Lightapalooza 2026 brings together leading university professors and researchers to deliver advanced technical education in lighting science and design—a level of academic rigor unprecedented in the custom integration industry. As integrators expand into lighting as a core service offering, understanding the scientific principles underlying design decisions becomes essential for differentiation and professional credibility. This distinguished faculty includes experts conducting cutting-edge research at major universities, offering attendees direct access to knowledge typically available only through graduate-level coursework. Sessions address foundational and advanced topics including circadian-effective lighting and its measurable impact on human health, sleep, and alertness across different life stages, spectral power distribution and color rendering evaluation using CRI and TM-30 metrics, photometric measurement techniques and data interpretation for design validation, optical engineering fundamentals that determine beam quality and fixture performance, the psychological and physiological value of lighting in residential environments, evidence-based design strategies grounded in peer-reviewed research, and the evolving science of how lighting influences what we see and how we feel in our homes. Through real-world case studies and practical application of theoretical concepts, attendees gain both the scientific vocabulary and analytical frameworks to elevate their professional practice. This track bridges the gap between intuitive design decisions and scientifically validated methodologies, offering university-level instruction in lighting science and human-centric design unavailable at any other custom integration education event.

Advancing Skills: Learning from Professional Designers

Led by certified lighting design professionals, this track delivers advanced technical expertise in architectural and landscape lighting execution tailored specifically for integrators expanding their capabilities beyond traditional technology systems. Custom integrators entering the lighting space face unique challenges—translating design intent into specification decisions, defending fixture choices to discerning clients and trade partners, and executing installations that meet professional design standards. Sessions address critical competencies including recessed and linear fixture analysis, photometric interpretation and application, spatial planning methodologies, renovation project constraints, artwork illumination techniques, and comprehensive landscape lighting design and installation frameworks. Through technical instruction grounded in real-world application, attendees will develop the analytical skills, design vocabulary, and communication strategies required to confidently evaluate fixtures, justify recommendations, and implement lighting solutions that satisfy both aesthetic vision and functional performance requirements across new construction and existing residential environments. This track bridges the gap between technical capability and professional lighting design proficiency.

The Expert Panel Discussion Series brings together experienced integrators, lighting designers, manufacturers, and trade professionals for candid conversations on the challenges and opportunities defining residential lighting and power integration. These dynamic sessions deliver honest insights, real-world workflows, and hard-won lessons from professionals navigating lighting business transformation. Panel topics address critical challenges including the evolution from product sales to comprehensive solutions encompassing control and power systems, software workflows and design tool selection, successful designer-integrator collaborations, project management frameworks, retrofit strategies, showroom ROI evaluation, and relationship development with architects and builders. Moderated discussions feature frank assessments of what works, what fails, and why—providing attendees with practical strategies drawn from actual project experiences rather than theoretical approaches. These sessions create opportunities for peer learning, networking with industry leaders, and gaining competitive intelligence that accelerates business growth and operational excellence in lighting integration.

SHINE (Specialists in Home Illumination Natural Light and Energy Control) is the industry’s only certification program addressing the complete spectrum of emerging categories transforming progressive integration firms. Designed specifically for custom integrators expanding beyond traditional technology systems, SHINE delivers rigorous, examination-based certification courses that validate professional competency in lighting fundamentals, lighting control protocols, power systems, and natural light control. Each intensive course combines expert instruction with comprehensive assessment, providing integrators with recognized credentials that demonstrate technical expertise to clients, trade partners, and industry peers. This is the only certification framework in the custom integration industry that encompasses the interconnected disciplines of illumination, control technology, electrical infrastructure, and daylighting—equipping integrators with the complete knowledge base required to confidently deliver integrated lighting and power solutions.