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 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 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 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 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.