Lighting One Convention Addresses Today’s Retail Challenges

The 2026 convention, held a few days prior to Lightovation in Dallas, was filled with optimism and solidarity.

Over the course of two jam-packed days of educational sessions and one-on-one meetings, Lighting One members were laser-focused on brainstorming ideas for succeeding in today’s business climate.

Noting that the retail business has been undergoing a lot of changes, Lighting One President Gregg Garofalo opened the convention with this observation: “Internet sales are moving fast and pricing aggressively. Distribution channels are shifting. The housing market has significantly slowed. Tariffs squeezing margins. And customers think twice before spending. That’s the reality, and it has not been easy. But here’s the difference: You don’t always win on price, but you do win on experience, knowledge, service and relationships.”

Garofalo emphasized that being part of Lighting One “isn’t just a label — it’s a competitive advantage. There are real, bottom-line advantages that help you stay profitable.”

As a cooperative, Lighting One is able to offer some unique advantages. Garofalo outlined some of them to the membership in his opening address: “Rebates that put money back into your business. Cost savings on products that improve your margins. Reduced freight rates that protect your profitability. Lower credit card processing rates. Consumer financing options that help close more sales, and numerous other business efficiency programs that allow you to do more – with less – and do it with maximum impact. The more you engage, the more you use, the more you lean into what this cooperative offers, the greater your return.”

There are more than 360 Lighting One showrooms across the U.S. and Canada, which provides scale and reach that enables the cooperative to have a noticeable effect. “Driving maximum impact is our theme this year,” Garofalo remarked, adding, “The Lighting One Convention is about pushing each other. Learning from each other. Raising the bar for each other.”

Each membership group plays an important role in bettering the industry as a whole.

“Our showroom members bring the customer experience to life. Our manufacturers and suppliers drive innovation and product leadership. Our independent reps and industry partners connect and strengthen this entire network,” Garofalo said. “And when we’re aligned, this network becomes a true competitive advantage.”

During the closing evening event – which was a full-on FIFA World Cup theme – awards were given to the following:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Alan Karen (Alan sent a video message of gratitude as he could not be at the event in person. “I love this industry. Thank you for this incredible honor,” he said. There will be a party in the Satco showroom on Wednesday, June 24, at 4:30p.m. to celebrate.)

Humanitarian Award – The Director family, Connecticut Lighting Centers

Gregg Garofalo noted that he has worked with all three generations of the Director family during his lighting career. In accepting the award, David Director said he was proud to have followed in the footsteps of his parents.

Supplier of the Year – AFX

*The team at AFX was lauded for their long-time support of Lighting One.*

Showroom Member of the Year – Larry Metz of Northern Lighting in Ohio

*A heartfelt photo collage of Larry Metz’ decades-long career at Northern Lighting in Westerville, Ohio was shared on the video screen.*

In his closing remarks to the membership during the final evening of the convention, Garofalo said, “The commitment and contributions of everyone in attendance has enabled Lighting One to show and prove what people with a purpose and passion can accomplish. The past day and a half have been awesome with Ernie Harker’s energetic and engaging AI session, Angie leading the impactful member-driven networking discussions, the initial direction for the benchmarking program, plus good food and of course drinks. The energy in the room during the supplier speed dating event was contagious, and the economic outlook session with Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce was informative and engaging.”

He added, “We thank each of you for your partnership, friendships, and determination to keep our industry and the Lighting One co-op strong, always evolving, stronger and brighter than ever. Have a great Lightovation week ahead.”

During the evening event, the William Branham Agency won $1,700 in the 50/50 raffle to benefit The H Foundation for cancer research. The company donated their winnings to add to the funds raised for The H Foundation.

To further help The H Foundation reach the next level of $15,000 for the night, Tony Zitoli of Lib & Co donated the remaining amount to reach that goal.

Additional winners at the event included Texas Bright Ideas and Brady’s Design Center, both of which won FIFA-themed prizes from the Speed Dating Event. Two showrooms who registered for Lightovation before the Early Bird deadline – Pine Grove Lighting & Electric and Masterpiece Lighting & Home – will receive partial monetary reimbursement from the Dallas Market Center as a thank you.

Here are some of the Lighting One members, enjoying the last evening of the convention.