NEMRA Lighting, a division of the National Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association (NEMRA), has announced the launch of its inaugural Lighting Summit, a members-only strategic event designed specifically for independent lighting agents and manufacturers. Scheduled for October 15–17, 2026, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, the Summit introduces a new collaboration model focused on structured business planning, deeper partnership alignment, and actionable growth strategies for 2027.
Unlike traditional trade shows or conferences, the Lighting Summit is positioned as a dedicated business-planning experience. Its core feature is a series of structured, one-on-one meetings between agency principals, executives, and manufacturing leaders. These sessions are designed to provide uninterrupted time for reviewing performance, aligning on market opportunities, discussing investments, evaluating territories, and jointly developing strategic plans. The goal is to move beyond transactional interactions and foster long-term, results-oriented partnerships. The event theme, “Elevating Partnerships, Reaching New Peaks,” underscores this emphasis on measurable growth and stronger collaboration.
The Summit reflects the rapid growth of NEMRA Lighting since its formation in 2025, now encompassing approximately 160 lighting agents and manufacturer brands. Built on pillars of advocacy, education, and networking, the division has expanded its offerings through training initiatives, strategic alliances, and market resources. The addition of the Summit represents a significant step in enhancing member value by creating a tailored environment for strategic alignment within the lighting and controls channel.
NEMRA Lighting leadership emphasizes that the Summit is intended to fill a gap in the industry. According to Divisional Vice President Jeff Bristol, the event is designed to provide something previously missing: dedicated, distraction-free time for honest, high-level discussions between agents and manufacturers. Rather than leaving with superficial connections, attendees are expected to leave with concrete business roadmaps and clearly defined plans for the year ahead.
In addition to private planning meetings, the Summit will offer a range of supporting activities aimed at professional and strategic development. These include executive panel discussions on emerging market trends, educational sessions, and access to preferred service providers and business resources. Attendees will also benefit from peer-to-peer collaboration opportunities with industry leaders, as well as structured tools, checklists, and planning frameworks intended to maximize the effectiveness of meetings and outcomes.
To further enhance preparedness and ensure productive engagement, NEMRA Lighting has introduced a pre-event educational webinar series and planning resources. These tools are designed to familiarize participants with the Summit format, clarify expectations, and help attendees arrive ready to execute meaningful discussions and decisions.
The Summit is positioned as a competitive advantage for members, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving lighting and controls market. Industry shifts such as increasing digitalization, greater integration of lighting controls, tightening energy regulations, growing specification complexity, and changing customer expectations are driving the need for more strategic coordination between agents and manufacturers. By providing a structured forum for long-term planning and alignment, the Summit aims to help participants navigate these changes more effectively.
Registration is now open to eligible NEMRA Lighting members and invited strategic partners, with additional details available here.
All images courtesy of NEMRA Lighting.
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