Lighting controls are evolving and creating new opportunities. While the technology can seem daunting, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert to incorporate a control system into your lighting designs.

In this episode, Raelle sits down with C. Webster Marsh of Penumbra Controls and host of the Lighting Controls Podcast to discuss what’s new and evolving in lighting controls and how you can take advantage of these changes to strengthen your business model. Plus, hear Webster’s take on what’s most exciting about the future of controls.

Show notes

C. Webster Marsh is the owner of Penumbra Controls, where he provides lighting and lighting controls design, specification guidance, and education. Webster brings over 20 years of applied experience with lighting and lighting controls, and he enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge with the industry. He is a Certified Lighting Controls Practitioner, Lighting Controls Association contributor, and instructor and speaker for various industry groups. In his spare time, he co-hosts the Lighting Controls Podcast.

Hosted by Raelle Bell

Produced by Association Briefings

Bridging the gap between technology and design, lighting is an essential element to every space. Understanding style and design, choosing the right products, and ensuring a beautiful and functional layout require time, expertise, and an awareness of personal style. In this episode, Raelle sits down with Traditional Home’s Editor in Chief Jill Waage and Style and Design Editor Krissa Rossbund to discuss the most recent issue of Lighting magazine. Plus, they dive into what’s leading the design world, how to balance your personal style with what’s trending, and the keys to creating beautiful living spaces.

Show notes

The most recent issue of Lighting magazine, produced by the ALA Advertising & PR Program in partnership with DotDash Meredith and Traditional Home, is now available in select ALA-member showrooms and on newsstands across the U.S. and Canada. Click here to find your local lighting showroom or view the digital copy online here.

Jill Waage is the Editor in Chief of Traditional Home magazine and Dotdash Meredith’s Premium Portfolio of over 100 newsstand titles in the home, garden, and food categories. She is a Chicago-area native and a proud graduate of Drake University, where she studied journalism and interior design.

Krissa Rossbund is the style and design editor at Traditional Home. She covers décor, entertaining, and home tours, and has experience writing about all kind of design styles, from boho to nautical.

Hosted by Raelle Bell

Produced by Association Briefings

From supporting industry networking to giving back to the community, the ALA Women in Lighting Committee is changing the face of the lighting industry.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Raelle Bell sits down with Laura Van Zeyl of Dallas Market Center and Karyn Hayes of Hinkley to discuss their work over the past five years building and growing the ALA Women in Lighting (WIL) Committee. Learn how you can get involved in WIL and ALA. Plus, they dive into the trends impacting the industry and what they might mean for the coming years.

Show notes

Laura Van Zeyl has been a leading figure in the lighting, home, and design industries since 1993, initially as an editor with Residential Lighting, Accessory Merchandising and Home Fashion Forecast magazines for more than two decades. Since 2016, Van Zeyl has worked on lighting events for Dallas Market Center, including Lightovation and ArchLIGHT Summit. Van Zeyl co-founded and chaired the Women in Lighting Committee for the American Lighting Association and currently leads the Committee’s Marketing Subcommittee. She also serves on the Advisory Board for ART - The Creative Home Furnishings Network, the Advisory Board for The H Foundation and the Allied Roundtable for AIA Dallas. She is a member of Women in Lighting + Design (WILD), an Affiliate member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and an Associate Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

Karyn Hayes is the Director of Sales – Showroom for Hinkley. Karyn began her career in the lighting industry in 1993 as the National Business Manager for Lighting at Ferguson Enterprises, Corporate. She began her career in 2012 with Hinkley as East Regional Sales Manager, moving to showroom sales manager for North America in 2016. In 2023, she took over as director of sales for showrooms. In this role, she manages regional sales managers, independent sales representatives and oversees approximately 500 customers for the showroom channel. As an active member of Women in Lighting since its inception, Karyn has been involved in guiding the committee and leading program development. In her current role, she serves on the mentoring subcommittee.

