Canada Light Talks is the premier conference and panel discussion series at the heart of Canada Light Expo, offering a unique platform to explore the future of the lighting industry. Covering critical themes like LED innovation, design, health, controls, sustainability and exterior applications, these sessions provide invaluable insights into cutting the latest advancements, emerging trends, and industry challenges. With thought-provoking discussions led by top industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders, Canada Light Talks is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge, stay ahead of industry developments, and network with key players.
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Canada Light Talks 2025
Conference Agenda
DAY-1 (12 November, 2025)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Presentation
Dynamic Discourse
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
Dan Hadash
Senior Lighting Designer, lightSPACE at SMP Engineering
Dan Hadash, with 27 years in lighting, leads projects across commercial, healthcare, and public spaces. He is IES Calgary President and serves on key committees shaping lighting upgrades and industry engagement. He’s also active within the IALD and LIRC.
This session delves into how colour changing light technology works as well as the “whys, whens, and whats” to consider in application to projects. The presentation carries increasing relevance due to the ever-growing usage of dynamic light in our cities, from large commercial/institutional developments to personal properties; this type of technology and application considerations is only becoming more expected for design consideration, if not final inclusion. With this presentation I hope to prepare your team to better understand the technology and how it best fits (or doesn’t) within a design.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote
Integrating Lighting into Health and Wellness: Looking beyond Circadian Mechanisms and Applications
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
Douglas Steel
PhD, Founder, NeuroSense
Douglas Steel, founder of NeuroSense, is a neuroscientist innovating with spectrally tunable LEDs for wellness and neurological treatments. With 30+ years of translational research, he bridges science and lighting, contributing to advisory roles across leading lighting and neuroscience institutions.
For over a decade the lighting industry has attempted to bring the benefits of healthy lighting to market, across a number of sectors. Most of this work has focused on Sleep and Circadian responses and patterns. These have proved to be difficult to implement in real world settings. Efforts have fallen short of hopes and expectations despite being built on a good foundation of scientific evidence. Why is this? Perhaps we need new ideas by looking at the science, applications, and benefits of healthy light from new perspectives. This will inform us with new ways of addressing markets, selling products, and generating revenue.
We will start by looking at how light affects the brain and nervous system. There is more to this than meets the eye; the body maintains a dynamic balance between a number of physiological processes affecting arousal, alertness, pain, mood, mental health, immune function, eye health, and other things.
Moving beyond the physiological functions of light, we will discuss how lighting can be applied to address a number of the health concerns that our fellow human beings live with in their daily lives. These can be neurological, psychological or just an expression of personal preferences. They range from addressing immediate needs to the long-term management of chronic conditions. When applied in these ways, lighting can be a bridge between scientific knowledge and support of deeply humanistic core values. Isn’t that the business we aspire to be in?
Finally, we will consider ways to tangibly deliver on the promise of lighting as a Health and Wellness solution. What products and services should we be offering and selling, and with what capabilities? How do we deliver both tangible and intangible value to customers? What knowledge and skills will be required to do so? Which markets offer the best opportunities to do so? How do we demonstrate that we have delivered on what we are promising? The good news is that the technology to deliver beneficial effects of lighting already exist, and nobody will have to go back to school to learn a new skill unless they wish to. Instead we are re-framing our offerings, engaging customers in meaningful and value-based ways.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Luncheon Panel
Better by Design: Why Interior and Lighting Design Collaboration Creates Better Spaces
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Sponsored By
Speaker
Moderator
Dayna Bradley
President of Bradley Consulting
With more than 25 years of leadership across private and non-profit sectors, Dayna Bradley, President of Bradley Consulting, thrives on turning big ideas into bold actions. As a natural change-maker with sharp business acumen, Dayna brings people together to drive game-changing programs and initiatives. More than just a leader, Dayna is a mentor, championing top-tier talent, strengthening diversity, and fostering open, inclusive work cultures.
Panellist
Alan McIntosh
IALD -Toronto
Alan McIntosh combines artistry and technical precision in lighting design, shaping memorable experiences across iconic Canadian projects such as Niagara Falls Illumination, Ripley’s Aquarium, Niagara Takes Flight, Bloor Street Urban Fire Benches, and 160 Front Street Tower. Toronto Chapter Coordinator for IALD since 2024, Alan educates the industry, fosters local design talent, and leads complex projects that balance engineering, storytelling, and creativity.
