Lightfair 2012 is just around the corner—May 7-11 to be exact. The organizers of the conference and trade show continue to expand the program offerings and provide attendees and exhibitors with a comprehensive experience.

One event that Architectural Lighting would like to call your attention to is the Media Panel, "Building the Bridge Between Editors and the Industry," on Fri. May 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Elizabeth Donoff, Editor of Architectural Lighting will be participating in the panel along with editors from other publications including LD+A, Architectural SSL, and High Performing Buildings, sharing editorial insights and discussing strategies for lighting designers, lighting manufacturers, and PR firms, when approaching publications with content items. Don't miss this first-hand opportunity to speak directly with editors.

Here is a look at some of the other events, activities, and resources during Lightfair that you might want to think about adding to your schedule.

  • Lightfair Daylighting Institute and Lightfair Institute, May 7-8

A series of full-day and half-day education sessions focusing on lighting fundamentals.

  • Lightfair Conference Seminars, May 9-11

Hour-and-a-half seminars focusing on lighting topics across eight different tracks—Lighting Applications, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Technology, Retrofit and Upgrade, Professional Development, Integrated Design, and Human Factors in Lighting. For a list of all course offerings go to: http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/index.cvn?id=10295

  • Keynote Talks
  • Mon. May 7, 12:15-1:45 p.m.: A Curriculum for the 21st Century: Storytelling, Architecture, Technology & Experience, Speaker:Don Marinelli, tenured Professor of Drama and Arts Management at Carnegie Mellon University and the Executive Producer of the Entertainment Technology Center.

Tues. May 8, 12:15-1:45 p.m.: Avatar and Beyond: Lighting Hollywood's Real and Virtual Actors, Speaker: Paul Debevec, University of Southern California (USC) Institute for Creative Technologies, Associate Professor USC Computer Science Department

Thurs. May 10, 3:00-4:00 p.m.: Illuminating Diplomacy: Opportunities of the Lighting Revolution in Foreign Commerce and Geopolitics, Speaker: U.S. Ambassador to Finland Bruce J. Oreck

For more details about all of the keynote speakers go to: http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/index.cvn?id=10310

  • Lightfair Innovation Awards Presentation

Wed. May 9, 8:30 – 10:00a.m. This year the product awards will be presented in a more concise presentation. For more details go to: http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/index.cvn?id=10219

  • Lightfair Pavilions

In addition to the manufacturer booth displays, there are five pavilions on the show floor, each showcasing a different aspect of lighting. They include: Building Integration, Daylighting, Design, Global Light +Design, and new for 2012, New Exhibitors. For more details go to: http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/index.cvn?id=10303

  • Student Outreach

The Lightfair organizers continue to make Lightfair accessible to students and provide opportunities for them to liaise with practitioners. This year in addition to the Student Volunteer Program there will be a lighting education meet and greet; student tours of the exhibit hall; student portfolio reviews; and a new emerging professional mixer. For more details about all of these activities go to: http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/index.cvn?id=10267

  • Lightfair Mobile App

The App includes: exhibitor lists; interactive maps and floor plan; conference session information; speaker bios; and calendar listings for networking and special events. It can be downloaded at m.lightfair.com.

  • IALD Special Sessions at Lightfair

Wed. May 9, 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Credentialing Briefing, Location: Rm. N213-214 An update on the activities of the IALD Credentialing Task Force.

Wed. May 9, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Public Policy Briefing, Location: Rm. N213-214 John Martin, IALD Public Policy representative will provide an update on the global public policy efforts of the IALD over the past year.

As always, be sure to check listings on site in Las Vegas for updated scheduling information as well as the Lightfair website: lightfair.com.