Connect with the ALA Women in Lighting Committee online:

Website: https://alamembers.com/About/Women-in-Lighting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alawomeninlighting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/172917563271464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12461288/

Join ALA and the ALA Women in Lighting Committee in Palm Beach, Sept. 22-24, 2024, at the ALA Conference. Register here: https://www.alaconference.com

Host: Raelle Bell

Producer: Association Briefings

A lot is changing at ALA. As the lighting industry evolves, ALA is committed to providing new, improved benefits to support members’ needs. In this episode, ALA’s President & CEO Larry Lauck and Director of Membership Carrie Kolles join Raelle to discuss ALA’s new member programs and what the future has in store for the association and the lighting industry.

Show notes

Learn more about ALA Reimagined.

Check out ALA’s free training, member forums, and updated accreditation programs.

Be part of the change, join one of ALA’s member committees.

We hope you’ll join us in Palm Beach, Fla., for the 2024 ALA Conference.

Hosted by Raelle Bell

Produced by Association Briefings

Education is the key to staying ahead in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Long-time ALA educator and professor of design Joe Rey-Barreau, AIA, IESNA, sits down with Liz and Raelle to discuss why he believes education leads to increased sales. Plus, he walks them through what’s new in ALA’s updated Residential Lighting Training Manual, launching February 2024, and the unexpected benefits of ALA’s virtual Lighting Specialist training courses.

Show notes

Pre-order the new Residential Lighting Training Manual here.

Register for the March 2024 Residential Lighting Training Course here.

Joseph A. Rey-Barreau, AIA, IESNA, is an architect and lighting designer with over thirty years of experience as a design professional. He is also an Associate Professor with tenure in the College of Design at the University of Kentucky where he has won numerous teaching awards. Since 1995, Joes has served as an educational consultant and instructor for ALA and has developed hundreds of lighting education courses and online webinars for both the lighting industry and allied professionals, such as architects, engineers, and interior designers. He is also the founder and Education Director of LED University, which offers online seminars focused on current and developing LED design trends and technology updates. Joe’s dedication to educating lighting professionals and ALA members has had a profound impact on both the industry and the association.

Take your education to the next level at the 2024 ALA Conference, Sept. 22-24.

Have a question, comment, or idea for an episode topic? Email us at [email protected]

Hosts Raelle Bell & Liz Ware

 Produced by Association Briefings

Residential Lighting Training Manual Table of Contents

User’s Guide

Module 1: Introduction to Lighting 

1. Talking About Light 

2. How We See

3. Color

Module 2: Light Sources 

4. Introduction to Light Sources 

5. Incandescent and Halogen Sources

6. Linear Fluorescent Sources

7. Compact Fluorescent & Other Sources

8. Light Emitting Diodes

9. Directional Sources

Module 3: Decorative Lighting Fixtures 

10. Introduction to Decorative Fixtures 

11. Chandeliers and Pendants

12. Wall and Ceiling Fixtures

13. Portable Lamps

14. Ceiling Fans

15. Decorative Materials

Module 4: Electricity and Lighting Controls 

16. Basics of Electricity 

17. Dimmers

18. Lighting Control Systems

Module 5: Architectural Lighting Fixtures 

19. Introduction to Architectural Fixtures 

20. Recessed Downlighting

21. Track Lighting

22. Specialty Accent Lighting

23. Utility Fixtures

24. Landscape Lighting

Module 6: Fundamentals of Lighting Design 

25. Introduction to Lighting Design 

26. Lighting Composition

27. Coordinating Styles

28. Lighting Regulations

29. Energy-Wise Lighting

30. Construction Drawings

Module 7: Lighting Recommendations 

31. Introduction to Specific Recommendations 

32. Social Spaces

33. Working Spaces

34. Family Spaces

35. Outdoor Spaces

Glossary

Between the distributor and vendor are hundreds of reps, facilitating communication, training and feedback.  Their experience working with multiple manufacturers and multiple showrooms gives them a unique perspective on the industry. Melissa Leib will be our guide on the lighting industry through the eyes of a rep. 

