The Dallas International Lighting Show, known as Lightovation, is the largest residential lighting trade event in North America and occupies one million square feet of exhibition space. The show runs from June 24 to 27, 2026, and is preceded by a dedicated Design + Build Day on June 23, providing a focused, multi‑disciplinary networking and educational experience for trade professionals. The Design + Build Day is open to retailers as well, offering panels moderated by chief editors Kaitlin Petersen and Pauline Hammerbeck of Business of Home and Custom Builder magazines. Their moderated sessions and curated tours of selected Lightovation exhibitors give attendees an introductory overview of the full lighting marketplace and set the stage for the larger show that follows.
Lightovation’s program covers every aspect of home lighting. Exhibitors showcase indoor and outdoor lighting, decorative and architectural fixtures, ceiling fans, and smart lighting systems. The trade show also features an outdoor lighting display, Exteriorscape, which provides inspiration for exterior illumination. Attendees can explore new products and the latest trends across all lighting categories, from traditional fixtures to cutting‑edge technology.
The event’s primary goal is to connect manufacturers, designers, and retailers with the most comprehensive selection of residential lighting products, enabling participants to discover fresh trends and expand their merchandise mix. By offering a single venue where a wide range of lighting styles and technologies are displayed, Lightovation facilitates efficient sourcing and inspires creative product development. The inclusion of a Design + Build Day further encourages cross‑disciplinary collaboration, allowing architects, interior designers, and lighting specialists to share insights and best practices.
Target audiences include lighting manufacturers, designers, architects, interior professionals, and retailers who specialize in home décor, gift, and lifestyle products. The show’s format blends large‑scale exhibition space with structured programming: panel discussions, live demonstrations, and guided tours. Retailers benefit from the opportunity to view new collections, negotiate with suppliers, and stay ahead of market trends, while designers gain access to the latest innovations in lighting technology and design.
In addition to the main show, Lightovation is part of a broader series of Dallas Market Center events in June, including
