IALD Enlighten Americas is a premier boutique conference focused on the unique educational and networking needs of lighting designers. Founded in 1969 and based in Chicago, IL, USA, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is an internationally recognized society devoted exclusively to serving the needs of independent, professional lighting designers. Lighting designers are a tremendous resource of innovative, practical and economically viable lighting solutions. They understand the role of lighting in architectural and interior design and utilize their extensive experience and knowledge of lighting equipment and systems to enhance and strengthen design. IALD members worldwide must subscribe to the highest educational and ethical standards in order to belong to this prestigious community, and are accepted as Professional members on the strength of their portfolios and recommendations. IALD Professional membership is only available to architectural lighting designers who have at least five years of experience in the field in the role of senior designer or above in an independent consulting practice.

Created for and by architectural lighting designers, Enlighten Americas delivers the high-caliber content and connections you need to stay competitive, brings new opportunities to light and reignites your creativity to power your career forward. The best and brightest architectural lighting designers from around the world attend the IALD Enlighten conferences to learn, network, and connect. Over 300 lighting professionals, including designers, architects, students, educators, manufacturers and suppliers gathered for three days of innovative workshops, forward-thinking panels, association business, networking and camaraderie. Blending traditional seminars with innovative workshops and unique collaborative and networking experiences, Enlighten will give you the skills, tools and inspiration you need to excel in your practice.

Created exclusively by and for lighting design professionals, the Enlighten Conferences are a series of boutique educational and networking events in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The conference is intended to challenge traditional thought, identify trends/current pressures and motivate attendees to think “outside the box.” Set your sights on Seattle ― the perfect backdrop for exploring this year’s innovations and advancements in lighting design. Build valuable relationships and discuss product innovations with manufacturers without the pressure of an overwhelming exhibit hall. With programming created and curated by lighting designers who truly understand the challenges facing the field today, emerging and established professionals will be delighted by advanced educational sessions led by lighting thought leaders and meaningful networking with peers and partners the world over.

With just the right combination of education and adventure, Enlighten Americas 2023 at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is sure to reignite your creativity with sessions that get you moving and networking opportunities that elevate your professional prowess—all in one of the most magnificent settings in the world.

These are the locations where the lighting community comes together to learn, share ideas and explore solutions with likeminded people who are passionate about light. Intimate by design, registrations are capped to remain under 500 attendees, allowing for meaningful close connections and thought-provoking discussions among the profession’s foremost experts to inspire and motivate, moving architectural lighting design into the future.

No matter where you are in your career, the Enlighten Conferences ensure that you’ll walk away feeling refreshed, empowered, and inspired.