Project 1: The Interchange
Marcel Dion - Lighting Designer
Founder, Marcel Dion Lighting Design Inc. (MDLD)
Marcel Dion is an award-winning lighting designer and founder of MDLD, a Toronto-based firm delivering innovative solutions across retail, hospitality, commercial, heritage, and public spaces. With over 15 years of experience, he has received more than 20 IES awards for projects such as Brookfield Place Allen Lambert Galleria, Halifax Convention Centre, Bridge 13, and St. James Park. A CLD, LEED AP, and IALD member, Marcel began his career at Fisher Marantz Stone in New York, contributing to global icons including the Burj Khalifa Tower
Michel Arcand - Interior Designer
ARIDO, LEED®, BCIN, Principal, IN8 Design Inc.
Michel Arcand is a Toronto-based interior designer with nearly four decades of experience shaping corporate, commercial, and residential environments. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and a registered ARIDO member, he has earned 19 ARIDO Awards for excellence. His portfolio includes projects for Cadillac Fairview, RBC, and OMERS, with a design ethos that places light at the centre of spatial experience. As IN8 Design concludes in 2025, Michel will continue his vision with Ray Inc.
Project 2: Warner Music
Sarah Taylor - Interior Designer
Work Studio Director, Associate, Gensler
As the Work Studio Director in Gensler’s Toronto office, Sarah leads a team of 34 architects and designers, focused on building functional, efficient, and inspiring workplaces. With more than ten years of experience, Sarah has led projects from beginning to end, attending site visits and working closely with contractors, sub-trades, engineers, and clients. As a problem solver, she services her clients by setting realistic expectations and timelines from the outset. Guided by the belief that design is about creating unique and memorable visual and spatial experiences, Sarah enjoys designing spaces that everyone can enjoy.
Shaghayegh (Shaya) Riazi - Lighting Designer
Senior Associate Lighting Designer at Mulvey & Banani Lighting
Shaghayegh (Shaya) Riazi is a Senior Associate Lighting Designer at Mulvey & Banani Lighting in Toronto, where she leads the design and delivery of complex commercial, institutional, and hospitality projects. With more than 12 years of specialized lighting design experience, she has collaborated with leading architectural and interior design firms on award-winning projects, ensuring that lighting solutions enhance both functionality and aesthetics. She holds a Master’s degree in Architectural Lighting and Design Management from Hochschule Wismar in Germany. She co-taught in the Lighting program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and is an instructor at Light en Light Academy.
This panel will spotlight the power of collaboration between Interior Designers and Lighting Designers through two compelling case studies. By walking through real projects, our panelists will reveal how early partnership, shared vision, and integrated design decisions elevate both function and aesthetics. Panelists will share how working together from the start doesn’t just enhance the design process, it delivers better, more impactful and more inspiring spaces.
When designers work together, spaces shine brighter.
Session Overview
This ARIDO Lunch Panel will showcase how collaboration between interior designers and lighting designers has shaped award-winning projects. By highlighting the unique contributions of both disciplines, this session will demonstrate how intentional collaboration enhances design outcomes and creates spaces that truly resonate with users.
Through case studies, panelists will share insights into the design process, challenges, and successes achieved when lighting design and interior design come together.
Key Takeaways
- Understand how early collaboration between interior designers and lighting designers leads to innovative and functional solutions.
- Explore real-world case studies demonstrating how lighting elevates interior design concepts.
- Gain practical strategies for integrating interdisciplinary perspectives into project workflows.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the unique roles and contributions of lighting designers and interior designers in creating cohesive project outcomes.
- Analyze and help identify where collaboration between the two disciplines can directly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of a space.
- Apply strategies for integrating lighting design considerations early in the interior design process to enhance project success.
- Evaluate best practices for fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve innovative and sustainable design solutions.
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Presentation
Night Vision: Techniques for Effective and Responsible Outdoor Lighting
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speakers
Shirley Coyle
President, Cree Lighting Canada
Shirley Coyle leads Cree Lighting Canada with 35 years of industry experience. Lighting Certified since 2000, she’s a Past President of IES and actively contributes to key lighting committees focused on roadways, outdoor environments, and street lighting.
Paul Mercier
Lighting Designer & Educator
Paul Mercier has over 30 years of lighting experience, specializing in heritage and environmental spaces. He teaches at SUNY Buffalo State and the University of Calgary and contributes to sports lighting standards. He’s a certified pickleball coach and IES leader.
Find out what you need to know for your next exterior lighting project from these lighting professionals covering best practices in both design and product. Learn strategies to balance human and environmental needs, reduce wasted light and skyglow, and create effective, responsible night-time-active spaces.
