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: 5:00 PM Game Show: 6:00 PM
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.
Justin Castellano is the founder of Just In Time, where he helps lighting and construction professionals communicate the value of light through outcomes: vibe, human experience, and business impact, not just specifications. With a background spanning acting, theatrical lighting, manufacturing and agency presentation experience, combined with 15 years in financial services sales, Justin brings a rare blend of performance, persuasion, and practical frameworks that help experts get buy-in from non-experts.
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 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.
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.
