2026 Lighting Resource Guide
Lighting Resource Guide
Our internal go-to for commercial lighting — quick reference tools, plus the associations, shows, rebate sources, and publications worth keeping tabs on. Built for the CNR team.
For the CNR team · Updated May 2026
Color Temperature
Color temperature shapes how a space feels and functions. Drag the slider to see the light shift — and where each range fits.
Balanced and comfortable — the all-rounder for people-spaces.
“The more task-focused the space, the cooler the light.” Not sure what a job calls for? Ask a CNR rep.
Lighting Associations
The lighting world is made up of dozens of communities — reps, designers, manufacturers, maintenance and energy-services firms. These trade groups capture that range.
8,000 members focused on quality lighting design — training, standards, and awards. Publishes LD&A magazine.
1,500 independent lighting design professionals. Respected training and product-innovation awards.
Education and advocacy for retail showrooms and the residential lighting market. Publishes Lighting magazine.
Launched a lighting division in Nov. 2024 (integrating AAILA) to support independent agencies and manufacturer partnerships.
Sets electrical product standards and advocates on federal energy-efficiency rules, including new lighting-controls standards.
Educates the building design, construction, and management communities on lighting controls.
Focused on installing and maintaining energy-efficient lighting for commercial and industrial markets.
Lighting education, a Trusted Lighting Warranty program, and awards. Its Annual Lighting Forums (on YouTube) are worth a watch.
Members deliver performance contracting for lighting and building energy — guaranteed savings for government, institutional, and Fortune 500 clients.
Specialty distributors focused on the sale and supply of energy-efficient lighting products and systems.
Now the lighting division of NEMRA (since Nov. 2024). Founded to connect independent lighting reps with manufacturers.
Industry Events
The major lighting shows and conferences worth the trip, listed by next date. Current as of May 2026.
Rebates & Incentives
The best places to find utility, state, and federal incentives for lighting upgrades.
Finds and captures local, utility, state, and federal rebates for commercial buildings across the U.S. and Canada.
The national incentives database, run by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.
CNR runs utility rebate programs across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. When a customer’s upgrading lighting, factor incentives in early — they often cover a real chunk of the job.
Publications & Websites
Sources that give a broad, reliable read on where the lighting market is heading.
Well-known lighting news update, plus the “Today in Lighting” YouTube briefing.
Profiles innovative lighting design and business news for the design community.
A go-to source for breaking lighting news, informed takes, and video Q&As.
Solid project profiles and technical coverage from the IES.
A newer digest of the latest lighting news and trends.
Awards Programs
Want a read on which products and projects the industry rates? Start here.
Recognizes professionalism, ingenuity, and originality in lighting design.
Honors the most innovative products shown on the LightFair floor.
Celebrates projects where high-quality lighting transformed a space.
Recognizes outstanding member contributions to the lighting community.
Universities of Lighting
U.S. colleges and universities with a focus on architectural lighting design (per the IALD listing).
More Great Sources
Standards bodies, research centers, and education worth bookmarking.
Its Qualified Products Lists are the industry benchmark for high-performing, energy-saving LED — the logo you see on vetted product packaging.
The federal program driving lighting efficiency — projected to save hundreds of billions in avoided energy costs.
An impartial annual gauge of genuinely new lighting technology — a good way to cut through the marketing.
A daily-learning platform for lighting pros — virtual courses, expert interviews, and sales and management training.
Research on LED lighting, photometry, lab testing, and industry education.
Keep it handy — and keep it current.
Maintained for the CNR team. Spot a broken link or an out-of-date event? Flag it and we’ll get it fixed.