Show Notes 

MAR Lighting has over 28 years of experience in the lighting industry as manufacturers’ representatives, offering a consultative approach to lighting sales. 

From identifying lighting trends, selecting product mix, educating our clients about new technology and compliance codes, they bring experience and professionalism to each meeting.  

Melissa Leib grew up in the lighting industry as a second generation California sales rep. Melissa studied Economics and Art History, weaving that knowledge into MAR Lighting whenever possible. She is a Feng Shui practitioner and has a black belt in Aikido. 

ALAEducation.com has a wide variety of programs for people in the lighting industry.  

Visit ALAMembers.com for more information about the American Lighting Association and membership.  

ALALighting.com has lighting tips and inspiration, and a listing of ALA-member showrooms.  

Send questions, comments & suggestions to [email protected].  

Raelle Bell – Host

Well-designed products proven to provide circadian-friendly lighting are hitting the market. Find out how these products are creating sales opportunities and where the future of the ALA Better Light, Better Sleep program is headed.

Show Notes

As of September 2023, 10 ALA-member manufacturers have submitted products for testing by the Light and Health Research Center (LHRC) at Mount Sinai as part of ALA’s Better Light, Better Sleep program. Jen Brons from LHRC and ALA’s Terry McGowan explain how these products were evaluated and what ALA members can expect from the future of this exciting new program.

Jennifer Brons, MS, LC, Educator IALD, earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of California- Berkeley and her MS in Lighting from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Since 1997, her work has focused on lighting design applications and human factor studies for new lighting technologies. Over her more than 20-year career, Ms. Brons has developed lighting designs and specifications for a wide variety of commercial and residential clients. After practicing lighting design on sabbatical in London, she taught lighting design as part of the MS in Lighting degree program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for more than 10 years. In addition to her design and research activities, she develops educational material about the more effective use of light. 

The Light and Health Research Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai can be found at  https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/light-health 

Terry McGowan, FIES, LC is involved in illuminating engineering, lighting design, lighting education and lighting research. His professional career of 60+ years includes GE Lighting at Nela Park where he was Manager of the GE Lighting Institute. In 1998, he started his own consulting company, Lighting Ideas, Inc and became involved in lighting research as Director of the Lighting Research Office for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He is now the American Lighting Association’s Director of Engineering & Technology and is the Executive VP of the J.H. McClung Lighting Research Foundation.  

Terry talked about his career and lighting interests at length in another great lighting podcast, Get A Grip on Lighting. 

Listen to episode one of “That’s Brilliant!” for more about circadian lighting. 

 ALAEducation.com has a wide variety of programs for people in the lighting industry. 

Visit ALAMembers.com for more information about the American Lighting Association and membership. 

ALALighting.com has lighting tips and inspiration, and a listing of ALA-member showrooms. 

Send questions, comments & suggestions to [email protected]. 

Raelle Bell – Host

Association Briefings - Producer   

Is your showroom fine-tuned to be as profitable as it could be? While the idea of overhauling your business might sound daunting, it doesn’t have to be. From your customers’ first touch points to the products you sell, Matt Rowan of Dominion Lighting sits down with Liz and Raelle to share actionable steps you can take, whether one-by-one or all at once, to reimagine your showroom business and improve sales.   

Show Notes 

Matt Rowan began his work with Dominion Lighting as part of a team tasked with updating the company’s brand and reimagining their business. Matt has more than 25 years of experience in the design industry and has helped brands collaborate to create seamless user experienced and unified brand impressions. His work with Dominion Lighting has allowed him to couple his life-long passion for lighting with his experience in brand development.

Read more about Matt’s background 

Visit Dominion Lighting 

Register by November 30, 2023, for the 2024 ALA Conference to be entered in the drawing for a suite upgrade and a spa treatment at The Breakers.   

Check out ALA’s training programs and online courses.

