ALA Hosts Industry Networking Events During Lightovation

This month during January Lightovation, ALA hosted industry networking events focused on helping members build personal and professional connections. 

On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 10, Maxim Lighting sponsored the ALA Women in Lighting (WIL) event. Industry members gathered to enjoy networking and refreshments while learning about ALA’s WIL Committee.

First, the committee announced they raised $4,000 through their 2022 fundraiser selling pins sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co. and Varaluz, which benefitted the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in memory of Karen Krieger. In 2023, the group will hold another fundraiser selling commemorative pins designed to promote ALA’s 2023 Conference in Lake Tahoe, Calif., Sept. 10-12. The 2023 pins, sponsored by Maxim Lighting, are for sale for $20 and the proceeds will benefit Dress for Success, a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. 

The WIL Committee also encouraged members to nominate outstanding women for the 2023 Women in Lighting Leadership Award (WILLA), which will be presented during June Lightovation in Dallas. Members can learn more about this award at LightingWomen.com. 

On the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 11, ALA’s Young Executives group gathered in the Elk Home showroom for networking and refreshments. In addition to connecting the future leaders of the industry, the group announced the formation of a formal Young Executives Committee, which will hold its first official meeting during Lightovation in June. 

The Young Executives Committee is focused on encouraging career development through networking, while also providing the younger generation in lighting the opportunity to build connections with their peers. All ALA members interested in supporting or serving on the ALA Young Executives Committee are encouraged to email ALA Director of Marketing Raelle Bell at Raelle@ALALighting.com, to learn more. 

Members interested in getting more involved in any of ALA’s committees or events are encouraged to contact ALA Director of Membership Jack Grandel at Jack@ALALighting.com. The ALA Women in Lighting and Young Executives groups will again host networking events during June Lightovation. Details will be sent to all members as they become available.