The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals revealed that Illuminate 2026, the outdoor lighting industry’s premier conference and expo, will take place Feb. 5–6, 2026, in the coastal city of Carlsbad, Calif.
Illuminate 2026 is an event for outdoor lighting professionals, offering unique opportunities to learn from industry peers, improve technical skills in hands-on sessions, explore the latest products and innovations at the expo and gather inspiration from the projects showcased in the AOLP Lighting Awards.
The conference will feature a lineup of education sessions led by leading outdoor lighting professionals and business experts. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with the creative inspiration and practical strategies needed to excel 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.”
Along with 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 certification programs. These educational and testing opportunities are designed to elevate professional credentials and industry expertise:
- Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) Year 1 – Feb. 3-4, 2026
- Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) Year 2 – Feb. 4, 2026
- Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) – Feb. 4, 2026
These certifications are recognized across the industry and provide lighting professionals the opportunity to validate their knowledge, increase their business credibility and distinguish themselves in a competitive market.
“We’re excited to bring Illuminate 2026 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 soon be released.
