ANNUAL LIGHTING FORUM

Follow along as leading industry professionals gather to discuss member-driven topics from the effects lighting has on the most powerful industries to the varying aspects of our daily lives.

The Importance of Lighting Educational Grants

This NLB Annual Lighting Forum, hosted by Randy Reid, explores the critical role of educational grants in advancing the lighting industry. Featuring Tom Butters, Executive Director of the NLB; Dan Blitzer, Principal of the Practical Lighting workshop, representing the Nuckolls Fund; Kevin Houser, Professor at Oregon State University; and Bob Davis, Scholar in Residence and Director of Professional Lighting Education for the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as Adjoint Professor of engineering for Tennessee State University. The conversation delves into why organizations support lighting education, the balance between traditional and modern interdisciplinary learning, and the importance of funding for students, faculty, and programs. The panel also highlights the role of professionals in mentoring and educating the next generation and discusses how lighting education can be expanded through collaborations and outreach efforts. The session closes with a call to action for more significant contributions to lighting education initiatives.

Lighting's Contribution to Aging Comfortably in Place

In this National Lighting Bureau (NLB) Annual Lighting Forum, hosted by Randy Reid, Editor of the EdisonReport, experts discuss how lighting intersects with aging to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Panelists include Tom Butters, Executive Director of the NLB; Esther Greenhouse of Silver to Gold Strategic Consulting; Linda Kafka, Founder of the NeuroDesign Academy; and Dawn Brown of Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design. The conversation delves into environmental design, the challenges of aging in place, glare reduction, and the emotional impact of lighting. The panel highlights the need for empathetic and informed design, emphasizing lighting's role in supporting physical, mental, and social well-being. They also stress the growing demand for effective lighting solutions in senior care settings. This discussion underscores the vital role lighting plays in creating safer, more comfortable, and emotionally supportive spaces for aging populations.

Preserving Our Lighting History: Insights, Lessons, and Future Directions

In the NLB's 11th Annual Lighting Forum, Randy Reid had the honor of hosting an esteemed panel of lighting experts to discuss the preservation of our industry’s rich history. Joining the conversation were Hal Wallace, Curator of Electricity Collections at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution; Terry McGowan, Director of Engineering and Mark Lien, Industry Relations Manager for the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

2025 and Beyond: Programs, Progress, and Future Goals

In this session of the 11th Annual Lighting Forum, Randy Reid hosts a discussion with Mary Beth Gotti, Chair of the National Lighting Bureau (NLB), and Tom Butters, Executive Director of the NLB. The panel explores the success of programs like the Tesla Awards, the Transformation Awards, and the Trusted Warranty Program, while also discussing future initiatives, including new memberships, webinars, and expanded collaborations to advance lighting quality and innovation.
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