02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Presentation
A Survey of Horticutural Lighting
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
Alexander Willemsen
Software Developer, SunTracker Technologies
Alexander Willemsen is a Software Developer at SunTracker Technologies in Victoria, BC, where he focuses on developing innovative software solutions with a strong foundation in robotics, AI, and machine learning. He earned both his Master’s in Computer Science and his Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, developing a broad and deep technical skill set across programming, mathematics, and physics.
His diverse experience includes working as a Research Software Developer at ABB Robotics, where he improved learning algorithms for autonomous robot behaviour, and working on lighting simulation software at Suntracker Technologies. Alexander is an active and contributing member of the All Things Lighting Association and has also led hardware-software integration projects in the energy and nuclear physics sectors, combining hands-on engineering with software development.
The vast majority of lighting design research is focused on architectural and human-centric lighting. A knowledge gap exists between lighting designers, manufacturers and distributors and horticultural lighting practices. As interest in controlled-environment agriculture grows, the need increases for lighting professionals to create effective horticultural lighting systems in environments where the needs of plants, rather than people, dictate the lighting strategy. This paper provides a broad overview of horticultural lighting, including key metrics, luminaire choices, and the current state of the field. We also highlight key differences between horticultural and human-centric lighting, with the goal of orienting lighting professionals to the unique requirements of plant growth. We discuss the differences in how light is quantified for plants, using spectral quantum flux as opposed to spectral power, as well as the active spectral ranges for human visible light and plants (PAR and PBAR). Topics also include the effects of different wavelengths, light quantity, timing, and duration of lighting, as well as the spatial distribution of light. By outlining these critical distinctions, this paper aims to bridge the knowledge gap for designers, manufacturers and distributors in adapting their expertise to meet horticultural demands. Note that the article is not intended to provide a comprehensive review, but rather an overview and introduction to the key concerns in horticultural lighting design.
03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Presentation
Daylight-First Lighting: Networked Controls, Renewables, Storage, and Peak Demand Reduction
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
David Katz
Board Chair, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association
David Katz founded Sustainable Resources Management in 1993. With experience at Ontario Hydro and Johnson & Johnson, he promotes energy-efficient, intelligent buildings using life cycle cost analysis. He also serves as Chair at Ontario Sustainable Energy Association and advocates smart energy use.
Building on last year’s Sustainable Lighting session, this presentation explores the next frontier: integrating daylight, renewable energy, storage, and advanced lighting controls. We will examine how daylight harvesting, dynamic shading, on-site solar PV, and battery storage can reduce reliance on artificial lighting while improving comfort and resilience. A key focus will be networked lighting controls (NLCs) and their ability to support demand response and peak load reduction, especially through Ontario’s Save on Energy incentives. Attendees will see how combining storage, predictive controls, and renewable-aware strategies enables buildings to actively support grid flexibility, carbon reduction, and long-term sustainability.
- Explain how daylight harvesting, dynamic shading, and renewable integration reduce artificial lighting demand while improving occupant comfort.
- Evaluate the role of battery storage and DC microgrids in supporting resilient, renewable-powered lighting systems.
- Identify how networked lighting controls (NLCs) enable demand response and peak load reduction, and how these are supported by Ontario’s Save on Energy incentives.
- Apply predictive and grid-interactive lighting strategies to help buildings actively contribute to grid flexibility and decarbonization.
04:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Presentation
AI Adoption & Implications – Your industry, business and you
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
Peter Brown
Manager, Electrical Transitions LLC
Peter Brown has over 30 years in commercial lighting, specializing in audits, sales, and emerging tech. He manages Electrical Transitions LLC and explores AI’s role in lighting. He also moderates discussions on electrification and infrastructure evolution via LinkedIn communities.
Understanding marketplace dynamics is essential when introducing disruptive lighting products or services, whether powered by AI or not. Artificial Intelligence is currently the most disruptive technology this century. This session will explore why groundbreaking innovation fails without market alignment. We’ll explore how to identify the five buying groups, their consistent patterns, starting with early adopters. Provide an overview the 5 W’s of AI – Who, What, When, Where and Why. Key implications for the Canadian Lighting Industry, Lighting Companies and You – As Investors, Owners, Management and Employees.
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood." – Steve Covey.
Recommended prerequisite – Overviews of Geoffrey Moore’s Crossing the Chasm and Zone to Win.
