January Lightovation Sees Significant Year-Over-Year Attendance Growth
Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Retail showroom and trade professional participation continues to grow, increasing by 25%-
Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, delivered its strongest show attendance in multiple years, according to Dallas Market Center. Attendance growth was driven by buyer traffic from all 50 states and internationally, including retail showrooms, but also interior designers, architects, builders, and kitchen and bath centers. Buyers visited many new and expanded lighting exhibitors, attended seminars and tours, and participated in Design + Build Day, held Tuesday, January 13.
“This edition of Lightovation was a positive start to the year, and we saw exceptional energy and commerce taking place during the show,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Lighting professionals arrived with clear buying objectives, strong engagement, and enthusiasm for discovering new products and placing orders. These results underscore Lightovation’s position as the leading residential lighting marketplace in North America.”
Domestic and international lighting buyers explored new product offerings across more than 100 permanent lighting exhibitors and participated in educational sessions and networking opportunities. The event showcased an expansive selection of decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, controls, light sources, and smart solutions for both interior and exterior applications.
On Tuesday, January 13, Lightovation featured Design + Build Day, a full day of education offering lighting retailers, interior designers, builders, and architects expert insights, trend inspiration, showroom tours, and networking opportunities. Presented in partnership with INTERIOR DESIGN and METROPOLIS magazines from SANDOW Design Group, the program featured industry leaders Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief of Interior Design, and Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of METROPOLIS, highlighting the critical role lighting plays in the design and construction process. The day also included a one-on-one conversation between Cindy Allen and acclaimed architect and designer Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio, exploring creativity and innovation across commercial, residential, and hospitality design.
Buyers planning to attend summer edition of Lightovation are encouraged to book hotel accommodations now through Dallas Market Center’s website and block of preferred hotel partners. With FIFA World Cup matches taking place nearby in Arlington, Texas, early booking will help secure the best options. Buyers may book through Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting, and apparel and accessories. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.
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