Lighting Controls Podcast

Energy consultant Gina Rodda joins the show to break down California’s Title 24 energy code and why understanding code is essential for lighting professionals. From reading the code to avoiding costly mistakes, Gina shares expert tips, real-world stories, and why proper documentation matters. 

💡 Topics include: 

- Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1 

- Code compliance pitfalls 

- ROI myths in lighting controls 

- Why controls matter for grid stability 

#lightingcontrols #Title24 #EnergyCode #GinaRodda #BuildingCompliance #podcastshorts  

Connect with Gina: 

gabelenergy.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-rodda-gabelenergy/

In this compelling episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, we welcome Chris Bocchiaro—a dynamic force in the lighting industry with a career spanning theatrical roots, integration expertise, and public-facing light art installations.

💡 From his beginnings in Boston theater to managing landmark lighting projects, Chris shares how inside sales launched his journey, how integration reshaped his perspective, and why collaboration and creativity are key to successful lighting controls.

🌟 Topics Covered:

- What “integration” really means in dynamic lighting projects

- Challenges and solutions in outdoor temporary installations

- Evolution of IP-rated fixtures for entertainment and architectural use

- The role of inside sales in shaping lighting professionals

- Box-building, DC power, and the future of controls infrastructure

Whether you’re a student curious about lighting, a professional exploring new roles, or a tech nerd fascinated by controls and collaboration, this episode is packed with insights, personality, and real-world experience.

Connect with Chris:

www.clerestorylight.com

www.lslp.net

Instagram: @clerestorylight

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bocchiaro-54086743/

Sponsor:

mwConnect

www.mwconnect.us

🎙️ In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, Webster and Ron sit down with Wes Hacking, a lighting control specialist at Cooper Electric, to unpack how distributors can evolve into high-value integrators. From Wes’s theatrical lighting roots to his hands-on lab in Manhattan, he shares how Cooper Electric offers design-build services, in-house programming, and real-world problem-solving—well beyond the typical distributor role. They dive into common field issues like wiring mishaps, the benefits of testing gear in a lab setting, and why Wes insists on system integration that actually works before it hits the job site. 

💡 Whether you're a contractor, specifier, or just curious about the brains behind smart lighting setups, this episode is a masterclass in how to future-proof projects and add value through specialized lighting controls expertise. 

Connect with Wes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wphdesigns/

Sponsor: Maxlite www.maxlite.com

💡 In this Lighting Controls Podcast episode, industry expert Steve Mesh unpacks a real-world retrofit project in a high-rise office where four lighting control systems were tested. The outcome? Only the quadrant using LLLCs (luminaire-level lighting controls) worked flawlessly. It’s a compelling case for smarter design, clearer documentation, and better education in lighting controls installations. 

🎧 Listen for practical lessons, wiring woes, and big takeaways on streamlining installations. 

#LightingControls #SmartBuildings #LLLC #EnergyEfficiency #RetrofitSuccess #LightingDesign #BuildingSystems #ControlsIntegration #ConstructionInsights #PodcastRecap 

Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-mesh-lc-iesna-b156b83

Sponsor: mwConnect www.mwconnect.us

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, our guest David Fox—Training and Outreach Specialist with ETC—dives deep into DMX512. He challenges the misconception that DMX512 is an unfamiliar protocol and explains its evolution from analog systems to a reliable, widely-used lighting control standard. From the history of saltwater dimmers to the practical rules of wiring and troubleshooting DMX512, this discussion is packed with valuable insights for both beginners and industry professionals. 

After getting his start in high school running lights for a Sinatra impersonator in the back room of a Chinese restaurant in beautiful Burbank California, David Fox worked in California as a field service technician, production electrician, house electrician, console programmer, lighting designer, and monitor engineer for several theatres, live concert venues, feature films, and television productions. For the last 25 years, David has been at ETC starting providing frontline phone support. He then transitioned to managing technical support and customer service departments. Currently he works in the education center as the LMS Administrator and instructional designer developing training programs and presenting live and online classes. Since his start in the industry David has been passionate about learning and education believing that what we do is a craft and as such we all have a responsibility to pass along what we know to those who follow us. When not at work, he tries to do as little as possible and generally fails at it. 

Connect with David: 

www.etconnect.com https://learningstage.etcconnect.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fox-instructional-designer-curriculum-developer/

Sponsor: MaxLite www.maxlite.com

Join us in celebrating our 100th episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this special milestone episode, we welcome Craig DiLouie from the Lighting Controls Association and Alexa Berger from NEMA to discuss the future of lighting education, workforce development, and technological innovation in lighting controls. 

 We explore the transition from Education Express to the new NEMA Academy, an all-in-one platform for industry professionals to access high-quality education and training. Plus, we dive into the evolving landscape of lighting controls, from wireless systems to AI integration and the growing demand for electrical professionals in the industry. 

 Big thanks to our sponsor MaxLite and to the Lighting Controls Association and NAILD for making the 100th episode possible! 