05:30 PM
Cocktail Reception + Networking Game Show
Lovers of Light
Contestants
Moderator
Dave Young
National Controls Manager, Traxon
Dave Young is the National Controls Manager for Traxon | e:cue. He holds a BA in Theatrical Design from Alma College and an MFA in Lighting Design from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining Traxon in 2024, he worked as the Western Architectural Regional Manager for ETC, and as an architectural lighting designer at Visual Terrain and then Stantec in Los Angeles. An active member of the lighting community, Dave has been a presenter at the IES Annual Conference, LIGHTFAIR® International, ArchLight Summit, and several other lighting industry conferences. Dave also served as the chair of the IES Annual Conference from 2019-2023.
Alan McIntosh
B.A., IALD, CLD, MIES,
Vice President, Mulvey & Banani Lighting Inc.
Alan McIntosh combines artistry and technical precision in lighting design, shaping memorable experiences across iconic Canadian projects such as Niagara Falls Illumination, Ripley’s Aquarium, Niagara Takes Flight, Bloor Street Urban Fire Benches, and 160 Front Street Tower. Toronto Chapter Coordinator for IALD since 2024, Alan educates the industry, fosters local design talent, and leads complex projects that balance engineering, storytelling, and creativity.
Dan Hadash
Senior Lighting Designer, lightSPACE at SMP Engineering
Dan Hadash, with 27 years in lighting, leads projects across commercial, healthcare, and public spaces. He is IES Calgary President and serves on key committees shaping lighting upgrades and industry engagement. He’s also active within the IALD and LIRC.
Dawn Brown
Owner & Principal Designer, Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design
She leads Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design, focusing on circadian lighting and sustainable solutions. With over two decades of experience, she’s one of Canada’s first Certified Lighting Designers, contributing to WELL® and LEED®-certified projects. Her expertise lies in promoting health through thoughtful, innovative lighting design.
Justin Castellano
3G Lighting, Regional Sales Manager
Justin began his life as an actor before moving behind the scenes and into lighting. Texas is his “country of origin” but he started his lighting career in Chicago where he has worked in showrooms and with a rep agency, but most of his career has been with manufacturers. Justin is a regional sales manager for 3G lighting and lives in Toronto with his wife and son.
Olivia Dyck
Sales Rep.
With around 5 years of lighting under her cerulean belt, she’s no stranger to lighting.
With a love for colour and a creative eye, Olivia brings fresh energy and perspective to lighting from the agency side.
When she’s not lighting up projects, she’s sipping on an espresso martini or baking up a storm. She’s known for her infamous chocolate chip cookies.
Julia Vandergraaf
LC, MIES, Business Development Lead & Senior Lighting Designer
Lovers of Light is a cocktail networking game show introduced to entertain and engage the lighting community. The structure features two exciting rounds: a 15-minute opener with three topics, followed by a 10-minute lightning round. Audience members vote by applause to award symbolic points, making participation highly interactive. The game show includes six contestants, each adopting a creative alter ego with a bio and walk-on music, competing for a prize. This networking event is moderated by Dave Young and includes a scorekeeper, buzzer system, cocktails, and a panel of experts, bringing together engagement and professional discussion.
Planning Committee:
Azin Dilmaghani
Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) Toronto
Karla Campos
Mulvey & Banani Lighting - Women in Lighting
Alan McIntosh
Mulvey & Banani Lighting - IALD Toronto
Rebecca Ho-Dion
ALULA Lighting Design, IALD Canada
Alicia Davila Monterrey
IALD Eastern Canada
DAY-2 (13 November, 2025)
08:15 AM
Breakfast Networking Interactive Workshop
Unplugged but Illuminated: Finding Balance in a Technological World
CEU TYPE: 1.5 LUs
Speakers
Moderator
Tom Butters
Founder & Executive Director, The Lighting Agora
An industry educator with over three decades of experience, he develops globally recognised lighting education programs. Founder of The Lighting Agora and Executive Director of the National Lighting Bureau, he co-developed the “IES Ready Reference” app and organises industry events, shaping the future of lighting education.
Brian Liebel
PE, Chief Programs Officer, DarkSky International
With over 35 years in the lighting industry, Brian Liebel has dedicated his career to balancing human needs for light with environmental responsibility. A graduate of the University of Kansas Architectural Engineering program, he has worked as a lighting designer, engineer, educator, and consultant, holding leadership roles with the Pacific Energy Center, the US Department of Energy, and the Illuminating Engineering Society. He now leads technical, educational, and policy programs at DarkSky International.
