LEDucation drew more than 10,000 attendees and 565 exhibitors to New York Hilton Midtown April 14–15. The 2026 conference also featured 25 in-person sessions and 14 virtual presentations, covering topics including design, technology, sustainability, controls and emerging trends.
LEDucation’s founders and show organizers took some time during a busy few days in the Big Apple to reflect on how far the show has come in 20 years. Jamie Eck, LEDucation co-chair, said in the press release, “We are incredibly grateful to our manufacturers and their representatives for the unwavering support and commitment to making LEDucation a success year after year. Your partnership is the backbone of this event, and we thank you for your continued dedication to our program. As LEDucation continues to grow, creating a more intentional and focused experience for the design community became a clear priority. The positive feedback from manufacturers has reinforced Designer Hours as a key differentiator of the show.”
To commemorate two decades of growth, the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY) hosted a celebratory event on April 13, honoring past and present contributors who have helped shape LEDucation into what it is today. Burt Grant, LEDucation co-chair and co-founder, said at the event, “What started as a small, collaborative idea has grown into something truly meaningful for the lighting community. It’s been incredible to see how LEDucation has evolved over the past 20 years — while still staying true to its core purpose of bringing people together to learn, connect and move the industry forward.”
LEDucation introduced Designers Hours at the show this year, offering lighting designers, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and engineers exclusive access to the show floor for two hours. Because of the positive feedback about this initiative the LEDucation will add another full day to the 2027 show, more time devoted exclusively to the architectural design community.
LEDucation will return to the New York Hilton Midtown on April 13–15, 2027 — expanding to a three-day format.
