Judges Announced for 16th Lighting Showroom of the Year Awards

Dallas Market Center has announced the distinguished panel of judges for the 16^th Annual Showroom of the Year Awards, which will be presented during Lightovation, June 18–21, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America. The Showroom of the Year Awards honors outstanding retailers in the lighting industry.

The finalists for Showroom of the Year Awards are judged on several criteria, including merchandising display; marketing and advertising; customer service and engagement; employee education and motivation; and community involvement. Finalists will be named in three categories based on dollar volume, with a winning Showroom of the Year in each category. All finalists are also eligible for three specialty awards: Outstanding Merchandising Display, Exceptional Community Involvement, and Social Media Star.

2025 Showroom of the Year Judges:

Courtney Garrigan, President and Co-founder of Coco & Dash, a nationally recognized home décor showroom and design studio located in the Interior Home + Design Center at Dallas Market Center. Named one of Home Accents Today’s 2024 People to Watch, she has helped position the brand as a trusted resource for designers and clients nationwide. Coco & Dash, along with its interior design division, has received multiple honors including four ARTS Awards, Best of DHome, and features in House Beautiful and Business of Home.

Nancy Leffler Mikulich, founder and principal designer of Oasis Home by NLM Design Interiors, a boutique studio and retail store in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Known for her blend of classic elegance with modern, bohemian, and global influences, Nancy creates refined, livable spaces with a client-focused approach. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), she brings inclusive design expertise to residential projects nationwide. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Elle Décor, Design NJ, and Enlightenment Magazine, and she has participated in top showhouses including Mansion in May and Stately Homes by the Sea.

Warren Shoulberg, award-winning home furnishings business journalist and contributing editor with decades of experience covering the industry. He has written for The Robin Report, Forbes.com, Business of Home, Home Textiles Today, and his own blog, Warrensreport.com. As a former editor-in-chief of leading B2B publications, he has chronicled the industry’s evolution with insight and wit. He has been recognized by organizations including the International Furnishings and Design Association and Gift for Life, and has been cited as an expert by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, and more.

Winners will be announced during the summer edition of Lightovation at a special Showroom of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m. The event is open to all Lightovation attendees. Follow the hashtag #SOTYAwards on social media for the latest updates.

Book Your Hotel Stay at a Special Rate

Dallas Market Center’s partner hotels are offering new, lower rates to support travel budgets for businesses attending Lightovation. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $123/night. For best rates and availability, contact Market Travel by calling 214-744-7444 or click here.

Additional information 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.

To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center and Lightovation Apps. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Blog.

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Deadline for Showroom of the Year Awards Is March 31