Decision Made on Lightovation Date Change Proposal

Last month, the Dallas Market Center (DMC) sent a survey to participants of its Luminary program, asking for feedback on proposed date changes for upcoming Lightovation shows. The proposal was whether the show should move to a March and September schedule instead of the usual January and June. [The Luminary program rewards qualified Lightovation attendees who participate in consecutive shows with hotel rebates and airport transportation, depending on the level achieved.]

With January market dates occurring earlier in the month – closer to New Year’s Day – in recent years rather than mid-month as it had been for decades, there has been casual discussion among exhibitors, reps, and showrooms about the inconvenience of having the show’s start so close to the holidays, when many are on vacation. In addition, exhibitors’ national sales meetings are held in the days immediately prior to the first day of market and showroom set-up is happening even earlier. In June, conflicts with graduations, weddings, family reunions, and vacations are a common occurrence.

DMC and the Lighting Board of Governors listened to these concerns, and during the January Board meeting, the idea of a date change to March and September was broached. In February, the DMC emailed a survey to its Luminary participants, soliciting feedback from those who regularly attend both markets.  

The survey results have been tabulated and the decision is to move the Lightovation start date to begin a few days later than previously scheduled — and with a change in the sequence of days, from Saturday to Tuesday, instead of Wednesday to Saturday.  In addition, Interior Designer Day – which was held prior to Lightovation’s opening day this year – will now be on the last day of Lightovation.  Care was taken to overlap the dates with the Total Home & Gift Market so that cross-over buying opportunities are available.

The new Lightovation dates are as follows:

January 10-13, 2026  (Saturday to Tuesday) with Interior Designer Day on Tuesday, January 13

January 9-12, 2027 (Saturday to Tuesday) with Interior Designer Day on Tuesday, January 12

January 8-11, 2028 (Saturday to Tuesday) with Interior Designer Day on Tuesday, January 11

January 20-23, 2029 (Saturday to Tuesday) with Interior Designer Day on Tuesday, January 23

January 19-22, 2030 (Saturday to Tuesday) with Interior Designer Day on Tuesday, January 22

The June Lightovation dates for years 2026-2030 will remain as previously announced.

The DMC explained that the survey had a 30% response rate from lighting showrooms across the U.S. and Canada; 53% of retailers who responded were in favor of keeping the show in January and June, while 47% preferred the March and September dates.  

According to the DMC, consideration was also given to not conflict with the dates other trade shows that Lightovation exhibitors, reps, and attendees might be participating in as well as avoiding a conflict with the Chinese New Year (orders would have had to been placed before that celebration commenced).

Noted Cindy Morris, president and CEO of DMC, “This new date pattern allows more flexibility and travel ease for our lighting customers. This decision was driven by the majority preference of our top lighting buyers and was made in consultation with our Lightovation Board of Governors. More than half of lighting retailers attending Lightovation also shop our gift and home showrooms, so this shift supports efficient discovery and commerce inside the top lighting marketplace in North America and our growing marketplace of home accents and gifts.” 

DMC reported the January 2025 Lightovation welcomed a record-number of first-time attendees, as well as the highest number of international attendees in more than four years. Interior Designer Preview Day welcomed 200+ interior designers to see new lighting from top manufacturers as well as attend exclusive design panel discussions and networking opportunities. 

Other 2025 lighting events at DMC include ArchLIGHT Summit, the lighting trade event and educational platform for the architectural, specification, and design communities, taking place September 16-17. More information on ArchLIGHT Summit is available at www.ArchLIGHTSummit.com. 

Additional information about Lightovation is available on the Lightovation page of the Dallas Market Center website. Keep up with the latest developments by following the #Lightovation hashtag on social media, via the Lightovation Facebook Page and Lightovation – Lighting Industry Discussion Group