project scopes. This course walks participants through best practices for ordering, staging, and delivering lighting fixtures in a way that reduces errors and supports smooth installation. Topics include pre-order coordination with electricians, managing millwork dependencies, and implementing staggered delivery for high-value components such as trims.
 

Attendees will gain a repeatable framework for reducing costly mistakes, protecting profit margins, and improving client satisfaction. By adopting documented procurement workflows, project managers can transform fixture delivery from a risky obligation into a strategic advantage for their businesses.

Linear lighting offers incredible design possibilities but presents unique challenges in ordering, staging, and installation. This session equips project managers and engineers with strategies to manage these high-risk components effectively. Topics include early coordination with millwork and general contractors, choosing between factory-assembled, raw, or hybrid approaches, and field-verifying dimensions before releasing orders.
 

Participants will also learn best practices for labeling, kit structuring, and phased delivery to avoid costly errors and reorders. By approaching linear lighting with the same rigor applied to automated shades, integrators can reduce risk, improve installation accuracy, and deliver flawless results on some of the most technically demanding aspects of residential lighting projects.

Most companies know their processes exist… but very few have them clearly defined, documented, and operationalized. That lack of clarity leads to un-billable time, miscommunication, and inconsistent results.

In this session, you’ll learn how to quickly capture and design processes using the SIPOC Framework, a proven Lean Six Sigma tool that breaks any process into 5 key components. Then, we’ll show you how you can use the framework as a prompt to leverage AI to instantly create an actionable SOP or checklist your team can use immediately.

You’ll walk away with a repeatable method to:

• Clarify how work actually gets done in your company.
• Break down complex processes into simple, shareable steps.
• Take what’s in the heads of your employees into SOPs and checklists that drive consistency and accountability.

Whether you’re running lighting projects or managing back-office logistics, this session gives you the framework to move from “tribal knowledge” to scalable, documented processes.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the topology of residential power systems
• Identify shortcomings and challenges of powering homes from different sources
• Recognize opportunities based on industry trends and client scenarios
• Comprehend basic elements of smart power and integration points across residential applications

Key Topics & Content Areas:

• Traditional Topology: Panels, breakers, service sizing, consumption patterns
• Market Trends: Net Energy Metering (NEM), Time-of-Use (ToU) rates, electrification initiatives, utility dynamics, EV integration
• Fundamentals of Power Quality
• Basics of Solar Integration
• Understanding Generator Applications
• Defining Peak Management
• Understanding Service Upgrade Avoidance & Virtual Power Plant Technology
• Key Smart Power Functionality – Application Review

Strategic Role: Serves as prerequisite foundation for all subsequent courses.

Deliverable: White Paper on Smart Power Applications.

• Master the fundamentals of rack and device power management systems
• Understand PDU, UPS, and power conditioning applications
• Identify the three core managed benefits delivered by targeted power solutions

Key Topics & Content Areas:

• Three Managed Benefits Framework: Power quality, reliable delivery, system stability
• Equipment Categories: PDUs, UPS systems, power conditioners
• Application Scenarios
• Integration Strategies

Learning Objectives:

• Survey the market of smart panel solutions
• Identify key applications and use cases
• Determine timing and methodology for introduction

Key Topics & Content Areas:

• Market Landscape
• Core Applications: Load management, circuit monitoring, remote control
• Integration Timing: New build vs retrofit
• Home Automation Interface
• Installation Considerations

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze generator limitations
• Explore smart power opportunities
• Design integrated generator + smart power solutions

Key Topics & Content Areas:

• Generator Shortcomings
• Smart Panel Integration
• Battery Hybrid Systems
• Lifestyle Enhancement
• Maintenance and Monitoring Benefits

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the value of BESS in residential use
• Understanding the Single Line Diagram
• Learn design and sizing approaches
• Compare market solutions and technologies

Key Topics & Content Areas:

• Partial vs. Whole Home Coverage
• System Sizing Methodology
• Operational Modes: Grid-tie, backup, peak shaving, solar charging
• Power Source Combinations
• Generator Comparison
• ToU Optimization
• Excess Energy Management
• Get Started: Budgetary Quoting & Client Educations

Instructors: Savant, MEP, Integrator

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm – 120 Minute Session

For: Smart Power Education Attendees

Following the classroom sessions, attendees are invited to a special reception on the exhibit show floor, where Power Category exhibitors will be clustered together. This provides an ideal opportunity for hands-on exploration and one-on-one conversations with exhibitors, allowing participants to directly experience the solutions that complement the day’s educational content and discuss real-world applications with product experts.