Raelle Bell – Host

From the “light bulb ban” to changes in overtime pay thresholds, learn how ALA tracks and influences the regulatory process. Liz and Raelle sit down with Michael Weems to get an inside look at ALA’s public policy efforts.

Show notes

Michael Weems serves as Vice President, Public Policy for the American Lighting Association. He came to ALA with a decade of experience in constituent services and a vast knowledge of various government policy topics. He has dedicated his career to public service and advancing quality lighting. 

Michael joined ALA in 2014 after spending 10 years working for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. While working on Capitol Hill, he learned the ins and outs of the legislative process and its impact on the implementation of regulations. Before his time in the nation’s capital, Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. 

During his time with ALA, Michael has worked to establish ALA’s presence in vital policy discussions, successfully representing the positions of the residential lighting industry. He is known as a strategic thinker with deep policy knowledge and possesses the skill to forge relationships and alliances. His ability to build consensus with industry experts and key decision-makers helps ensure policy victories for ALA. 

Away from ALA, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, their daughter and the family Welsh-Terrier. He volunteers at his daughter’s school and serves on his neighborhood advisory council as well as the area school board ambassador program. Michael enjoys being outdoors running, hiking or playing golf. As a travel enthusiast, he is always searching for the next great bottle of wine or a nice glass of bourbon. 

Find out more about ALA Committees. 

General Service Lamp Definitions - Including exceptions to the 45 lumen per watt sales ban: 

https://alamembers.com/News/ArtMID/1059/ArticleID/888/General-Service-Lamp-Definitions 

Department of Energy General Service Lamp Webpage: 

https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=4 

ALA comments to Department of Energy – Ceiling Fan Regulations 

https://alamembers.com/News/ArtMID/1059/ArticleID/885/Energy-Conservation-Standards-for-Ceiling-Fans-Notice-of-Proposed-Rulemaking 

Department of Labor Overtime Regulation 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/08/2023-19032/defining-and-delimiting-the-exemptions-for-executive-administrative-professional-outside-sales-and 

Sy Gerber was instrumental in the development of critical safety standards for recessed lighting, working with the federal government.  

Listen to earlier podcasts for deep dives on: 

LEDs and Quality Lighting 

The Complexities of Color Rendering 

Dark Sky Lighting 

Circadian Rhythm Lighting 

Lighting Agora has great lighting speakers, instructors, and consultants. 

Register by November 30, 2023 for the 2024 ALA Conference to be entered in the drawing for a suite upgrade and a spa treatment at The Breakers.  

Raelle Bell – Host

The more we learn about lighting, the more we realize we still need to learn. Shirley Coyle takes Raelle & Liz through current research and technology to help us understand what’s next, and what is available now.

Show notes

Shirley Coyle is a recognized lighting industry leader with deep experience and connections in the North American lighting community, and Principal of Relevant Light.

Relevant Light helps businesses grow through developing creative approaches to build strong, engaged teams and to drive profitable growth in new and existing markets.  With expertise in the commercial, industrial and utility lighting markets, Relevant Light provides a range of consulting services including management consulting on organizational change, market trends and channel strategy development, technical consulting on lighting standards and technology, and training on lighting applications and technology.

An advocate for quality lighting, Shirley has over 3 decades of experience in specification sales and executive leadership roles in the commercial lighting industry.  Lighting Certified since 2000, Shirley is a Past President of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), with 7 years on the IES Board of Directors.  Shirley is active on several IES technical and service committees, including the Roadway Lighting Committee, the Outdoor Nighttime Environments Committee, and the Street & Area Lighting Committee.  Shirley is also a Board member of the CIE’s Canadian National Committee.

CCT - Correlated Color Temperature tells us what color the light appears, measured in kelvin (k).  A 2700k light looks “warm” and a 4000k light looks “cool.”

Listen to earlier podcasts for deep dives on:

The coplexities of color rendering

Dark Sky lighting

Circadian Rhythm lighting

Lighting Agora has great lighting speakers, instructors, and consultants.

See you in Lake Tahoe for the ALA Conference! 

Raelle Bell – Host