A Stronger Financial Foundation
At Light + Building 2026 in Frankfurt, I sat down with Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Executive Director and CEO Colleen Harper to discuss the organization’s evolving strategy and financial turnaround.
Harper emphasized that IES is now on significantly stronger financial footing than it was just a few years ago. When she joined the organization nearly four years ago, IES relied heavily on LightFair revenue, which historically accounted for 40–50% of its annual income. With the evolution and rebranding of LightFair into Light + Intelligent Building North America, that dependency became unsustainable.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
To adapt, IES implemented a multi-pronged strategy focused on growth and diversification. Membership expansion, increased educational programming—particularly online symposia—and a reimagined annual event, now called the IES Lighting Conference, have all contributed to a more balanced financial model.
The Lighting Conference now generates a modest net profit, while the Street and Area Lighting Conference has grown even stronger than its pre-pandemic performance. Combined with operational efficiencies that reduced expenses, these efforts led to a major milestone: IES reported a net surplus in fiscal year 2025—its first since 2019.
New Revenue Through Strategic Partnerships
IES has also expanded into association management as a new source of revenue. A partnership with NCQLP, launched in 2023, created an ongoing management fee. More recently, a shared resource agreement with the Audio Engineering Society added another reliable income stream.
Harper noted that while IES remains focused on its core mission, the organization is open to managing additional associations if those opportunities align with its goals and benefit the broader lighting community.
Strengthening the Team
Harper highlighted several key hires that are helping drive progress. Megan Carroll has brought notable energy and industry credibility to the team, while Director of Membership Carolyn Woods has already made an impact since joining in late 2025, contributing to early membership growth.
Harper also credited the broader team for advancing education, standards, and member engagement, reinforcing that IES’s success is a collective effort.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Lighting Conference
The 2026 IES Lighting Conference will take place in Denver in mid-August, a location that has already generated excitement among members. Building on improvements made in 2025, the conference will continue to focus on delivering high-value, compelling content that encourages professionals to travel and participate.
With strong support from the local Denver section, the event is expected to draw significant attendance and build on last year’s momentum.
Progress on Standards and Recommended Practices
On the standards side, Harper acknowledged that an extended ANSI audit temporarily slowed the publication of recommended practices. However, that backlog is now clearing, and IES has resumed releasing new standards and guidance, with more expected throughout the year.
Collaboration and Industry Integration
As technology continues to drive convergence across industries, Harper noted that collaboration with organizations like the Audio Engineering Society could expand. While both organizations will remain independent, the possibility of shared events or co-located conferences is being considered—particularly as intelligent building systems become more integrated.
The Future of Light + Intelligent Building North America
Harper expressed strong support for the upcoming Light + Intelligent Building North America show, emphasizing that it represents more than just a rebranding of LightFair. The event aims to attract a broader audience, including professionals focused on intelligent building technologies, while offering a more dynamic and integrated show floor experience.
Plans include curated pavilions and targeted educational programming to ensure the event reflects the evolving landscape of lighting and building innovation.
Positioned for Long-Term Growth
With improved financial stability, new revenue streams, and a strengthened team, IES is entering a new phase of growth. Harper’s leadership has helped reposition the organization for long-term sustainability—ensuring it remains a central force in the lighting industry as it continues to evolve.