January 2026

IESNYC Events

Student Lighting Competition Presents 25 And Still Shining, A Silver Celebration

February 11, 2026. Dazzle us with your best silver accessories and clothing to celebrate the history and impact of the Student Lighting Competition, dedicated to founder Patricia DiMaggio. The freshest faces in today’s lighting industry will gather at the Marset USA Showroom for light bites and libations. Networking starts at 6:00 pm, with a guest speaker (TBD) at 7:00. There will also be a chance to vote on ideas for the 2027 competition theme! RSVP HERE

Announcements

IESNYC Honors the 2025 Service Award Recipients

We’re proud to honor the 2025 Service Award recipients (l to r) Kenny Schutz, Natalia Lesniak, and Zachary Pearson. The IESNYC celebrates these members whose dedication and volunteer leadership strengthen our Section and the lighting community at large. MORE

EXTENDED Deadline: January 16, 2026
2026 IESNYC Lumen Awards
CALL FOR ENTRIES

It’s your time to be in the spotlight and you have more time to submit! Whether your project redefines architectural beauty, enhances the built environment, or sparks emotional connection through light — this is your opportunity to share your vision and be recognized among the industry’s brightest. MORE

2026 IESNYC Student Lighting Competition
CALL FOR ENTRIES

Application deadline is March 15, 2026

The IESNYC invites students from New York City Art and Design schools to participate in a city-wide design competition, emphasizing the significance of lighting in shaping the built environment. This year’s competition challenges students to creatively transform the old into the new through visual delight, improved functionality, or your own imagination. MORE

Become a 2026 IESNYC Sponsor

Connect and Reveal: it’s what we do every day. It is the work of the IESNYC to bring our community together and strengthen our industry. Through the IESNYC, we reveal lighting’s impact and steer the future of our profession. Our Sponsorship Campaign Spokesperson Francesca Bastianini, reminds us that connection and revelation are inseparable – and that our professions depend on both. Hear What She Has to Say

Fabric of our Society

Ethics in Illumination: Applying Catholic Social Teaching to the Lighting Industry

Matthew Dacey
VP of Specification Sales, ELA + Synergy

Matthew Dacey makes the case that ethical sourcing, human dignity, and responsible design aren’t “extra.” They're the future of a stronger lighting industry. "Ethical sourcing is no longer optional. It’s a reflection of who we are and what we value as an industry." MORE

Meet Our Member

Maria Kulhavy
Assistant Systems Manager, Barbizon Lighting

Coming from theater production via events lighting, Maria Kulhavy sees her seat at the table as both “having a say” and “pitching in. Programs create spaces for the next generation of lighting professionals to build on the work of the past." Different opinions, different approaches, and the collective knowledge and expertise of the NYC lighting community make the industry stronger. And their differing needs bring richness to the Section’s programming and investments. MORE

Job Opportunities + Member News

Other Events

Attendee Registration Opens for LEDucation 2026

April 14-15, 2026. Virtual sessions April 9-10. Attendee registration is open for LEDucation 2026. The Trade Show and Conference is recognized as one of the most influential and widely attended gatherings in the North American lighting industry. This year’s program will feature over 400 exhibitors and 40 accredited presentations covering the latest advancements in lighting design, research, sustainability, technology, and more. LEARN MORE

Nuckolls Fund Request for Proposals

Proposal Deadline is January 6, 2026. The Nuckolls Fund request for proposals is open. Established in 1988, the Nuckolls Fund is an endowment fund in support of college-level programs that inspire students with an understanding of light in architecture. MORE

IES Member Town Hall

January 8, 2026. Connect with IES leadership for a fast, informative new year update. This 30-minute virtual Town Hall is your chance to hear what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s ahead for the Society in 2026. You’ll get brief, focused updates on upcoming bylaws changes, our evolving strategic plan, staff developments, and a first look at the new MyIES member profile experience. MORE

IALD Enlighten Conferences: 2026 Call for Presentations

Proposal Deadline is January 8, 2026. Are you the source of the next inspiration, evolution, or enlightenment in the industry? Presentations are open for IALD Enlighten Europe 2026 June 17 -19 in Paris, France, and IALD Enlighten Americas 2026 from October 15 - 17 in Austin, Texas. MORE

IES26: The Lighting Conference Call for Presentations

IES26: The Lighting Conference is accepting dynamic and enthusiastic presenters who can deliver powerful and compelling sessions. IES26 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Denver, CO August 13-15, 2026 MORE