LIA Autumn Tech Forum 2024 marks another successful year for the lighting industry

The LIA’s 2024 Autumn Tech Forum, held on Wednesday 23rd October at The Studio in Birmingham, was a huge success, attended and enjoyed exclusively by LIA members.

This forum granted attendees access to the latest industry developments with engaging discussions and networking opportunities. With the comprehensive programme the day included essential technical updates on compliance, competency, and legislation among other topics. The line-up of expert speakers ensured a day filled with knowledge and practical advice, tailored to help delegates stay ahead in the sector by sharing their insights, inspiration and experiences with the audience.

Speakers included the LIA’s CEO Ayça Donaghy, Commercial and Training Manager Teresa Beazley, and Technical Operations Manager Dan Griffiths, providing information on how The LIA can best support its members, recognising that competency is a journey, and technical organisational updates.

An incredible lineup of guest speakers included Peter Thorns, Head of Strategic Lighting Applications at Thorn Lighting, who sits on several LIA committees and chairs Building Regulations Technical Committee, discussing Approaches to Effective Lighting Design and Dark Skies and Compliance. John Bullock, Editor at The Light Review shared his expert knowledge on The Science of Light. Paul Sargent, LIAQA and Overseas Activities Manager, and Andy Guest, LIA Membership Services Manager, highlighting the importance of Ecodesign and Energy Labelling. Neil McLean, Industry Relations (Europe and Asia), Lutron Electronics, and who chairs The LIA’s Sustainability committee, shared Sustainability Standards in relation to NABERS, BREEAM and WELL.

Key takeaways included John Bullock’s memorable quote from his incredible presentation the Science of Light: “Without light none of us are here; without light nothing is here.” During his talk he presented the view that the science of light is wrong, and it is the perception of light that is important.

Teresa Beazley, LIA Commercial and Training Manager, in her talk The Role of Training towards Competence, stated that true competence goes beyond the classroom, and it is not something to do alone, giving thought to the future collaboration of professionals in the industry. It was also demonstrated that there is still a lack of understanding for what is required from the Eco Design regulation, as covered in Andy Guest’s and Paul Sargent’s presentation, where they highlighted how we still have much to learn as a sector.

Feedback for the forum from peers in the lighting industry includes a comment from Shaun Lawry, Product Development Manager EMEA, Sylvania, who said, “A big thanks to The LIA for putting on a spectacular event.” Graeme Shaw, Technical Director at Zumtobel Group, added, If you want to know, this event will answer your questions practically.” Mike Edwards, Hispec’s Lighting Product Manager, commented, “There was a great mix of presenters from both The LIA and its members, making for an informative and engaging forum.”

While Jason Dwan of Ansell Lighting concluded, “The LIA’s Technical Forum was very informative; we especially enjoyed the discussions around Dark Sky and the keynote speaker who added a very new dimension to lighting. My team and I thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was great to see the restructure and new focus The LIA have in terms of promotion from within and structuring the new leadership team to focus on member support and driving the industry forward.”

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA said “It was a pleasure to host another successful, and well attended LIA Autumn Tech Forum covering the industry’s hot topics.

We have had some great feedback from those attending – huge thanks to all of the speakers for their expertise, and our members who joined us for the day.”

The Autumn Tech Forum resonated greatly with delegates, with the positive responses about the day reflecting that. Attendees had the chance to engage with respected speakers in their field throughout the day while demonstrating The LIA’s focus on Quality and Compliance for the future of the industry.

For more information on the next Tech Forum, visit: https://www.thelia.org.uk/page/TheLIATechForum