The Detroit Section has an active calendar that includes various educational courses as well as multiple opportunities to network and socialize with industry peers. To keep abreast with our upcoming events follow the calendar below.
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Please join the IES Detroit Section for a fun and relaxing evening of bowling at our annual Holiday Social! Ticket prices include strolling dinner stations in the lounge, four drink tickets so you can enjoy anything from your favorite watery domestic pilsner to an artisanally crafted cocktail, shoe rental, and of course bowling balls (but you’re welcome to bring your own)!
Members and non-members share the same price, so please bring along a friend or your significant other.
Schedule:
5:00-7:00pm – Heavy appetizers and drinks in the lounge
6:00-8:00pm – All the bowling your arm can handle!
Meeting fees:
$10 for Students
$15 for Emerging Professional IES Members
$25 for IES Members & Non-Members
Please join the IES Detroit Section as we host Tony Esposito, PhD for a comprehensive talk about color science.
What is “white” light? How is it defined? What is Duv? How can products with the same CCT appear different? What exactly are MacAdam Ellipses? What is color rendering, holistically, and what are the drawbacks of CRI? What is a multi-metric system and what is IES TM-30-15? These questions, and many more, will be addressed in this comprehensive talk about color science. This session is designed for the lighting professional who finds it difficult to navigate the current state of color science and is looking to cut through the fog. This session will present technical information in an easy-to-digest manner and attendees will leave with a much stronger understanding of color science and associated metrics (many of which you may already use!). Current trends in color science research will be discussed.
After this session, lighting professionals/specifiers will be better equipped to interpret colorimetric information and better suited to request color information from the manufacturers they work with. By increasing our understanding of color science, expanding our vocabulary, and fostering constructive dialogue about color specification, the quality of our lighting solutions will be enhanced and the overall benefit of lighting design will be elevated.
About the speaker: Tony Esposito, PhD
Tony graduated from Penn State University in 2016 with a PhD in Architectural Engineering and a minor in statistics. His dissertation explored human responses to various light spectra with strategically varied average fidelity, average gamut, and gamut shape. His research offers an improved method for predicting color discrimination, validation of several trends in color research, and a simplified method for the quantification and specification of gamut shape.
Tony has won the Robert J. Besal Scholarship four times, received EP funding to attend the IES and IALD annual conferences, and previously served as a graduate fellow on an education grant from the National Science Foundation. He has delivered several guest lectures on lighting fundamentals and design, and has lectured nationally and internationally on color science.
Tony currently serves as a voting member on the IES Color Committee, IES Educational Material Review Committee, and the IES Annual Conference Steering Committee. He currently works as an independent Lighting Quality Researcher.
Ticket sales end at noon on Friday, January 10th! Please be sure to make your entree selection when you purchase your ticket. There will be a Beef, Chicken, Salmon, or Vegetarian option.
Schedule:
5:00-5:45pm – Gather and Network
5:45-6:30pm – Dinner
6:30-8:00pm – Presentation
Meeting fees:
$10 for Students
$15 for Emerging Professional IES Members
$25 for IES Members
$35 for Non-Members
For discounted fees, please provide Student ID or proof of Association Membership at the door.
Meeting Location Details: Our event will be held at the Big Rock Chop house, located at 245 South Eton Street in Birmingham. Parking is included – valet only.
Please join the IES Detroit Section as we welcome Ruth Taylor of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Parking lots are typically seen as a very simple lighting design exercise, however, innovations in controls and occupancy data gathering have made them a new area of exploration and transformation. Ruth will guide us through understanding the current state of parking lot connected lighting technologies, and discuss suitable installation and configuration methods for applying these technologies, and the perceived benefits and drawbacks to what is currently available.
About the Presenter:
Ruth Taylor currently serves as a project manager on the Advanced Lighting Team at the PNNL where she contributes to a number of projects focused on the commercialization of solid-state lighting. She is also the sole proprietor of her own residential architectural design firm. Ruth’s responsibilities include managing outreach and deployment activities for the Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program, including the evaluation of the economic and environmental impacts of various building energy standards. Currently, Ruth manages the Next Generation Luminaires commercial SSL design competition, a nationally recognized program that encourages technical innovation in the design of energy-efficient LED luminaires.
Schedule:
5:00-5:45pm – Gather and Network
5:45-6:30pm – Dinner (Buffet with 2 Drink Tickets)
6:30-8:00pm – Presentation
Meeting fees:
$10 for Students
$15 for Emerging Professional IES Members
$25 for IES Members and non-member
PLEASE Purchase Tickets from Eventbrite by noon on Friday, February 7th
Meeting Location Details: Our event will be held in the Greektown Casino-Hotel – Ballroom A (in the hotel, not the casino). The hotel is located at 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit Michigan. Free parking is available in either the Greektown Casino self-park garage or the Greektown Casino Valet Parking Garage (tips are your responsibility). Tell them you are here for the IES event in Ballroom A.