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:30am-10:30am
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

As smart homes grow more sophisticated and homeowners demand greater energy independence, custom integrators are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive power solutions that go far beyond traditional electrical work. This forward-looking panel explores how leading integration firms are capitalizing on surging demand for whole-home backup power systems, residential EV charging infrastructure, solar integration with battery storage, and intelligent energy management platforms. Panelists share their experiences navigating utility regulations and permitting requirements, partnering effectively with electrical contractors and energy consultants, positioning power solutions as premium services rather than commodities, and educating clients on the long-term value of resilient, efficient power systems. Whether you’re considering adding power solutions to your service portfolio or looking to refine your existing approach, this discussion provides strategic insights into one of the fastest-growing opportunities in residential technology.

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:00am-12:00pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: Peter Romaniello
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

While still relatively new, there have been enough experiences (good and bad) to look back and review how the lighting design/specification/selling/service process is going within the CI channel.  Some companies have done it very well, and others have had challenges.  We will have a very frank and open panel discussion with some of the leaders in this industry to gain some insight on how to do this whole “thing” successfully. 

Moderated by Peter with experienced ci who have done it for years and what has been learned….David Liu, Drew Balsman, Navot, Michael Brody, Dennis, Navot, as potential panelists

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:00pm-2:00pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Business Development, Design

The most lucrative lighting projects are won long before the RFP arrives—they’re secured through strategic relationships with architects and builders who view integrators as essential design partners rather than vendors brought in after major decisions are made. This business development-focused panel addresses one of the industry’s most requested topics: how to position your firm as the lighting authority that architects and builders actively seek out early in the design process. Panelists share proven strategies for building credibility with the architecture and construction community, communicating in their language and understanding their project pressures and priorities, providing value during pre-construction phases without giving away the farm, navigating the delicate balance between supporting the architect’s vision and protecting your scope, and converting early involvement into signed contracts and long-term repeat business. Stop being the last call when budgets are depleted—learn how to become the first call when lighting vision is being defined.

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:30pm-3:30pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Project Managers, Design, Engineering, Everyone

The lighting integration industry is evolving, and women are playing increasingly vital roles as business owners, designers, project managers, programmers, and technical leaders—bringing fresh perspectives, diverse approaches, and exceptional talent to an industry that benefits immensely from their contributions. This inspiring panel celebrates and amplifies the voices of female professionals who are shaping the future of lighting integration. Hear their unique career journeys and the paths that led them to lighting, the distinctive perspectives and strengths they bring to client relationships and project execution, honest discussions about navigating challenges and breaking through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, advice for other women considering or advancing careers in lighting and integration, and their vision for creating more inclusive, dynamic teams and companies. Whether you’re a woman building your lighting career, a business owner committed to diversifying your team, or anyone who recognizes that the industry’s future depends on welcoming talent from all backgrounds, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable insights.

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 4:00pm-5:00pm 
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

Lighting projects present unique project management challenges that distinguish them from traditional AV installations—from coordinating with architects and electricians during construction to managing complex fixture schedules and ensuring design intent survives to final commissioning. This practical panel draws on real feedback from integration firm project managers actively running lighting projects in 2025 to explore what actually works in the field. Discover how successful firms structure their teams and define clear role responsibilities, establish effective communication protocols with clients, architects, and trades throughout the project lifecycle, utilize software tools and documentation systems to track specifications and changes, manage the critical fixture procurement and delivery timeline, and execute seamless handoffs from sales to design to installation to programming. Whether you’re a project manager refining your lighting workflow or a business owner building your lighting practice infrastructure, this discussion delivers actionable tactics you can implement immediately.

Sponsored by: TBA

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:30am-10:30am
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Business Development, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

While new construction offers ideal conditions for implementing sophisticated lighting designs, the reality is that most integration firms generate substantial revenue from retrofit and remodel projects—work that demands different strategies, creative problem-solving, and realistic client expectation management. This pragmatic panel features integrators who specialize in transforming existing homes with upgraded lighting systems despite the inevitable constraints of established architecture, limited access, and budget realities. Learn how experienced practitioners assess retrofit feasibility during initial walkthroughs, work creatively within existing electrical infrastructure and structural limitations, prioritize which spaces deliver maximum impact for the investment, communicate trade-offs honestly while maintaining client enthusiasm, and execute installations that minimize disruption to occupied homes. Packed with real project examples and hard-won lessons, this discussion equips you with proven tactics for turning retrofit challenges into profitable opportunities.

