ALA Gears Up for 2026 Conference in Tucson

Lighting industry leaders will gather on September 27-29 for education, networking and business-focused programming at the annual conference.

The American Lighting Association (ALA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference September 27-29 at The Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The event brings lighting retailers, manufacturers, manufacturers’ representatives, designers and industry partners together for one of the residential lighting industry’s most focused business gatherings.

Built with direct input from ALA members, the conference is designed to address the issues shaping today’s lighting marketplace. This year’s program will feature expert-led sessions on the economic outlook, artificial intelligence, customer experience, emerging market trends and the evolving needs of lighting businesses.

Program highlights will include an interactive workshop led by industry expert Matt Rowan on merchandising and connecting with customers, sessions driven by ALA’s Women in Lighting and NextGen Leadership Circle and channel-specific town halls for showrooms, manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives. Sessions are designed to deliver practical ideas, timely insight and stronger connections across the residential lighting industry.

“We’ve taken a deliberate approach to building an agenda that reflects where our industry is today and where it’s going,” said Gabriel Trinidad of Lighting, Inc. in Austin, Texas, chairman of the ALA Board of Governors. “From a showroom perspective, the value of coming together in this setting is second to none. The conversations, the insights and the relationships that come out of this event are critical to running a strong business in today’s market.”

The Tucson setting will extend the conference experience beyond the meeting room, with networking events, small-group discussions, optional tours (including an Arizona Dark-Sky tour) and outdoor activities designed to help attendees connect in a more relaxed environment. This year’s program will also include a philanthropic networking event benefiting a local Tucson food bank.

Companies are encouraged to bring their teams. ALA is offering a multi-person registration discount for companies sending three or more attendees, making the conference an ideal opportunity for leadership and sales teams as well as emerging leaders to learn together and return with shared ideas for their businesses.

“The ALA Annual Conference is one of the few events built specifically around the needs of the residential lighting industry,” said Jon Melchi, president and CEO of the ALA. “It is where our members can step away from the day-to-day, compare notes with peers, hear directly from experts and return home with stronger relationships and new ideas for their businesses.”

Registration is now open. Conference details, registration information and the full schedule are available here.

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