Please join the IES Detroit Section at the GM Heritage Center for a discussion on the exciting and ever-evolving world of auto show lighting over the past 40 years with Barb Silber and Jon Weaver from Fantasee Lighting. Covered as part of the discussion will be the world of rock-and-roll, live broadcast, corporate events, trade show exhibits, and political lighting.
For years the technology was fighting to keep up with the artists, now the artists are trying to keep up with the technological changes. We will take a look at where we have been, how far we’ve come and ask about where we might go in the future.
Speakers: Barb Silber and Jon Weaver
Barb graduated Cum Laude from Michigan State University, with degrees in both Communications Arts & Sciences and Spanish. She spent the first 22 years of her professional career as a Promoter Representative with Brass Ring Productions, coordinating technical logistics for artists from ABC to Zappa, Fundraisers to Festivals. When Brass Ring closed its doors in 2001, Barb spent 3 years in the freelance arena, still producing live events for her former employer and traveling as needed, working various tradeshows/car shows. In 2004, Barb joined Fantasee Lighting as Account Manager, renting and selling lighting and control systems, helping clients achieve their permanent and temporary lighting goals. Barb lives in Birmingham with her/the Fantasee Shop Dog, Cosmo.
Jon is an ETCP certified entertainment electrician and head of installation and system design at Fantasee Lighting.
Buy your tickets by Friday, March 6th!
Schedule:
5:00-5:45pm – Gather and Network
5:45-6:30pm – Buffet Dinner (2 drink tickets)
6:30-8:00pm – Presentation
Meeting fees:
$10 for Students
$15 for Emerging Professional IES Members
$25 for IES Members
$35 for Non-Members
For discounted fees, please provide Student ID or proof of Association Membership at the door.
Meeting Location Details: Our event will be held at the General Motors Heritage Center. On-site parking is available.
August 31 – September 2, 2020
The Illuminating Engineering Society’s Annual Conference (August 24 – 28, 2020 and August 31 – September 4, 2020) provides a range of educational programming on the art, design, science, and research of lighting relevant to lighting professionals, educators, and related design disciplines. The 2020 Annual Conference has been moved to a virtual setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, professional education is paramount, with a broad selection of CEU credits available through participation at the conference.
IES’s priority is the health and safety of the lighting community, including our members, staff, supporters, vendors and volunteers. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to unfold, it became clear that in the face of an unprecedented situation, we needed to make tough choices. While it took longer than expected to reach a resolution, we believe that this was handled with the precision necessary to preserve the well-being of the Society while creating an opportunity for success both in the present and future.
DATES: August 24th – August 27th and August 31st – September 2nd
TIMES: Official times to be determined, but there will be two blocks of sessions each day.
IES MEMBER REGISTRATION: $249*
NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION: $349
* There will be reduced rates for Emerging Professionals (EPs) and Student members, but we encourage you to wait on registering for the conference until we announce the benefits of the EP Program for this year.
The virtual Annual Conference will have sessions that will be held August 24th – August 28th and August 31st – September 4th. By providing a schedule that offers content across these two weeks, registrants will be able to attend all sessions and not have to choose between different tracks.
Despite the disruption we are facing, the IES is excited to bring you the opportunity to participate in the Annual Conference without having to leave your workspace. We will leverage our technology to disseminate valuable, relevant and timely content. We hope that you find this virtual Annual Conference insightful, beneficial, and of the quality that you have come to expect from the IES.
More information, such as agenda, speakers, and more will be made available shortly.
Please note, if you previously registered for the 2020 Annual Conference, your payment has been refunded. Those that have booked their rooms at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the hotel will cancel your room reservation on your behalf.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is having an enormous impact on almost every aspect of our lives. The rapid and easy the spread of this virus has created a substantial amount of interest in the germicidal properties of ultraviolet radiation and the possibility of using this spectrum to disinfect various applications.
This presentation will cover the three types of ultraviolet radiation and levels of germicidal properties and capabilities. The history of the use of various lamp sources that can deliver UV will be explored as well as the risks associated with the various types UVC will be specifically discussed as a germicidal, how it can be used in various applications such as water and air cleaning. This will be an accredited CEU program. (1 CEU)
SPEAKER: Carla Bukalski has over 25 years of experience in the lighting industry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas and began her career as an electrical engineer with a large MEP firm. After earning her license as a professional electrical engineer, Ms. Bukalski followed her true passion and moved into lighting design where she worked on many high-profile projects and received several design awards. Carla then shifted her focus to lighting manufacturing. She has held positions with both luminaire and source manufacturers and is currently using this variety of experience in her position of Specification Regional Sales Manager for Cooper Lighting Solutions. Ms. Bukalski has a passion for lighting that is apparent in every role she has held, and her strong technical background provides an excellent base for today’s lighting and controls technologies. She speaks internationally and excels at communicating product impact on the marketplace. Carla is a licensed professional engineer, is lighting certified by the NCQLP and is a LEED Accredited professional.