 📍 Learn more: NEMA Academy 

 💡 Explore past episodes:  Lighting Controls Podcast 

 Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights into lighting controls! 

 Craig DiLouie, LC, CLCP is a journalist and educator in the lighting industry and serves as education director for the Lighting Controls Association, a council of NEMA dedicated to educating the public about lighting control technology and application. He is also lighting columnist for tED Magazine and Electrical Contractor. 

 Connect with Craig: lightingcontrolsassociation.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdilouie 

 Alexa Burr is the Vice President of Strategic Growth & Market Development at NEMA, driving non-dues revenue growth through market expansion, strategic partnerships, and initiatives like the Make It American™ certification program. With prior leadership roles at API and ACC, she has spearheaded standards development, global advocacy, and sustainability efforts across the chemical and petroleum industries. Holding advanced degrees in global health from Georgetown University, she also serves as an EMT in the Washington, DC area. 

 Connect with Alexa: 

nema.org 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-burr/ 

Sponsor: Maxlite www.maxlite.com

Lighting controls are evolving, but do we all speak the same language? Join Webster Marsh as he and Chris O'Shea from Control Force tackle the biggest terminology challenges in the industry. From different definitions across the U.S. and Europe to the confusion between "dimmer" and "controller," this episode uncovers why consistency in terminology matters more than ever for professionals and newcomers alike! Are we using the right words? Watch now and find out! 

Son of the founder of O’Shea Electric, Chris comes by this industry honestly. Finding his interest in theatrical lighting, he worked for, among others, Strand Lighting, Thea Enterprises representing Lutron, Chelsea Lighting, and most recently at PG Elite Lighting Service as Manager of Sales and Marketing. As Chris O'Shea Theatrical Lighting Design from 1996-2018, he has been a designer, stage tech, and board-operator for over 180 productions from the local church to Carnegie Hall. He is now the Head of Marketing and Business Development for Control Force. 

Connect with Chris: 

www.controlforce.com 

Sponsor: Maxlite www.maxlite.com

In this episode, Ryan Krueger, Energy Efficiency Manager at EnerChange, shares insights on lighting controls, rebates, and energy optimization. With funding from utilities and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, he audits nonprofits at no cost to them in order to cut building energy costs. Ryan breaks down how utilities structure rebates, the rise of luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLC), and why controls are the next big step in energy efficiency. Whether you're working on retrofits or new construction, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to learn how lighting controls can maximize energy savings! 

Ryan is the Energy Efficiency Manager for EnerChange. They are funded by Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and the Minnesota Department to provide no cost energy audits for non profits in these service territories. Prior to EnerChange, Ryan spent 4 years in outside lighting sales for Premier Lighting. During his time at Premier Lighting, he went through NAILD’s LS1, LS2, LS-C. LS-C was the first iteration of lighting controls in 2020 which has now been revamped and reintroduce by Ron and Webster. Prior to that he spent 3 years managing another ESCO program doing lighting direct installs. So, it’s always been lightbulbs for Ryan. 

Specializing in high-end residential and hospitality lighting design, Andy Bull shares insights on lighting controls, automation, and scene-based design—exploring how smart systems can enhance daily life. From residential vs. commercial lighting to educating clients on intuitive controls, this episode sheds light on optimizing spaces for function and aesthetics.  

Andy Bull is a lighting designer, controls specialist, and rally co-driver. 

Based in Dublin, Ireland, Andy leads two lighting-focused businesses—his own company, Lighting Audio Video Projects, and Eclipse Lighting Design, a collaborative studio he co-founded with Scottish lighting designer Gordon Petrie. Across both, he delivers intuitive lighting and control systems for residential and select commercial projects across Ireland and the UK, and has done projects in Europe, and Africa. 

 Connect with Andy: www.linkedin.com/in/AndyBullLighting 

 Sponsor: MaxLite www.maxlite.com

In this engaging episode, Adrienne Jones, a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in the lighting industry, takes center stage to share her wealth of knowledge. Here's what you can expect:
🔹 Design Build Explained: Adrienne uncovers the nuances of design build projects, emphasizing collaboration from the start to streamline processes and ensure success.
🔹 The Importance of Clear Definitions: Addressing miscommunication in the industry, Adrienne advocates for aligning terminology to improve education and project outcomes.
🔹 Teaching Heuristics: A call for better tools to navigate real-world challenges—moving beyond reciting information to empowering learners with practical processes.
🔹 Communication Challenges: From field technicians to design teams, Adrienne dives into the critical need for improved two-way communication across disciplines.
🔹 Staying Curious: Adrienne emphasizes the value of curiosity in driving professional growth, urging listeners to learn from failures and embrace innovation.
🎧 Whether you're a lighting enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the dynamic world of lighting controls!
🔗 Watch now and join the conversation. #LightingDesign #LightingControls #Education #PodcastHighlights #ProfessionalGrowth

Connect with Adrienne:
lightinggroup.com
www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-jones-lc-mies-5665a6101

Sponsor: mwConnect www.mwconnect.us