Messe Frankfurt acquires stake in LightFair


27th February 2024

(Germany) – Light + Building brand network grows to 13 events worldwide with latest partnership.

Believed to be a 33% share, with Illuminating Engineering Society and International Association of Lighting Designers owning the rest, Messe Frankfurt will now organise the five-day trade fair alongside a conference.

With more than 500 exhibiting companies and thousands of top buyers, LightFair is the largest event for architectural and commercial lighting in North America. Focusing primarily on forward-looking innovations, an experience-oriented exhibition space, a great many new products, networking and a wide range of training opportunities, LightFair sets new standards for light design and innovative lighting technologies in the US.

Wolfgang Marzin, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, says: “With the vast experience of our partners IALD and IES in North America and Messe Frankfurt’s track record as an organiser of leading international building technology trade fairs, we are pooling our shared strengths. This strategic decision also enables us to bring our expertise to bear in the USA.”

Constantin von Vieregge, President, and CEO of Messe Frankfurt’s US subsidiary Messe Frankfurt, says: “The signing of this agreement brings together the expertise of Messe Frankfurt – known for its successful track record in organising world-class trade events with Light + Building, the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building technology – and the visionary approach of associations IES and IALD in the realm of commercial lighting. The synergies we share mark a significant step towards advancing the industry and promise an unparalleled platform for industry professionals, innovators, and stakeholders.”

Christopher Knowlton, Chief Executive Officer of the IALD adds: “The IALD is thrilled to partner with Messe Frankfurt for LightFair and is eager to reinvent the international trade show and conference. The partnership will amplify the event’s ability to showcase cutting-edge lighting innovations and connect directly with the lighting community in the United States and beyond. As this next evolution of LightFair opens its doors to broader audiences, the IALD welcomes the fostering of collaboration and inspiration within the lighting industry that will come from this international alliance. This new stage in LightFair’s development will open up new possibilities for reaching a larger audience. This is why IALD welcomes wholeheartedly the increased cooperation and inspiration within the lighting industry that this international alliance will bring about.

LightFair is now part of the Light + Building technology fairs around the world. The flagship fair is Light + Building, which takes place in Frankfurt am Main every two years and will open its doors between 3 and 8 March this year.

LightFair 2025 will be held in Las Vegas between 4 and 8 May.

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