Eric Bretschneider Italics
Ph.D., Expert in LED Technology & IP Matters
Eric Bretschneider has over 30 years of industrial experience spanning all levels of LED manufacturing, from semiconductor design and phosphor conversion to luminaire development. A longtime member of the Illuminating Engineering Society, he chairs the Life and Projection Subcommittee and serves on several other technical committees. A founding member of the IES Science Advisory Panel, he is also active in CIE, Optica, SPIE, SID, and the Materials Research Society, and is recognized globally as an expert in LED technology and IP matters.
Robert F. Karlicek
Jr., Ph.D., Director, LESA, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dr. Robert Karlicek is Professor of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Director of the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems & Applications (LESA). With over 30 years in industrial research at AT&T Bell Labs, General Electric, and other corporations, he has led advances in optoelectronics, telecommunications, and lighting. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, over 60 technical papers, and 50 U.S. patents.
Join three leading experts in lighting research and design as they reveal how syncing with nature’s rhythms can improve our health, enrich our environments, and transform the spaces where we live and work. At its core, this interactive discussion focuses on reconnecting with nature—using what we now know about light’s impact on well-being, applying technology wisely, and recognizing when less is more.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel Discussion
EMBRACE Lighting Controls
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speakers
Moderator
C. Webster Marsh
Owner, Penumbra Controls
With over 20 years of experience in lighting and controls, he specialises in design, specification, and education. A Certified Lighting Controls Practitioner, he contributes to the Lighting Controls Association and teaches at Southern California Edison. Co-host of the Lighting Controls Podcast, he’s recognised for advancing industry education.
Eric Teacher
Senior Lighting Specification Consultant, Director, OEM Component Division
Eric Teacher began his lighting career in 1993 and has been Lighting Certified since 2012. Eric has worked for 6 luminaire manufacturers (4 of them based in Canada) and 3 lighting rep agencies, and currently works at STL Lighting Group (Toronto) and supports consultants in the GTA.
Alicia Davila Monterrey
Senior Associate / Associée Principal at HLB Lighting & co-coordinator IALD Eastern Canada Chapter
Lighting designer with 20+ years of experience on landmark projects including Montréal City Hall, Toronto’s Union Station, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Professional member of IALD and IES, she co-chairs IALD Eastern Canada and speaks internationally on heritage lighting.
Will Norris
Co-founder, VxV Solutions Inc.
As Co-founder of VxV Solutions Inc., Will Norris leads the delivery of innovative lighting control solutions for projects across the Greater Toronto Area. A Professional Electrical Engineer and Certified Casambi 4C Commissioning Partner, he has been instrumental in advancing the adoption of Casambi technology in Canada, bringing a modern, user-focused approach to smart lighting systems.
Will also lectures at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Chang School of Continuing Education, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of industry professionals. His passion lies in bridging technical excellence with practical application, ensuring that advanced lighting control solutions are both accessible and transformative.
The panelists will guide us through a clear and accessible overview of smart lighting system integration with building management platforms, highlighting how these technologies optimize energy efficiency and enhance occupant comfort.
We’ll explore how advanced controls and sensors contribute to sustainability goals and support certifications such as LEED and WELL, while also delivering strong returns on investment.
We’ll discuss trend applications in both residential and commercial environments, emphasizing human-centric lighting and intuitive interfaces that improve accessibility.
As technology continues to evolve, adaptive lighting is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable design.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Practical Workshop
Mastering LED Lighting Specifications
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Conducted By
Deborah Gottesman
Principal, Gottesman Associates
With 30 years of experience, she leads a boutique lighting design practice, delivering client-driven solutions across heritage, residential, and commercial sectors. An electrical engineer with an MBA, she’s actively involved in professional committees and teaches lighting design, contributing to WELL® and LEED®-certified projects.
