WIL Reception at ALA Conference to Feature Leaders + Kentucky Derby Hat Activity

Always a much-anticipated event during the annual American Lighting Association (ALA) Conference, the Women in Lighting (WIL) reception will feature visual presentations from four female leaders in the industry, followed by a Kentucky Derby-style milliner (hat-making) activity hosted by the Kentucky Derby Museum.

The WIL reception – sponsored by the Dallas Market Center – will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Monday September 8 and is open to all Conference attendees regardless of gender.

There will be four presentations from respected industry leaders: Cathy Choi, president and CEO of Bulbrite; Martha Graham, owner of Martha Graham and Associates; Laurie Gross, president of Gross Electric; and Maria Mullen, CEO of Hubbardton Forge. Offered in a “Pecha Kucha” style – a presentation of 20 slides, shown for only 20 seconds before progressing to the next one in order to create dynamic visual storytelling sessions – each speaker will candidly share their journey through the lens of career-defining moments, lessons learned, and the bold decisions that shaped their success. Expect honest reflections on the biggest challenges they’ve faced, pivotal risks that paid off, and leadership insights gained over decades in the industry.

Immediately afterward, attendees will craft their own custom fascinator or fedora in a memorable hat-making activity that celebrates the Kentucky Derby location and will serve as a fun accessory to wear for the remainder of the Conference. Although this is a free activity for all registered Conference delegates, advance sign-up is required to reserve the necessary materials.

Along with refreshments and the craft activity, the WIL event will provide attendees with a chance to win a two-night stay at the Hilton Anatole for the January 10-13 edition of Lightovation in Dallas. Attendees will also have the opportunity to support the ALA Women in Lighting Scholarship Fund with a $20 package purchase of a 2025 Women in Lighting T-shirt and an enamel pin featuring the new Women in Lighting logo. With Hubbardton Forge sponsoring the pins, all proceeds will support scholarships for women who are ALA members to take advantage of the valuable education and accreditation opportunities offered by the association. Thanks to generous early contributions made possible by the Kathy Skogen Memorial Women in Lighting Fund, this initiative has even enabled some women to attend the Conference for the first time.

The ALA Conference takes place September 7-9 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky.  For more information, including registration and a full schedule of events, visit www.alaconference.com.

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