The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) had its official opening on November 3, with President Monica Luz Lobo leading the proceedings. In her welcoming address, Lobo acknowledged the collective efforts that have brought the community together and shared several significant advancements within the organization.
IALD is currently undergoing a refresh, evidenced by the complete replacement of its website and database, streamlining operations and member interactions. This development aligns with the association’s broader goal of staying at the forefront of the industry’s evolving demands.
The Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) committee is actively engaging in initiatives to bolster the credential’s significance and ease of access. Their collaboration with other associations plays a critical role in this endeavor. Additionally, IALD’s involvement with the EU CEM technical committee marks a new chapter in the association’s influence on lighting policy within the EU framework.
Looking forward, the IALD Lighting Education Resource Network (LERN) is poised for launch in early 2024. This initiative represents a significant stride in educational resources for IALD members. LERN, a joint effort with LIRC members, exemplifies what can be accomplished when diverse groups unite on a project, and it affirms IALD’s commitment to educational excellence and member development.
In her speech, President Lobo also touched upon an impending change to the membership structure. She hinted at a future where the organization expands its membership to a broader audience, thus enhancing the stature of professional members. This comes in light of a private meeting held the previous evening to discuss membership structures, which, as per discussions with attendees, was aimed at fostering open dialogue. I was personally asked not to attend. Conversations with several members post-meeting illuminated the rationale behind this decision: the designers sought an environment of candor, which might have been hinderedyou’re your humble editor been present to document the discussions. In addition, manufacturers were not included in the session. In recognition of these preferences, I chose to honor the request and abstained from attending. Monica invited incoming president, Andrea Hartreanft to the podium saying, “She will lead us into the future. The future is bright.”
Incoming IALD President Andrea Hartranft
Andrea thanked Monica for her guidance during turbulent times, saying, “As we look to the future, I am excited, not just to survive, but to thrive. I Think we have potential to be the best lighting association in the world. Thank you for being part of it.”
Claudio Ramos spoke about the challenge of selecting papers from 200 submissions, ultimately choosing 14. He encouraged future submissions, emphasizing the importance of academic contribution to the field.
IALD Education Trust Fund Chair Andrea Wilkerson
Andrea Wilkerson, President of the IALD Education Trust, briefly announced the Trust’s support for over 85 students and educators globally since 2020. She reflected on the Trust’s 25-year goal to advance the profession by growing the pool of lighting designers and fostering connections between aspirants and practitioners. Wilkerson also noted that this is her ninth and final year on the trust board, signaling a forthcoming change in leadership.
Artist Bruce Munro, the keynote speaker at the 2023 IALD Enlighting Americas Conference
ETC sponsored the keynote discussion with Bruce Munro, and I had the pleasure of interviewing him immediately after the event and that article will be published in the DEC issue of designing lighting (dl) magazine.