From illumination that supports circadian rhythms to tunable white lighting to LED driver advancements – and this year’s most popular buzzword, the Internet of Things (IoT) – Lightfair 2016, April 26-28, in San Diego, was jam-packed with new products and design solutions.

Philips (Somerset, N.J.) took home the “Most Innovative Product of the Year” award for its parking garage luminaire (shown), with an edge-lit lens and 4-percent uplight that aims to eliminate the “cave effect” in parking garages. DMF Lighting (Carson, Calif.) won the “Technical Innovation Award” for its recessed downlight designed for multi-family buildings; the “Design Excellence Award” went to Adot Lighting Co. Ltd. (Xian City, China) for its Rayee product; and the “Judges’ Citation Award” was bestowed upon Eaton (Houston) for its Invue Arbor Outdoor Architectural LED collection.

As usual, many trends were observable on the show floor, including a noticeable increase in pedestrian lighting for walkways and outdoor areas, “smart” connected lighting, more advancements in LED drivers and the continuing popularity of architectural integration, namely using LEDs. Most prevalent among the trends this year was tunable white light and lighting to benefit circadian rhythms, mainly targeted at the healthcare and hospitality industries, although various companies were showcasing the ability to highlight product using tunable white light in a retail environment.

Similarly, many of the educational sessions this year centered on the health benefits of circadian lighting in various environments, including medical facilities, restaurants, offices, schools and retail. Some, like the “History of Light and Lighting: From Ancient Times to Yesterday” focused on the importance of lighting in society and the history behind some of its greatest advancements. “Lighting has always expanded,” said speaker David L. DiLaura, principal illuminating engineering for Acuity Brands (Atlanta), during his session. “It has never contracted.”

To read more about Carly’s experiences at Lightfair 2016, read her latest blog at vmsd.com/tunable-territory