The IES Detroit Product Show is one of the best ways to connect with the local lighting and electrical community.
IoT Connected lighting systems provide challenges as well as opportunities for the Design Team and Owner. The IES IoT Connected Lighting Committee is in the final stages of developing a Lighting Practice publication to assist with planning. Lighting has the ability to take on a key role in developing a connected space. This session will review opportunities for connected light in typical project environments; discuss the lighting designer’s enhanced role as well as providing a knowledge base on technology options and features. Additionally, we will uncover steps to take in the planning process, discuss potential pitfalls and include a case study on a realized project.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze goals and objectives for the use of connected light systems and develop a Sequence of Operations for the Owner.
- Explore required components for a connected light system and how to integrate them with the design team.
- Investigate strategies for teamwork on connected light projects.
- Identify key players and roles in an IoT connected project.
Presenters:
- Jered Widmer, IALD (The Lighting Practice)
- Paula Ziegenbein, LC, Assoc IALD (Hartranft Lighting Design)
- Ardra Zinkon, CLD, IALD (Tec Studio)
Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q46xcrifQyKcADU8zT0KZA
Host: District 8 Chair Kristin Mallardi will be moderating this month’s call.

Host: District 8 Chair Kristin Mallardi will be moderating this month’s call.
Description:
A small Cincinnati Regional business had a dream to be a healthier place for its staff and set an example of what is possible on a tight budget. Enriching Spaces in partnership with emersion DESIGN navigates toward WELL v2 Platinum pending certification while keeping costs at a minimum. This session will share their successes, struggles, lesson learned, and important partnerships discovered along the way.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the importance of a healthy office environment for employee health and happiness.
- Learn where to focus costs to gain the largest return on investment.
- Understand the importance (and value) of having a dedicated and knowledgeable team.
- Understand the value of education and how educational partnerships can reduce project costs.
Presenters:
Dawn Schwartzman, Owner and CEO of Enriching Spaces Dawn provides leadership and strategic management for Enriching Spaces, a certified woman owned company specializing in the design and project management of inspired workspaces for business, learning and healthcare environments. Enriching Spaces partners with the most respected global leaders in developing sustainable human-centered solutions including Herman Miller, OFS Brands, Exemplis, Vitra and Interface. Enriching Spaces services customers regionally and nationwide. WELL Building principles inform our designs, selections and culture. In our own showroom and studio, the images, textures, and patterns of nature inspire a variety of spaces that nurture community, creative thinking and well-being. Dawn’s interests include the study of environmental psychology, WELL Building, Biomimicry, Biophilia, Feng Shui, Vastu, Sacred Geometry and other forms of Nature Inspired Design.
Yasha Ogg, Emersion Design, WELL AP; WELL Faculty; LEED AP ID+C, BD+C; Fitwel Amb; EcoDistricts AP; LFA Yasha Ogg is an interior designer, speaker, and advocate for healthy, sustainable building design, both interior and exterior. As a WELL faculty, Yasha leads the movement to improve health and well-being in buildings and communities across the world. Using his expertise in WELL, Fitwel, LEED and Living Building along with industry research, Yasha strives to create healthy, productive environments for building occupants through the design of sustainable human-centric spaces. With a background in higher education campuses, laboratory facilities, multi-family housing, and medical office buildings, Yasha understands that the well-being of employees directly impacts the bottom line of businesses. As such, he enjoys working directly with end users to understand their needs to make their businesses successful and productive.
There are no tickets for this event, a meeting invite will be sent via email to all members. If you don’t receive the email by Monday 11/16, reach out to Stacey Schwartz – [email protected]

VR and AR have been used by architects for more than a decade – but where does lighting fit into this? Join us to learn how these technologies have been used by lighting designers in their daily work to enhance their presentations, design coordination, and daily workflow.
Speaker: Kailey Lietzke, LC, PE , a lighting designer/associate with HGA will be our presenter.
Meeting Schedule: January 13th, 2021 from Noon-1pm
Location: Your Computer
Cost: Free!
Information to join the meeting:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 213-458-8486,,736532450# United States, Los Angeles
Phone Conference ID: 736 532 450#
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