Illuminate ’26 Conference and Expo

Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals Announces Illuminate ’26 Conference and Expo to be Held in Carlsbad, California, February 5–6, 2026

Harrisburg, PA — The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) is pleased
to announce that Illuminate '26, the outdoor lighting industry’s premier conference and
expo, will take place February 5–6, 2026, in the beautiful coastal city of Carlsbad,
California.

Illuminate ’26 is the must-attend event for outdoor lighting professionals, offering
unparalleled opportunities to learn from industry peers, sharpen technical skills in
hands-on sessions, explore the latest products and innovations at the Expo, and draw
inspiration from the outstanding projects showcased in the AOLP Lighting Awards.
The conference will feature a robust lineup of education sessions led by leading outdoor
lighting professionals and seasoned business experts. These sessions are designed to
equip attendees with both the creative inspiration and practical strategies needed to
thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. “Our education sessions bring together some
of the brightest minds in outdoor lighting and business strategy,” said AOLP Executive
Director Lisa Ruggiers. “Attendees will walk away with real-world insights, proven
techniques, and fresh perspectives they can immediately apply to elevate their work and
grow their business.”

In addition to the main conference and expo, AOLP invites lighting professionals who
want to get certified as an Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) or as a Low Voltage
Lighting Technician (CLVLT) to arrive early to take advantage of the organization’s
prestigious certification programs. These educational and testing opportunities are
designed to elevate professional credentials and industry expertise:

 Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) Year 1 – February 3 & 4, 2026
 Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) Year 2 – February 4, 2026
 Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) – February 4, 2026

These certifications are recognized across the industry and offer lighting professionals
the opportunity to validate their knowledge, grow their business credibility, and
distinguish themselves in a competitive market.

“We’re excited to bring Illuminate ’26 to Carlsbad and continue our tradition of
excellence in professional development, networking, and product innovation,” said
Ruggiers. “This event is where outdoor lighting professionals come together to grow,
inspire, and celebrate our craft.”

More details about registration, hotel accommodation, keynote speakers, and session
schedules will be released soon. To get more information about the event and to join a
mailing list for the latest updates, visit https://aolponline.org/illuminate/.