Messe Frankfurt Inc., the IALD and the IES today announced the launch of Light + Intelligent Building North America, a new trade show and conference uniting architectural lighting, connected controls, software, and building systems integration. Debuting March 15 – 18, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event is designed first and foremost for the lighting industry—architects, engineers, lighting designers, agents, and specifiers—and expands the conversation to the broader building-technology ecosystem, including system integrators, facility operators, IT/OT teams, owners/developers, and utilities seeking high-performance, secure, and low-carbon outcomes.
“North America is ready for a single destination where the lighting community and the building-automation ecosystem meet,” said Latoya Gooding, Senior Show Manager. “This launch delivers a product-to-practice experience—seeing luminaires, controls, software, and services working together—so attendees can specify, integrate, and operate smarter, safer, lower-carbon buildings.”
Relationship to LightFair
For decades, LightFair helped shape the North American lighting conversation. Building on that legacy—and the lessons of recent cycles — Light + Intelligent Building North America brings the best of LightFair’s core assets into a new, purpose-built platform focused on systems integration, secure controls, commissioning, analytics, and real-world performance.
This launch is not a rebrand. It is a next-generation show that carries forward what worked—design excellence, CEU-eligible education, specifier engagement, and a strong agent/distributor network — while expanding into interoperability, lighting and controls, and building-level outcomes.
Importantly, the same partners that co-owned LightFair will co-own this new event, ensuring continuity of standards, community, and stewardship for the lighting industry while delivering a future-ready experience where luminaires, sensors, controls, software, and building systems perform together.
“This launch advances the IES mission to improve the lighted environment by bringing standards, research, and education together with live, systems-level demonstrations,” said Colleen Harper, CEO and Executive Director, Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). “From controls narratives and code compliance to measurable outcomes in comfort, safety, and energy, attendees will find CEU-eligible content and practical tools they can apply on day one.”
“Great lighting design is at the heart of great architecture — and it is most powerful when it connects with every element of the building,” said Christopher Knowlton, Chief Executive Officer, International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). “Lighting design no longer exists in isolation — expanding the verticals served by this event not only mirrors the evolving state of the lighting industry but also reinforces the critical role that lighting professionals play at the heart of intelligent, health and integrated environments. This is an important step in positioning our field for greater impact, visibility, and collaboration across the built environment.”
Global Connection: Part of the Light + Building Ecosystem
Light + Intelligent Building North America is purposefully aligned with Messe Frankfurt’s global Light + Building portfolio, connecting the region’s specifiers, designers, engineers, agents, and integrators with an international community of manufacturers, startups, standards bodies, and thought leaders.
By tapping the depth and diversity of Light + Building (Frankfurt), the North American launch delivers a familiar, world-class experience — tailored to regional codes, market dynamics, and project realities — so lighting and building-technology teams can move from concept to integrated performance with confidence.
“As part of Messe Frankfurt’s global Light + Building ecosystem, this North American launch is intentionally aligned with our worldwide standards of design excellence, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration,” said Steffen Larbig, Brand Director, Director Brand Management, Light + Building. “Exhibitors and attendees will benefit from shared best practices, interoperable frameworks, and international pathways — while we bring fresh energy to the region with live integration labs, CEU-level education, and a curated marketplace built for specifiers and building-technology teams. It’s a launch that connects North America to a truly global platform — and accelerates what’s possible.”
On the Show Floor and Beyond
Light + Intelligent Building North America organizes the expo into three clearly labeled zones for fast discovery for attendees, drives more qualified traffic for exhibitors and provides higher-quality connections:
Lighting — Decorative, architectural, exterior, and specialty luminaires for diverse environments
Building Technology — Networked lighting controls, whole-building automation, integrated platforms, adaptive system management
Accessories — Drivers, optics, sensors, LEDs, wiring solutions, and installation accessories supporting design
In addition to the exhibits and special features, the Conference will be a strong focus for the event. CEU-eligible education delivers a multi-track program spanning lighting design & installation, codes & standards, lighting for health & wellness, plus building technology topics including: integration, cybersecurity, commissioning, decarbonization, efficiency, BIM, and digital twins.
Exhibitor Opportunities
Exhibitor sales open in January. Companies that want to get a head start on floor positioning and sponsorship visibility can submit an Intent to Exhibit form now to signal interest and priority needs (booth size, product category, demo power/water, pavilion, etc.). Early intents help align you with the right traffic patterns, match you to feature zones (Interoperability Lab, the Trend Area, Sustainability Hub, Startup & Emerging Innovation), and flag sponsorships before they sell out.
Complete the Intent to Exhibit form here. Space selection begins in January; early-commit pricing runs through March 16, 2026. The sales team will be at several events over the coming months to learn more, including Light + Intelligent Building Dubai 2026; Light + Building in Frankfurt, and a host of the IALD and the IES events.
Registration
Attendee registration opens October 2026 with all-access conference and expo options. To receive launch updates, visit http://lightintelligentbuildingna.com/ and join the mailing list.
Links to sites:
https://www.facebook.com/LightBuildingNA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/LightBuildingNA/
https://www.instagram.com/LightBuildingNA/
Your contact:
Kim Porter
kim.porter@usa.messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt Inc.
Overlook III
2859 Paces Ferry Road SE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30339
www.us.messefrankfurt.com
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/hintergrundinformationen
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/nachhaltigkeit-information
Background information on Messe Frankfurt Inc.
www.messefrankfurt.com/hintergrundinformationen
Background information on Illuminating Engineering Society
https://www.ies.org/about/
Background information on International Association of Lighting Designers
https://iald.org/