Category: Technology

LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting is fast becoming the norm in homes and businesses throughout the world. Property owners and builders increasingly are turning to the likes of LED equipment and fixture manufacturers to bring the efficiency and savings these lights can provide to every room.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the installation of LED lighting can cut energy costs by as much as 75 percent. In addition, LED lights can last a good 50 percent longer than old fashioned incandescent lights.

LEDs also bring a whole new level of versatility to lighting. Interior designers and manufacturers have joined in bringing an artistry of light to new and heretofore unimaginable uses. LED lighting long has been used, for example, to brighten rooms with under-the-counter light, recessed lighting, and even chandeliers. Now it is being added to faucets and shower heads to create streams of colorful water. LED wallpaper is available, as are center pieces for the table as well as in the tables themselves. The light system also has added to personal safety and protection by illuminating bicycle wheels, umbrellas, and animal harnesses.

Even with these ever expanding benefits, many have been slow to completely adopt LED lighting into their homes and businesses. This likely is because the lights so far have been more expensive on the initial investment end due to a higher cost of production.

Invention is intervening to end that limitation and revolutionize the production of LED lighting. Engineers recently have developed a method of LED manufacturing that uses inorganic materials in combination with organic, which then is dissolved to make a solution that virtually can be painted on. The result is a material that will shine a blue, red, or green light and that can be used to make a light bulb or strip.

The new process saves money in production because it only needs one layer to achieve the desired effects. Current production techniques typically involve stacking four or five layers onto each other to attain the same results.

The inventors of the new system say this could completely revolutionize the production of lighting for home and industrial uses. One product they continue to work on using this new technique, they said, is to create active-matrix, organic LED screens that are stretchable.

The 2016 LEDucation Event is aimed toward professionals working in building design, lighting and electrical contracting, and those working in the power industry. However, it is also open to anyone who wants to improve lighting functions, in both business and residential applications. The symposium takes place at the Hilton, NY, in Midtown, March 29 to March 30.

CEUs and Education

The educational events are divided by category. Some are designed for those working in interior design. Other classes are aimed toward contractors and builders, wanting to optimize the lighting functions within a given space. The schedule of guest speakers and their specific topics is listed for each day, on the event website. Each topic is schedule for either 30 minutes or 60 minutes, depending on the topic. Attendees will find plenty of presentations to attend throughout the day. They can also register for various seminars each morning of the event, beginning at 7:30am. Some of the seminar topics include LEd Lighting residential applications, Lighting codes in New York City, Lighting Controls, and Wired vs Wireless Lighting.

There are plenty of educational meetings to attend both days. Those who want to complete all their annual CEUs in a short time will find plenty of conferences to attend on both days. Attendees can book their stay in the Hilton, to avoid the need for car rental and additional travel expenses.

Vendors

The trade floor is open both days, with a map of vendor locations. The floor opens both days at 10:00am. There are over 250 vendors expected for the trade show floor. Attendees can expect to see many manufacturers of lighting and lighting products, within the industry. Some architectural lighting experts are also expected. Visitors can find out what’s new in the lighting industry or simply browse for a specific solution to a lighting dilemma. The vendors will be set up in the ballroom and in America’s Hall I. A floor plan of the trade show floor is available on the website, so visitors can quickly find the products or manufacturers of interest. A full page, printable map of the trade show floor set can be quickly printed from the office or hotel.