Sharyn Adler Gitalis
BFA, Assoc. IALD, MIESNA
Sharyn Adler Gitalis, Senior Associate Lighting Designer at Gottesman Associates and Principal of Colour + Light, integrates her background in art, color consulting, and lighting design to create impactful, sustainable projects. She teaches at OCAD University and Toronto Metropolitan University and holds workshops for design professionals. Sharyn is affiliated with IESNA, IALD, and AIC, and has served on the board of the Colour Research Society of Canada
Navigating LED specification sheets can be overwhelming due to the abundance of choices and technical details. This workshop is designed to demystify the process for specifiers, contractors, builders, and sales representatives, guiding you through the complexities of multi-page lighting cut sheets to ensure accurate and effective specification. In this practical seminar we will showcase project examples and real-life challenges that highlight why specific options are chosen, emphasizing the importance of context in decision-making. You will gain a clear understanding of how to interpret and utilize lighting specification sheets, making the selection process more straightforward. Pre-registration is required to receive the package that you will need to participate in the workshop. Learning objectives:
12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Luncheon Panel on AI and Lighting Specification – Pros and Cons
CEU TYPE: 1.5 LUs
Speakers
Moderator
Tom Butters
Founder & Executive Director, The Lighting Agora
An industry educator with over three decades of experience, he develops globally recognised lighting education programs. Founder of The Lighting Agora and Executive Director of the National Lighting Bureau, he co-developed the “IES Ready Reference” app and organises industry events, shaping the future of lighting education.
Paul Boken
Founder, Sourcery
Paul Boken, a lighting designer with 20+ years’ experience, has led award-winning global projects. He founded Sourcery, a digital platform for product specification, and advises WeLight. His background blends theatre, architecture, and innovation in lighting technology.
Dawn Brown
Owner & Principal Designer, Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design
She leads Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design, focusing on circadian lighting and sustainable solutions. With over two decades of experience, she’s one of Canada’s first Certified Lighting Designers, contributing to WELL® and LEED®-certified projects. Her expertise lies in promoting health through thoughtful, innovative lighting design.
Peter Brown
Manager, Electrical Transitions LLC
Peter Brown has over 30 years in commercial lighting, specializing in audits, sales, and emerging tech. He manages Electrical Transitions LLC and explores AI’s role in lighting. He also moderates discussions on electrification and infrastructure evolution via LinkedIn communities.
SWOT – Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. We will talk with 2 award winning lighting designers and an expert in disruptive technologies and have an unscripted discussion on where we are and where we want to be going forward. “Getting ahead of the curve”, has never been more important.
02:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentation
Modern Networking: The Key to Professional and Personal Growth at All Stages of Your Career
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speakers
Cheryl English
Former VP, Acuity Brands
Cheryl English spent 41 years at Acuity Brands, leading in product development and public policy. A former IES President and industry award recipient, she influenced sustainable lighting standards and shaped regulatory frameworks across major industry boards.
Kimberly Mercier
Lighting Designer & Industry Leader
Kimberly Mercier is a lighting designer and Professional Engineer with 30+ years of experience. Former IES President, she chairs the Light and Human Health Committee and teaches lighting at universities. Her work emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainable design practices.
This session features two renowned lighting professionals who will discuss their approaches to career advancement, effective networking, building a team, and mentoring others. The presenters will share their expertise from both design and manufacturing sectors, offering best practices for career development and personal growth at all stages of your career.
03:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Presentation
Spec to Delivery: The Coming Shift in Design Control
CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs
Speaker
Paul Boken
Founder, Sourcery
Paul Boken, a lighting designer with 20+ years’ experience, has led award-winning global projects. He founded Sourcery, a digital platform for product specification, and advises WeLight. His background blends theatre, architecture, and innovation in lighting technology.
What if, in the next 3 to 5 years, designers could not only specify the products in their projects, but actually take a more active role in delivery from start to finish?
This talk explores a major shift in the role of the designer or specifier. Instead of simply making recommendations, they may soon be able to guide the entire process through to final purchase.
With emerging tools powered by AI, better access to structured product data, and direct integration with quoting systems, the landscape is changing quickly.
Designers will soon be able to:
• Start projects by defining design intent, without searching across hundreds of websites or sending dozens of emails
• Use AI to determine the best products based on application, performance, and budget.
• Collaborate directly with manufacturers to build product codes and confirm availability, connected to their inventory and configuration tools
• Generate a bill of materials and send it to approved manufacturers for pricing
• Deliver a quote to the GC or owner that can be acted on immediately
This brings forward an important question. As better procurement and product recommendation technology takes hold, and designers can better carry the spec all the way to order, do they become competitors to traditional agents? Or are we seeing the rise of a new hybrid model, where roles shift and new value is created?
We’ll look at where the industry is now, what’s around the corner, and how different players in the supply chain need to respond. Whether you're a manufacturer, rep, distributor, or part of a design team, this session will help you understand how your role is evolving and what new opportunities are emerging.
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To attend Canada Light Talks, Delegate registration is mandatory.
**Please note that conference details are subject to change. Stay informed by checking for updates regularly.
