Lightapalooza 2026 Conference Schedule & Daily Events

Monday – For the early birds

Monday continues with exhibitors setting up their booths. Some manufacturers are using the afternoon to meet with their sales reps. An exciting education offering, SHINEpro (Specialists in Home Illumination Natural Light and Energy Control) Lighting Fundamentals Certification Course, an 8-hour introduction to lighting session that includes an exam and certification, kicks off at 1pm in two session rooms and picks back up the next morning. Buying groups will gather for private meetings. All followed by the Lightapalooza Welcome Reception open to everyone from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Event Barn presented by our valued Sponsors!

Tuesday – Conference Opens with Keynote, Education Sessions, and Exhibitor Show Floor

Tuesday at Lightapalooza is dedicated to comprehensive learning, but it’s far from just another day of endless education sessions. Based on valuable feedback from last year, we’ve refined and expanded our offerings into distinct education tracks: SHINE Certification, Lighting: Learn From Professional Designers, Advanced Learning Academia Series, Light Can Help You Discover Series, Business Growth: Lighting and Beyond, Operations and Lighting Project Management, Expert Panel Discussion Series, and Smart Power Education Series. The day starts with a keynote address at 8:30am. After the keynote, the Exhibitor Show Floor opens at 9:30am, providing a chance for attendees to explore the latest innovations while education sessions run throughout the day.

Wednesday – Education Continues, Women in Lighting Luncheon and more…

Wednesday at Lightapalooza offers a rich blend of education, networking, and hands-on experiences. The Exhibitor Show Floor is open all day from 9am to 5pm, while education sessions continue across all tracks. Expert Panel Discussions continue throughout the day alongside the Smart Power Education Series, Advanced Learning Academia, Light Can Help You Discover Series, Business Growth sessions, and Operations and Lighting Project Management tracks. The day features the Women in Lighting Luncheon and a mid-day Lightapalooza Education Break, providing key opportunities for connection and inspiration. Manufacturer Training Sessions also continue throughout the day.

Thursday: Certification, Courses, and CEUs – A Day of Learning and Professional Growth

Thursday at Lightapalooza is the final day of the SHINEpro Lighting Fundamentals Certification course and continues with a full day of important courses and topical panel discussions. The Exhibit Show Floor is closed, allowing attendees to focus on the robust education offerings. Thursday is also CEU Day, offering a wide array of AIA and IDCEC Accredited Continuing Education Units. Attendees, including architects, interior designers, and others seeking professional development, will have plenty of opportunities to earn CEUs through the extensive educational sessions available throughout the morning. Education tracks include Advanced Learning Academia Series, Light Can Help You Discover Series, Business Growth: Lighting and Beyond, Operations and Lighting Project Management, Expert Panel Discussions, and the AIA/IDCEC Accredited CEU Track. Manufacturer Training Sessions continue throughout the day. The conference concludes at 4pm.