Sponsored By:

Find Us At: Seminar Area, Hall 4

Lovers of Light Canada

An evening dedicated to bringing Canada’s lighting community together through connection, conversation and celebration. Enjoy a relaxed setting to network, unwind and connect with fellow lighting professionals at Canada Light Expo 2026.

Date: November 18, 2026
Happy Hour: 5:15 PM
Game Show: 6:00 PM Onwards

HOST

Dave Young

National Controls Manager, Traxon

Dave Young is the National Controls Manager for Traxon. 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.

REINING CHAMPION CO-HOST

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.

CONTESTANTS

Michael Paul Jennison

Specification Sales, Lighting & Controls, OmniLumen

Michael Paul Jennison with over 18 years of experience in dynamic roles is an active volunteer, mentor, lighting educator, Vice President, technical luncheon host, husband and father of 3 has become a leading specification and strategic project consultant on the international stage. LEED ® Green Associate™ certified by the U.S. Green Building Counsel 'USGBC', Michael works primarily as a Lighting + Controls Specification Consultant with Omnilumen Technical Products. His unique understanding of the design, specification, procurement, construction and commissioning process allows for efficient collaboration with the electrical engineering, architectural, design and construction community.

Lighting Certified® ‘LC’ by the National Council on Qualifications for Lighting Professions ‘NCQLP’, Michael currently serves as Vice President of the Illuminating Engineering Society 'IES' Toronto Section and Program Chair of Technical Luncheons. Furthermore, he is the lead instructor for the IES Toronto Section's Fundamentals of Lighting Program, delivering Module 1 - ' An Introduction to Light & Lighting'. In 2025, Michael joined Canadian Standards Association ‘CSA’ Group’s ‘Z317.5 Illumination for Healthcare Facilities’ subcommittee.

Andrew Mackinnon

Principal, Gabriel Mackinnon Lighting Design

Andrew Mackinnon is the owner and design Principal at Gabriel Mackinnon Lighting Design, having worked in the lighting industry for over twenty five years. His experience covers the range of architectural design: city master plans & urban design, institutional, commercial, and residential spaces and a large portfolio of custom fixture designs. He is active as both a speaker and committee member for the IES and the International Association of Lighting Designers.

Mafi Avila

Sales Representative, Prolux Lighting & Controls

Mafi Avila has Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Economics and more than 10 years of experience working on oil and gas projects in Venezuela. Besides this, she has over 15 years in the lighting industry, including 12 years with Prolux Lighting & Controls, collaborating with lighting designers, engineers and architects to bring their visions to life.

A career in lighting that began by chance, with no previous knowledge of the industry, became the best unexpected turn for her. She has a love for lighting and its ability to transform space. More than a decade of volunteer involvement with the IES Calgary Section, she is currently serving as Treasurer, supporting education and connections within the lighting community.

Marina Bae

Associate, Mulvey & Banani International Inc.

Marina started her journey with Mulvey & Banani as an intern in 2017 and has since demonstrated exceptional communication skills, technical expertise, and dedication to her work. Her proactive, hands-on approach, both on-site and in coordination meetings, has been instrumental in the successful delivery of several high-profile projects, including the CIBC Square development and Scotiabank Arena Phases 2, 3, and 4. Off the clock, Marina takes to the water and ice, where sailing and skiing is more than just a hobby - it's her way of unwinding and staying active.

Samantha Dhama

Toronto Office Manager | Senior Associate

Samantha Dhama is Senior Associate and Toronto Office Manager at NDY, where she leads the firm's Toronto practice and growth across office interiors, retail, hospitality and many more. She brings over 14 years of MEP engineering experience, having led multidisciplinary teams on major commercial and retail fit-out projects.