Showlight 2017 -- Exhibitor Spaces Sold Out!

The tenth Showlight quadrennial, the full speaker program of which was announced last month, takes place in just three months, May 20 - 23, at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Florence, Italy. Organizers have announced that all exhibitor spaces have sold out -- plus, they even managed to squeeze in a few more due to popular demand! The latest exhibitors to be welcomed on board are AED, Elation Professional BV, PRG, SGM, and Music & Lights. The full list of confirmed exhibitors can be found on the Showlight website at the URL below.

Exhibitors are a vital part of Showlight's winning formula where manufacturers, distributors, and lighting practitioners, from all disciplines and levels of expertise, are in the enviable position of being able to discuss ideas in a much closer, more relaxed environment than that offered by large scale trade shows.

Showlight's exhibition is held in the foyer that encircles the auditorium of the Villa Vittoria in the Palazzo dei Congressi. All companies are allocated the same size shell scheme to ensure everyone is on an even footing, regardless of the size of the company. Uniquely, the exhibition closes while the papers sessions are in progress, so the exhibitors can also listen to the presentations and enjoy full participation in the conference. Delegates will be able to chat to manufacturers during the morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunchtimes when the exhibition is open.

Each exhibitor sponsors a lighting student for the duration of the show to give them a valuable opportunity to network with industry professionals in return for help (and experience) on the stand.

Most exhibitors host company dinners on the Sunday evening, so every Showlight delegate will be taken to one of Florence's many excellent restaurants in good company. Delegates can choose which company they dine with, and a restaurant will often host several company dinners so there is plenty more opportunity for networking.

This is the attendee's opportunity to get to know the manufacturers and distributors, as well as the speakers, and exchange ideas in a leisurely environment, so attendees are encourage to make sure they make the most of their availability.

Showlight's conference program traditionally includes a panel discussion, and this year is no exception as renowned TV lighting designer, Bernie Davies, chairs a panel that focuses on the subject of programming. Programmers Stuart Porter, Brad Schiller, and Ross Williams will explore the changing role they fill and how they fit within the lighting structure. They will look at how this vital role varies in different genres of lighting, how they got to where they are, and where they think things will go in the future.

More details can be found at the URL below.

..."It's been two weeks of sorting out the high stacks of business cards we brought home and emailing back and forth with these wonderful people about some amazing ideas. We were overwhelmed with ideas, conversations, interesting people, delicious feast meals, and the overall amazingness. I've been to many industry events, but Showlight is by far the friendliest and most sense-making get-together I've attended," reported Johanna-Mai Vihalem, Dare to Light (speaker/performer at Showlight 2013).

Florence has inspired artists for hundreds of years and provides the perfect backdrop to a conference about light. Over 50-percent of tickets have sold already, so prospective attendees need to book soon to secure their place at this unique event. A choice of Full Delegate, Papers Session Only, or Day Tickets are on offer via the Showlight website.

May is a busy time in Florence and flights and hotels are filling up quickly. Showlight delegates can benefit from preferential hotel rates at a number of approved hotels which are listed on the Showlight website. Book a hotel now using the code on the Showlight website to secure the discount.

Showlight would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and we are happy to welcome MA Lighting as a new silver sponsor, and d3 technologies and Charcoalblue at bronze sponsors. They join our main sponsor, Claypaky, diamond sponsor Oasis, gold sponsors Robe and Osram, silver sponsors White Light and DTS, and bronze sponsors, ETC and Eyetidy, alongside supporters, LSI and PLASA Media. More sponsorship opportunities are available so please contact Jane or Derek for details on exhibit@showlight.org.