Highlights from the LIRC Meeting at IALD Enlighten Americas 2025
The Lighting Industry Resource Council (LIRC) held its member meeting at the IALD Enlighten Americas 2025 conference. Co-chaired by Ron Kurtz and Anthony Kerr (Kerr absent), it fostered collaboration among manufacturers, lighting designers, and stakeholders. The meeting featured four groups discussing three key topics, facilitated by Ron, with shared concerns and innovative ideas emerging. I’ve sat in on many LIRC sessions, and the candor always stands out—this one was no different.
Question 1: Welcoming New Members While Preserving Trust
The first topic explored how to include lighting reps, distributors, and affiliates while maintaining manufacturer-designer trust.
One group pushed for inclusive growth through education. They suggested outreach to underrepresented regions and distributors, keeping designers’ voices central in IALD. They proposed a stakeholder conference, separate groups for reps and distributors, and partnerships with groups like CDA.
Two groups urged caution about broad membership. One, with a 60/40 manufacturer-to-designer ratio, suggested renaming LIRC to “Lighting Manufacturers Resource Council” if affiliates join. They questioned code of conduct applications but saw potential in theatrical/AV dealer collaboration. The other saw reps as a “wild card,” raising ethical concerns about “free design” devaluing professionals. They favored organizational partnerships with IES or NEMA.
The fourth group echoed inclusion, emphasizing mutual learning across the supply chain. They supported separate groups for reps and distributors to channel ideas, stressing collaborative partnerships. There was a concern that with the LIRC, and at IALD Englighten meetings in general, there are great opportunities for unfiltered discussions between manufacturers and designers. Having reps active in IALD/LIRC might limit those conversations.
All groups valued trust, ethics, and clear communication to integrate new members.
LIRC Meeting at IALD Enlighten Americas 2025 Focuses on 3 Key Issues
Question 2: Future Proofing Lighting – Maintainability and Sustainability
Building on a 2024 seminar by Anne Kustner and Rachel Fitzgerald, this topic addressed sustainable maintenance for aging LED products. Should there be a right to repair?
One group focused on policy and legislation to reduce waste. They debated standardization—some saw it stifling innovation, others enabling repairs. They suggested NEMA lead standards and proposed leasing or service models, revisiting lifecycle costs.
Two groups highlighted practical solutions and challenges. One questioned Zhaga’s US traction, citing commoditization concerns. They suggested QR codes for manuals, Lighting as a Service with IoT feedback, right-to-repair, and maintainability ratings like IP standards. The other asked who writes standards (ANSI, UL, IES, IALD, LIRC), noting cost pressures limit serviceability. They proposed IALD/LIRC white papers and prioritizing replaceable parts like drivers.
The fourth group saw late-design issues, advocating for an IALD/LIRC position paper to leverage Zhaga and prevent value engineering of WELL or LEED solutions. They suggested service contracts or blockchain tracking.
Standardization, position papers, and sustainable models were common themes.
Question 3: Navigating Remote Work in Specifications and Relationships
This question addressed how remote work reshapes designer-manufacturer-rep connections, focusing on compensation and relationships.One group pushed transparency, suggesting documentation of spec credits and out-of-territory jobs. They recommended OEMs assign specifiers to projects and add pricing markups for fair pay.
Two groups stressed communication but noted systemic issues. One suggested sharing fixture schedules and spec registration, though laughter followed when specifiers deciding compensation was raised. The other, citing remote work experience, saw no universal solution. They advised OEMs handle compensation to keep designers impartial, stressing clear job details but calling the system “broken.”
The fourth group discussed but offered no firm solutions. Some firms prefer local reps or home bases, suggesting education and transparency.Transparency, communication, and fair compensation were key, with solutions varying from structured processes to recognizing no one-size-fits-all fix.
The LIRC meeting highlighted collaboration amid challenges. Upcoming town halls will further IALD and LIRC’s leadership. Visit iald.org for more.
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