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Light is a basic human right, yet so many do not have it when the sun goes down. As an industry and a community that advocates for the use of electric light, we must realize that there is something more we can do to give back to those who are less fortunate. Tina Aghassian, Principal at HLB, shares her story and will inspire you to think about how you can help others who aren't your clients but need you more than you know.

It's not often you find two separate professions and career paths with so many similarities. Did you know light has a magical way of doing things other mediums cannot? Jess Baker, Design Studio Leader at Schuler Shook, has had the opportunity to work as a lighting designer in the theater and in an architectural environment where everything can be developed from a similar set of practices but yield different results. While the performance of life lasts a little longer than a Broadway show, the impact light makes on both is a key component of the experience.

The opportunity to create a personal experience continues to take form as the lighting industry explodes. Lance Bennett, Vice President of National Accounts and Specification Sales at Cooper Lighting Solutions, talks about the evolution of the industry and the transformation it will continue to go through as growth, new opportunity and unpredictable challenges lie ahead.

The most brilliant and creative solutions often arise from a group of minds. Today, the minds of design are more diverse than they ever have been. Paula Martinez Nobles, Principal at Fisher Marantz Stone, talks about her experience as a Colombian Woman in the AEC industry. The status quo is shifting, racial and gender inequality is being recognized and real change is happening. One of the most important aspects is the confidence minorities are gaining to support one another and pave the way for the next generation to always have an equal voice in any conversation.

Leadership, mentorship, design, and innovation all require one thing - a chance to pay it forward. As buildings become more complex, design ideas take more time and require a more robust, diverse, and educated team of professionals. Giulio Pedota, Partner at Schuler Shook, talks about how the next generation of design is here as it relates to both the quality of the product and the Millenials + GenZ'ers. This generational transformation is unique as technology and a new work environment continually change the status quo.

Everyone wants a faster and better way to do their job. Technology is a double-edged sword, access to information is critical and people want to be more efficient. Lars Christiansen Co-Founder and CEO of LightAZ talks about what the lighting industry's future might look like and how the design community is driving a need for change whether they know it or not.

COVID-19 was the source of a Global Pandemic in 2020. It shuttered "normal" life, claimed over 4 million lives, and forced many into some form of an uncomfortable situation. The lighting industry was impacted at every level across every trade yet it will survive. Jimalee Beno, President of Focal Point and OCL, Chair of the IALD Education Trust, recaps 16 months that we might never want to remember - but we should, we have to. This inspiring conversation reminds us how resilient humans are, yet how fragile life can be. Listen to this true leader of our industry and reflect on where we can go from here.

A transactional-oriented business requires volume, consistent opportunity, and risk. Jack English, Principal of Illumination Systems, talks about what he's learned over 40+ years in the business when it comes to defining value and capturing opportunity as a manufactures representative for architectural lighting.

The first of its kind, Global, inclusive, and portfolio-based the CLD is a new way to recognize talent, dedication, and passion for the practice of architectural lighting design. Rosemarie Allaire, Vice-Chair of the CLD, talks about why this was formed and where it's going. The value of accreditation that relates directly to what it stands for is the opportunity to elevate and inspire. You could have the chance to be one of the first 100!

The core of innovation is solving a problem you care about. Innovation often leads to brilliant ideas, better solutions, and an opportunity to implement technology that can truly make an impact. Gary Trott, VP of Commercialization and Technology at Acuity Brands, talks about what it means to give back to the people who ultimately will use the products that manufacturers pioneer, create and bring to life.