Sponsored by: TBA

Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:00am-12:00pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: Lynne Stambouly, Light Lady at Illuminated Design
Panelists: Bruce Clark, Kaleidolight

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Business Development, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

The Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) is one of the most critical yet misunderstood communication tools in the project workflow. It’s where design intent meets construction reality—showing fixture placement, switching logic, control zones, ceiling conditions, and coordination points that affect nearly every trade.

Too often, the RCP is created in haste or left until “later,” when decisions have already been made in the field. This panel pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create an RCP that works—for lighting designers, technology integrators, electricians, and clients alike.

Sponsored by: TBA

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
1:00pm-2:00pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Finance, Operations, Sales

The question facing many integration firms isn’t whether a lighting showroom would be valuable—it’s whether the investment actually pays off and how to design a space that genuinely drives sales rather than simply impressing visitors. This candid panel brings together integrators at different stages of the showroom journey to share unfiltered perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and what they wish they’d known before writing the checks. Hear honest discussions about initial investment costs versus actual return on investment, which vignettes and demonstrations truly influence client decisions versus what simply looks impressive, how to design flexible spaces that remain relevant as products and technologies evolve, staffing and maintaining experience centers without draining resources, and measuring real business impact beyond subjective client reactions. Whether you’re contemplating your first showroom investment, refining an existing space, or questioning whether a physical experience center makes sense for your market, this discussion delivers the realistic financial and strategic insights you need to make informed decisions.

Sponsored by: AiSPIRE a WAC Company

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
2:30pm-3:30pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Finance, Operations, Sales, Project Managers

The most successful custom integrators are discovering that lighting represents their next major growth opportunity—but the transition requires more than just adding fixtures to proposals. In this candid panel discussion, integration firm principals share their real-world journeys from traditional AV specialists to confident lighting professionals. Hear honest accounts of the challenges they faced, the investments they made in training and partnerships, the mistakes they learned from, and the strategies that ultimately transformed lighting from an add-on service into a profit center. Whether you’re just beginning to explore lighting as a business expansion or looking to accelerate your existing lighting practice, these firsthand stories provide practical roadmaps and inspiration from peers who have successfully navigated this evolution.

Sponsored by: TBA

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
4:00pm-5:00pm
Included with The Essentials and Premium Pass

Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA

Level: Any Level
For: Ownership, Sales, Project Managers, Design, Engineering

The most extraordinary lighting projects don’t happen in isolation—they emerge from powerful collaborations between skilled lighting designers and talented integrators who understand how to work as true partners. This dynamic panel brings together both sides of the equation to reveal what makes these relationships thrive. Discover how successful teams establish clear communication protocols, define roles and responsibilities, navigate the handoff from design to installation, solve problems collaboratively in the field, and create workflows that maximize both design intent and installation efficiency. Learn what lighting designers truly need from their integration partners, what integrators wish designers understood about implementation realities, and how both disciplines can elevate each other’s work to deliver lighting experiences that exceed client expectations every time.

1.0 LU/HSW, AIA and IDCEC Registered

After a long day at work, the human body and mind are ready for relaxation and rest.   Lighting during the evening and nighttime hours plays a critical role in fostering safety, security, and a sense of welcome to residential projects.   Discover a new, client-friendly approach to illuminating interiors, learn what makes some light fixtures better tools, see why we are putting lighting in the wrong places, and explore the intersection of light, human wellbeing, and intelligent controls.

AIA/IDCEC Accredited – Join Greg Barrett for an interactive exploration of the science and craft behind lighting for artwork. Starting with basic lighting techniques and recommendations for lighting various types artwork, attendee’s will experience how changes in key attributes impact the perception of artwork to create a desired impact. Subsequently we will showcase the expanded experiential possibilities the latest lighting and control technology can create to ensure that each piece of art is always shown in its best light.

Electric light is a dazzling modern marvel, but can we have too much of a good thing? Dark night skies can have profound positive effects on human sleep and wellbeing, but common exterior lighting techniques all but eliminate our access to beneficial darkness. Explore the hidden costs of electric light at night on our own health, learn more about light pollution and light trespass and the growing number of communities that outlaw them, dig into a few of the negative environmental impacts of light at night, and apply what you learn to residential facades, outdoor living spaces, and backyards.

AIA/IDCEC Accredited – Join Greg Barrett for an interactive exploration of the science and craft behind lighting for artwork. Starting with basic lighting techniques and recommendations for lighting various types artwork, attendee’s will experience how changes in key attributes impact the perception of artwork to create a desired impact. Subsequently we will showcase the expanded experiential possibilities the latest lighting and control technology can create to ensure that each piece of art is always shown in its best light.