BUILD at LEDucation 2026
New York Hilton Midtown · Two Days. Thirty Members. One Movement.
Day 01 · April 14, 2026
Hitting the Floor Strong
From the moment our members walked through the doors of the NY Hilton, the energy was unmistakable. Nearly thirty BUILD members including lighting designers, engineers, project managers, and advocates converged on one of the industry's most important annual gatherings, ready to engage, explore, and represent.
The show floor at LEDucation 20 was dense with innovation. From advanced LED control systems and adaptive luminaire platforms to sustainability-forward fixture designs and human-centric lighting applications, the exhibitors delivered. Our members moved through it all with a critical eye and an open mind, asking questions, exchanging cards, and making the kinds of connections that shape careers.
There's something that happens when you walk into a room like this and see your community there, too. It shifts everything. You're not just attending: you're arriving.
Day 1 also brought a moment of genuine cross-community solidarity. BUILD members joined colleagues from Light Justice, Asians in Lighting, and NACLIQ at shared tables creating a visible, powerful reminder that the equity movement in lighting is broader than any single organization, and strongest when we move together.
And of course, a massive thank you to Coronet LED who gifted the most adorable BUILD pins on the floor. If you didn't grab one, find us at the next show. (Yes, BUILD polos are available too - reach out if you want one!)
Day 02 · April 15, 2026
Day Two:
Even More Energy
If Day 1 set the tone, Day 2 amplified it. Our members returned to the show floor rested, energized, and armed with the conversations from the night before. That’s because after LEDucation's first day wrapped, the real magic happened at the BUILD Mixer, generously sponsored by LEDFlex.
The Mixer was everything our community needed: a room full of brilliant people, great conversation, and the kind of organic relationship-building that no panel session can replicate. We are enormously grateful to LEDFlex for their belief in what BUILD is building and for making that evening possible.
Back on the floor on Day 2, our members continued to engage with exhibitors, attend programming, and serve as visible proof that Black lighting professionals are here to stay. The collaboration with our equity group allies continued, reinforcing a coalition that we're proud to be part of.
~30 BUILD Members Present
2 Days of Programming
3+ Equity Orgs, Side by Side
∞ Connections Made
Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Happen!
A show presence like ours doesn't materialize on its own. It takes months of planning, coordination, outreach, and the generosity of members who show up not just as attendees, but as organizers and ambassadors. We want to name and celebrate everyone who contributed to our presence at LEDucation 2026.
LEDFlex
Sponsor of the Day 1 Mixer: your generosity created an evening that brought our community closer together. Thank you.
Coronet LED
For the cutest BUILD pins on the show floor: you sparked conversations and smiles everywhere. We appreciate you.
Light Justice
For standing with us at the tables and keeping equity at the center of the conversation.
Asians in Lighting
The collaboration was a reminder of what's possible when communities support each other.
NACLIQ
Thank you for the partnership: your presence alongside ours made the industry take notice.
BUILD Members
Nearly 30 of you showed up, planned, coordinated, and represented with excellence. You are the reason BUILD exists.
To every BUILD member who made the trip, wore the badge, had the conversation, and brought your full self to this space: we see you, we are proud of you, and this movement exists because of you!!
The Work Continues
LEDucation was two days. The work BUILD does is year-round. If you want to stay connected, get involved, or attend a future event, our monthly virtual meetings are a great place to start. And if you missed the polo or the pins, reach out: we'll make sure you're covered at the next show.
The future of the lighting industry is diverse, equitable, and brilliantly lit. We're building it together. One show, one connection, one member at a time.
#BUILDLighting · #LEDucation2026 · #BlackDesigners · #LightingEquity · #BlackUnitedInLightingAndDesign
