The world of museums is a multiverse of experiences. These experiences span from historic houses, with the most subtle lighting, to the most immersive and interactive environments where lighting is a noticeable interpretive element. Join us to learn from creative designers who have brought these amazing experiences to life. Dig into the details as each panelist will share design, technical and relationship insights from a past project at a worldclass museum. They will delve into the competing requirements of creating a compelling experience for the visitors while being a good steward of the objects. The panel will then engage in some curated questions to contrast experiences before opening up for audience questions. This is an expanded and revised version of a presentation that was given at ETC NYC recently.
Anita Jorgensen (IALD, IES, LC, CL) is the founding principal of Anita Jorgensen Lighting Design (AJLD) located in Tribeca, NY, and has been practicing architectural lighting design for over twenty years. Her background in art history and theatrical lighting design brings a strong... Read More →
Chuck Cameron works with specifiers, distributors and contractors to provide effective and efficient lighting controls creating environments for people. He recently joined the factory team at ETC, supporting architectural projects with control and fixture solutions, after 4 years... Read More →
John Delfino has spent over a decade creating narrative-rich lighting designs for permanent installations. At Available Light, he has contributed to major museum and architectural projects, in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the National WWII... Read More →
Amy Nelson is the Design Manager of Lighting Design at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she has worked for the past 13 years. Currently, she oversees the design, installation, and maintenance of lighting across the institution. At the Met, she leads projects that balance innovation... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT TBA
When upgrading a facility or exterior space with a new lighting system, capturing the existing conditions is absolutely fundamental to the success of any retrofit project. Without an accurate assessment, lighting practitioners cannot possibly deliver an effective retrofit cost and savings proposal. Join us as we explore the proven process of collecting existing conditions and maximizing the chances for a successful project.
As protocols, networked systems, and software-driven platforms evolve faster than traditional project delivery models, the gap between design intent and field reality in modern lighting systems continues to widen. This one-hour panel, proposed by members of the United Lighting Controls Forum (ULCF) and the Council for Lighting Controls Startup and Integration (CLCSI), is designed for technicians, integrators, distributors, and industry leaders who are navigating this rapid change firsthand. Panelists will represent both the technician perspective through ULCF members and the distributor and sales channel perspective through CLCSI members, offering a balanced view of the challenges shaping today’s lighting and building environments. Drawing from direct involvement in design, coordination, commissioning, startup, and long-term system support, this moderated discussion will focus on lessons learned rather than debating whether emerging technologies are “good” or “bad,” the panel will center on what the boots on the ground are actually experiencing, the gaps between involved parties and how they are looking to bridge the.Topics will include the real-world impacts of new and evolving protocols, interoperability challenges, documentation and labeling gaps, and the growing role of IT infrastructure and network security in lighting systems. Attendees will leave with clearer insight into where friction is occurring, what markers indicate a successful installation in this new landscape, and how stronger collaboration across manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and technicians can improve outcomes. This session aligns directly with the mission of the ArcLight Summit conference by fostering informed dialogue, raising competency, and helping the industry adapt responsibly to rapid technological change.
The Gregory Bateson Building in Sacramento CA was "the most sustainable building" in the united states when it was built in the 1980's. This among other features gave the building a historic listing/presence. While renovating the building there was a focus on preserving the lighting to maintain the historic character while also updating it to meet current energy codes and light level recommendations. Trying to accomplish this sparked wild discussions of what is historic when it comes to recently antiquated light sources.
Sanjana Adavi is an emerging professional in the lighting design industry. After studying Architectural Engineering at Penn State University, she joined the Cannon Design Lighting Studio in 2023. Over the last three years, she has built a diverse portfolio in architectural lighting... Read More →
Coffield began his career working in architecture firms with a strong focus on 3D visualization and custom detailing. Projects included larger commercial buildings, as well as the design and fabrication drawings for custom light fixture installations. Over the last 16 years he has... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT TBA
This course introduces a practical, application-based approach to understanding lighting design by focusing on where light comes from, how it interacts with people, and how it directly affects the way spaces are used. Designed for non-lighting professionals, the presentation translates lighting concepts into real-world examples that are easy to recognize and apply.Through case studies such as casino gaming tables, classrooms for the hard of hearing and sign-language users, sports facilities, and safety-driven environments, participants will explore how the angle, direction, and distribution of light can either support or hinder visual comfort, communication, performance, and safety. Special attention is given to glare control, contrast, and visibility, and how improper lighting can negatively impact both users and activities within a space.The course also introduces the concept of layered lighting—ambient, task, and accent—and explains how combining these layers thoughtfully can create flexible, functional environments that respond to different activities and user needs. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how lighting decisions influence behavior, comfort, and effectiveness in a wide range of applications.
Julia M. Gordon is a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) and seasoned design professional with nearly 30 years of experience in architectural lighting. Known for her creative vision and ability to craft compelling visual experiences, Julia’s work spans a wide variety of project types... Read More →
Leigh Gice has been lighting up the industry (literally!) for over 20 years. From the bright lights of live performance and film sets to the sleek glow of architectural design, she’s done it all. Her journey has taken her from backstage to boardrooms, where her passion for lighting... Read More →
Using the recently completed La Nubé STEAM Discovery Center as a case study, this presentation explores how dynamic lighting and complex control systems can address the sensory needs of neurodivergent visitors through accessible and equitable lighting design. La Nubé is the first children's museum in the United States where the exhibit lighting can change to meet the unique needs of its visitors: a full suite of stimulus control modes modulate the exhibits to maximize accessibility and minimize environmental stimuli for neurodivergent individuals. The presentation delves into the lighting and control system challenges these requirements presented, and how to navigate similar challenges to advance accessible lighting in future work. Topics include design advocacy and client coordination; systems design strategy and pitfalls; sensory-friendly design strategies; project-specific lessons learned; and real-world impacts from museum staff and local advocacy groups.
John Delfino has spent over a decade creating narrative-rich lighting designs for permanent installations. At Available Light, he has contributed to major museum and architectural projects, in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the National WWII... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT TBA
