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.
Cocktail Reception + Networking Game Show
Lovers of Light
Speaker(s)
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
SMP Engineering, Senior Lighting Designer, lightSPACE at
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
Ontario Aesthetic Lighting Design, Owner & Principal Designer
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
Lighting Specification Sales, TPL Lighting
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
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
