LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI®) will produce its 2016 west-coast event in San Diego in a strategic move signaling continuing growth for the annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and chief operating officer of LFI managing partner AMC, Inc.
The 2016 staging at the San Diego Convention Center marks the San Diego premiere for LFI, which is produced alternately annually in large east- and west-coast venues. The San Diego location follows LFI’s long-running staging in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, its west-coast venue beginning in 1998, continuing in 2001 and then recurring in even years 2004-2012.
The San Diego Convention Center size and scale, together with its proximity to extensive hotel facilities and transportation resources and services, is a defining factor in the LFI 2016 location decision. The Center is conveniently located within walking distance of more than 11,000 first-class hotel rooms and scenic San Diego Bay. San Diego International Airport’s advantageous location within three miles of the Center offers additional convenience with 21 airlines serving 54 domestic and international destinations. With more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, the Center is well equipped to house LFI’s rapidly growing presentation of lighting, energy and design products, systems and technologies.
“San Diego will give 2016 attendees and exhibitors the unmatched advantages that extend naturally from an environment blending spectacular facilities, a superb waterfront setting, and a desirable year-round temperate climate, all captured in the beauty and charm of a fascinating city steps away from LFI’s front door,” notes Marsha Turner, executive vice president of LFI partner International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). “We are thrilled at all that San Diego holds for LFI,” Turner adds.
