(UK) – LiGHT Expo London, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to lighting specification, saw a 43% increase in attendees from its launch event last year – closing its doors to a buzz of positivity.

Held over two days at the Business Design Centre, London with 4776 attendees passing through the doors to see the latest offerings from more than 150 high-end international lighting brands and engage with 22 talks and presentations from design experts working with light.

Attendees at the show included designers working in architecture, interiors, lighting, and product design, as well as engineers, end-users, and specifiers.

LiGHT 23 saw several new features introduced this year which included the new darc space decorative lighting area, which saw high-end lighting brands for the interiors market exhibit for the first time – names such as Empty State, Marset, Nexia, Artemide, Ebb & Flow, Lodes, and Quasar to name but a few. The brands presented their latest decorative and bespoke lighting collections to designers keen to find inspiration for their next projects.

One of the new addition to the show included the Associations Lounge, designed, and furnished by leading Danish brand Muuto, providing a comfortable space for designers to meet with colleagues. The International Association of Lighting Design (IALD) and the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) invited existing members, along with potential new ones, to enjoy the space and make the most of the complementary refreshments.

The [d]arc thoughts talks programme, in collaboration with lighting control specialist Lutron, again attracted a steady stream of guests across the two days, keen to learn hot topics in lighting. The programme included a variety of presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as sustainability and circular design; designing for global brands, healthy office spaces, and restaurant / bar design. As well as a project Q&A from interior design studio SpaceInvader and a special look at the bespoke lighting piece from Quasar, featured in the Netflix hit Glass Onion, the programme was topped by a keynote presentation from Peruvian New York-based light artist Grimanesa Amoros.

LiGHT 23 also provided a platform for the latest instalment of the ILP’s ‘How to be Brilliant’ talks, with Light Bureau’s Paul Traynor taking to the stage, while the very first Lighting Police walking workshop also took place on the final evening.

LiGHT WORK made a return, with show visitors making good use of the dedicated workspace area. Illuminated by table lamps from British lighting brand Tala, creating a relaxing space allowing show attendees to complete office tasks. The area also offered dedicated wi-fi, free coffee, and charging points.

Paul James, [d]arc media Managing Director said: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the show. The massive increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers confirms that London, and the UK, has been craving a trade show that serves the lighting specification market. We have seen a 40% increase in attendees this year and it’s only year two.”

James adds: “With an almost 100% rebook rate from exhibitors during the show itself, this is just the beginning for LiGHT Expo in London, and we’re excited to see what the 2024 edition will bring, as we expand further into the Business Design Centre. We have had nothing but positive feedback from exhibiting brands and visitors alike.”

Dates for next year’s show are now confirmed as 20 & 21 November 2024 and will be free to visitors.

www.lightexpo.london