Dear NEMRA Lighting Member,
It has been an exciting first year of tremendous growth for the NEMRA Lighting Division. As we approach our one-year anniversary, I want to highlight the milestones made possible by the engagement, partnership, and support of our members and strategic alliances.
I want to acknowledge our NEMRA Lighting Strategic Advisory Council. Their time, guidance, and resources have helped us build a strategic plan that advances our three pillars: advocacy, education, and networking.
Membership Growth
We will close 2025 with roughly 150 manufacturer and lighting agent partners. Since our recruitment efforts began in March, we’ve added 15–20 new members each month, many thanks to our existing members, who continue to strengthen networks, refer new members, and build meaningful partnerships. Your shared vision and progressive outlook form the foundation of our success.
Advocacy & Legislative Engagement
To amplify our voice, NEMRA Lighting joined the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) alongside NEMRA, NECA, NAED, and NEMA. Through this partnership, we advocated for small businesses on legislative and federal policy issues, including supporting the extension of the 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction—an essential measure for reducing federal tax burdens for small businesses.
Education & Professional Development
In collaboration with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), we launched the NEMRA Lighting Stepped Educational Curriculum (SEC). This multi-level, online program builds lighting and controls competencies across experience levels and bridges toward broader industry certifications. Steps 1 and 2 are free for NEMRA Lighting members, and Steps 3 and 4 require only an IES membership, fostering trust and consistency across the specification chain.
Preferred Service Provider Network
We’ve developed a preferred Service Provider Network featuring AI-driven solutions and lighting-specific technologies that improve efficiency and productivity. Our partners, including Parspec, Elari, FLOW, Pull Logic, Your Lighting Brands, and BlueBeam, provide exclusive pricing, value-added solutions, and tangible, immediate ROI for both individual and corporate members.
Industry Presence & Member Engagement
Throughout the year, we participated in LEDucation, LightFair, ArchLight Summit, and the Canadian Light Show, hosting networking sessions and discussions on AI in Lighting, BAA & BABA, and The Evolution of Networked Controls—bringing members together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen relationships.
NEMRA Lighting Summit 2026
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever NEMRA Lighting Summit, October 15–17, 2026, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. This members-only event will feature strategic planning sessions, one-on-one meetings, panel discussions, and professional development. Our theme—“Elevating Partnerships, Reaching New Peaks”—reflects our commitment to deepening strategic relationships and creating actionable roadmaps for success.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We enter 2026 with strong momentum and a clear vision:
- Double membership to 300+ by Q3.
- Expand the SEC with a dedicated Controls Curriculum for agents and manufacturers.
- Launch a new NEMRA Lighting website with expanded lighting-specific resources and tools.
- Host IES webinars on relevant lighting industry topics.
- Strengthen presence at LEDucation, NY Controlled, IES26, NEMRA26, ArchLight Summit, and Canada Light Expo.
Our success reflects your belief in our mission and participation in advancing our strategic pillars. Your engagement is critical to maintaining momentum—consider supporting our JUST ONE Campaign by recruiting just one new member to strengthen the entire network.
Finally, we are committed to delivering programs, resources, and services that create real value for members and the industry. Please take 5–10 minutes to complete our first annual membership survey by December 22, 2025. Your feedback will help us benchmark priorities, improve programs, and enhance the member experience.
Thank you for your support—I look forward to an incredible 2026 together!
Jeff Bristol,
Divisional VP
