Illuminate at NeoCon

Ever wonder why a lighting designer or specifier adds multiple fixture “types” to a schedule—even when the products appear identical? Experience how differences in distribution and placement dramatically change how texture, depth, and material are perceived—and why those differences matter.

Do lighting designers ever seem frustrated when finishes shift from light to dark—or vice versa? See what happens when the lighting and layout stay the same, but material value changes and understand the dramatic impact finish selection has on brightness, contrast, and spatial perception.

Feel the physiological impact of lighting that supports—or disrupts—your circadian rhythm. Learn why “feel-good” light matters, and how it’s rooted in research originally developed to regulate sleep cycles for astronauts in space.

Diffuse, direct, side, and indirect lighting all shape how we see one another.

Step into different lighting conditions, capture your image, and experience how light placement affects facial modeling, mood, and perception.

See how light source, spectrum, and intensity shift the appearance of color, texture, and finish—showing how the same material can look completely different once installed.

Experience different levels of light first-"hand". This vignette makes lighting terminology tangible, demonstrating "how much light is that?" through live footcandle display and a physical connection to brightness, contract, and comfort.

Presented in partnership with Lytei, these dynamic 20- to 40-minute conversations—held on the Spotlight Stage, 7th Floor—are dedicated to one powerful idea: great design starts with great lighting. Open to all NeoCon registrants, no additional registration required.

Lighting is often treated as an afterthought—yet it’s what ultimately reveals space, materiality, and form. This panel brings together leading designers and industry experts to explore the critical role of lighting in shaping how we experience the built environment.

Lighting-focused CEUs at NeoCon, offering in-person learning led by industry experts and the opportunity to earn credits while exploring the latest in design.

Lighting-focused CEUs available on-demand, designed to expand your knowledge of lighting across the built environment.

Featured Guest: Brooke Horan, HDR Inc.

Her job anticipates life’s moments you least expect - she's leading projects from New York to the Gulf to Bengaluru, and we're sitting down live at NeoCon to ask how lighting becomes the thing that separates a space that has your back – hospitals, recovery rooms, and airport terminals.

Featured Guest: Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson, Kuchar

Most interior designers pick a lane. Sarah’s studio doesn't - nor do they apologize for it. We're recording live at NeoCon to find out what a designer who works across this much range actually trusts when she's standing in an empty room making decisions — starting with light.

The first year of Illuminate at NeoCon closes with a chance to dive in live; moments you might have missed because you were having too much fun will be highlighted, while the co-hosts debate what they are excited about after visiting with attendees for four straight days!

Join Lightology for a well-earned break and recharge with light, conversation, and good company at The Luminary Bar. Stop by, raise a glass, and connect with our lighting team — from inspiration to lumination, we're here for all of it. All Attendees welcome.