LightFair is expanding networking and relationship building opportunities beyond its yearly trade show and conference with a new lighting professional mentorship program launching this spring. The six-month program creates opportunities for experienced and emergent professionals to connect on-to-one, culminating in an in-person networking event at LightFair 2021, October 25-29, 2021 in New York City.
“The connections made between lighting professionals is a hallmark of the LightFair experience,” said Dan Darby, show director. “Through our mentorship program, we aim to facilitate and support sustainable, effective connections that form the cornerstone of growth, learning and the future of lighting.”
Some eighteen professionals from the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and leading design firms have been handpicked by the LightFair team to serve as the inaugural mentors. Confirmed mentors include Lee Brandt, principal, HLB Lighting Design; Jessica Krometis, senior designer, Hartranft Lighting Design; Mark Loeffler, principal, Mark Loeffler Design Consulting, LLC; Caitlin Mulligan, specification sales manager of business development & key accounts, SCI Lighting Solutions; Giuliov Pedota, partner, Schuler Shook Theatre Planners/Lighting Designers; Kathy Prysgoda, founding principal, Light Studio LA; Lisa Reed, founding principal, Envision Lighting Design; Daniel Salinas, president | lighting design systems designer, Salinas Lighting Consult; and Chrysanthi Stockwell, associate vice president, senior lighting designer and engineering market leader HGA. They will be matched with mentees based on their area of specialty and interest.
Mentors and mentees will be expected to check in at least once per month after they are connected until LightFair 2021. They also will be expected to participate in a private LinkedIn group and report on the program to LightFair.
In addition to a dedicated connection to an experienced lighting professional, mentees will also receive a three-day exhibit hall pass for LightFair 2021, one sixty- to ninety-minute conference session and complimentary registration to the New Attendee Orientation & Tour at the show.
Emergent professionals interested in becoming mentees can learn more and apply. The program is limited to professionals with one to three years of experience in the U.S. and internationally. The application deadline is March 31, 2021. The program kicks off on April 26, 2021.
—Press Release
