LEDucation’s Mood = Upbeat & Uncertain

“There is a lot of uncertainty right now” was the phrase heard most often when exhibitors at LEDucation were asked how their businesses were doing.  Through 2024, manufacturers found orders were steady – not robust – and projects were proceeding along their projected timelines.  Then came a pause in momentum as tariffs took effect (increasing various costs), federal funding became at risk (potentially affecting contracts for multifamily and other federal housing block programs), and interest rates remain stubbornly high for homebuyers. The stock market’s rollercoaster ride, while expected, didn’t help matters.  

All of that said, the LEDucation show and conference – held March 18 and 19 at the New York Hilton Midtown – was buzzing with activity and cautious optimism. Every aisle was packed with qualified attendees, and manufacturers and reps were happily presenting new products or unveiling new capabilities.

Overall, those who participated in LEDucation said they were pleased with their experience. As the lighting industry has matured since the advent of LED, the mix of exhibitors has also evolved. Each year there are more international brands appearing – such as Secto Design of Finland (first time showing), Nuura of Denmark (second time), B Light (second time), and Authentic Design Collection (second time) joining long-standing European exhibitors such as Fabbian, Artemide, DesignPlan, Lodes, Luxxbox, and Zaneen among others.

LEDucation has become a destination for attendees from all over the U.S. as it blends a balance of lighting technology (like one would find at Lightfair) with European design flair (much like ICFF) and a sprinkling of hospitality-focused companies like you would see at HD Expo.         

Domestic manufacturers advertised the fact that their products were American-made, but many of those did not find attendees seeking them out for that reason — it was considered to be a bonus, secondary to design.

LEDucation has also attracted more decorative residential lighting manufacturers looking to expand their client base into the light commercial/hospitality arena.

 It was Avenue Lighting’s first time at LEDucation and company owner Chris Titizian was elated. “I’ve been on the waiting list for some time and fortunately I was able to get space this year at the last minute due to a cancellation,” he said.

One look at the Avenue Lighting booth and it’s apparent why Titizian was thrilled. LEDucation marked the sneak peek of a new category addition for the company: a magnetic track lighting system under the name Magnetix®.  The initial launch includes multiple track heads, pendants, and spotlights. The official debut will be at the upcoming HD Expo in Las Vegas, the first time the company is exhibiting at that show. The lighting showroom market will be able to see the initial Magnetix offering at Lightovation in June.

LEDI (LED Inspirations) marked its second time at LEDucation with a preview of its new Reel Neon line. “People love the look of real neon, but it’s so hard to maintain,” explains vp/sales Mike Hadank. The Reel Neon product line closely simulates the look of authentic neon without the breakage and other issues neon lighting can be prone to — and it can be programmed/controlled like an LED product, which can’t be done using real neon.

SATCO, a 20-year exhibitor of LEDucation has been bringing its more decorative fixtures to the lighting specifier audience in recent years. Lighting showrooms who visited the SATCO/NUVO showroom at Lightovation will recognize the new Darrow collection with its textured acrylic panels resembling glass; the Evander linear island pendant featuring a smoked mirror glass tube and matching sconce; the sparkling Nova collection in K9 crystal; and the contemporary Idris and Kenzo collections with acrylic shades that make the most of edge-lit LED technology.

Another veteran LEDucation exhibitor, Modern Forms, showcased its new decorative basalt stone and beige travertine Caviar mini pendants and Clog wall sconces that were a hit at Lightovation in January.  The company’s booth also included a wide sampling of its smart ceiling fans, pendants, flushmounts, chandeliers, and core products.

Similarly AFX, a long-time exhibitor at LEDucation, featured new product for 2025 at its booth. Already shown to the lighting showroom community at Lightovation, it was the first time that the architectural lighting community could see it in person.

Veteran LEDucation exhibitor Oxygen, part of Quorum International, revealed its latest designs to lighting designers, specifiers, and architects attending the show.  Company president Jose Lopez and sales director Field Bradford were on-hand to meet with attendees and discuss upcoming projects as well as any design challenges that Oxygen could solve.

A rather new company made its debut at LEDucation. MixMatch Lighting, a woman-owned business in Chicago, assembles fixtures that are customized by either specifiers or interior designers for hospitality, commercial, and high-end residential applications. The company offers a wide array of glass, felt, metal, and bamboo shades, plus cages in multiple finishes and sizes, decorative cord covers and chain in a variety of colors, stems and sockets, and assortment of LED bulb styles.   

All in all, LEDucation remains a success story offering a hybrid of lighting categories, product variety, and options for lighting showrooms expanding into more contract and hospitality projects.