Survey at Lightovation Leads to New Show Dates

Dallas Market Center has announced a shift in the Lightovation date pattern beginning next January, in response to input from retailers, manufacturers, and reps.

Considering that many lighting showrooms use the opportunity to buy home accents and gifts to sell in their stores during the Total Home & Gift Market, Dallas Market Center (DMC) will be shifting the Lightovation dates back to the Wednesday-Saturday pattern to more closely align with the home and gift market. The move is also welcome news for smaller lighting showrooms that have staffing challenges when a lighting event is held over a weekend.  

According to DMC, the shift to the traditional date pattern for Lightovation was made after surveying lighting retailers during the recent January show about their preference for market dates.

In addition, another shift was made in response to Lightovation’s manufacturer, retailer, and rep preferences. The January 2027 edition will be the final year the show begins during the first week of the new year. As of January 2028, Lightovation will begin later in the month as it had years ago. The Design + Build Day schedule will be announced at a later date.

“This adjustment reflects direct input from the lighting retailer community,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of DMC. “We understand the concerns about an early start to the show, which takes place for only one more year. Beginning in 2028 we’re beginning the show later in January, creating stronger overlap with Total Home & Gift Market, and delivering a schedule that better supports planning, travel, discovery, and buying cycles.”

The new Lightovation schedule is as follows:

2026

June 23 (Tuesday): Design + Build Day at Lightovation

June 24-27 (Wednesday to Saturday): Lightovation

June 24-30 (Wednesday to Tuesday): Total Home & Gift Market

2027

January 6-9 (Wednesday to Saturday): Lightovation

January 6-12 (Wednesday to Tuesday): Total Home & Gift Market

June 23-26 (Wednesday to Saturday): Lightovation

June 23-29 (Wednesday to Tuesday): Total Home & Gift Market

2028

January 19-22 (Wednesday to Saturday): Lightovation

January 18-24 (Tuesday to Monday): Total Home & Gift Market

June 21-24 (Wednesday to Saturday): Lightovation

June 21-26 (Wednesday to Monday): Total Home & Gift Market

Haven’t Booked for June 2026 Yet? Act Fast to Get the Best Price

All Lightovation attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to book hotel rooms for the June edition of Lightovation to secure availability and preferred rates within Dallas Market Center’s official hotel blocks, especially with World Cup games taking place in the region. Hotel rooms for June can be made here.

Related articles

Decision Made on Lightovation Date Change Proposal