by Bob Archer | Feb 18, 2026 | Illuminated Lighting Design, KMB Communications, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Illuminated Lighting Design Returns to Lightapalooza 2026 as a Trusted Guide for Integrators Expanding into Lighting Design
Designed for “Comfort, Counsel, and Conversation,” Illuminated Lighting Design offers a welcoming show floor exhibit for integrators to explore lighting design without pretense or pressure.
Lightapalooza 2026 (January 27, 2026) — Illuminated Lighting Design, a nationally recognized lighting design firm founded by seasoned industry professionals with more than a century of combined experience, announces its return to Lightapalooza 2026. At this year’s event, Illuminated Lighting Design will provide a welcoming, pressure-free booth experience and targeted educational opportunities designed to help systems integrators explore, understand, and confidently strengthen their lighting design capabilities.
The fifth annual lighting-focused trade event serving the custom integration market takes place Feb. 16–19, 2026, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas. Lightapalooza brings together integrators, designers, architects, manufacturers, and other professionals for hands-on lighting education and meaningful industry networking.
Exposing the Opportunities in Lighting Design
As lighting design continues to evolve from a commodity into a cornerstone of luxury living, wellness, and experiential design, many integrators recognize both the opportunity and the complexity of entering the category. Illuminated Lighting Design will address that reality head-on by positioning its booth as a place of comfort and counsel: a safe, approachable space for honest conversation, practical guidance, and collaborative problem-solving for integrators at every level of experience.
“We know many integrators are curious about lighting design but hesitant to take the next step,” says Lynne Stambouly, founder of Illuminated Lighting Design, widely known as The Light Lady. “They don’t want to risk their reputation, their margins, or their confidence. Our message is simple: You don’t have to be an expert to begin, and you don’t have to go it alone. Whether an integrator wants to enhance a single project or make lighting design part of their standard offering, we can help them move forward with clarity and assurance.”
Building Collaborative, Relationship-Focused Partnerships
Unlike transactional design services, Illuminated Lighting Design prioritizes long-term partnerships rooted in trust, curiosity, and shared growth. The firm regularly collaborates behind the scenes with integrators, interior designers, and builders, empowering partners to remain front-and-center with their clients while leveraging Illuminated Lighting Design’s lighting expertise.
“Our best partners are curious, self-aware, and motivated to grow,” Stambouly adds. “We prefer the integrator who’s asking thoughtful questions over the one pretending to have all the answers. Lighting design is a craft, and we genuinely enjoy helping others learn it.”
Scalable Support for Projects and Businesses of All Sizes
Illuminated Lighting Design supports small- to mid-sized integration firms, growing regional companies, and larger organizations navigating complex or high-stakes projects. Whether an integrator is frustrated by the limitations of free design services, exploring a fractional alternative to hiring in-house lighting staff, or facing a project whose scope feels overwhelming, Illuminated Lighting Design offers flexible, scalable support tailored to each project and business model.
Rather than imposing “whole-home or nothing” expectations, the team at Illuminated Lighting Design works incrementally, designing select spaces, advising on specifications, supporting client presentations, or guiding teams through their first lighting-forward projects. This approach allows integrators to expand their capabilities responsibly while elevating outcomes for their clients, empowering teams to learn while actively working rather than requiring mastery before participation.
Designing for Real People, Real Needs
At the core of Illuminated Lighting Design’s philosophy is a deep understanding of the homeowner—the kind of client integrators strive to attract and retain. From discerning clients building 6,000–12,000 square-foot forever homes, to art collectors, wellness-focused professionals, and homeowners with specific health or visual sensitivities, Illuminated Lighting Design creates bespoke lighting environments that enhance comfort, beauty, functionality, and long-term livability.
This human-centered strategy enables integrators to move beyond basic illumination toward lighting experiences that support circadian health, visual comfort, art appreciation, entertaining, and emotional connection to space—benefits that resonate strongly with today’s luxury and wellness-driven clientele.
Education That Empowers, Not Intimidates
In addition to offering conversation and counsel at its booth, Illuminated Lighting Design will deliver two educational sessions at Lightapalooza 2026.
The first, ““Understanding the Interior Designer and Best Practices for Creating Your Best Technology Cheerleader,” will focus on the evolving relationship between interior designers and integrators, and the critical role lighting design plays in bridging that gap. Presented by Stambouly on Feb. 18 from 9-10 a.m., the 60-minute session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting partnerships with the design community. By aligning earlier in the design process, prioritizing designers’ needs, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue about what is possible, integrators can help shape the future of lighting while elevating the role of technology within interior design itself.
Following this session, on February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Stambouly will be joined by Bruce Clark of Kaleidolight to examine one of the most critical and often misunderstood communication tools in the project workflow: the reflected ceiling plan (RCP). This panel discussion, “RCP: Respect This Ceiling Plan,” will provide practical, real-world insight into the role RCPs play in successful lighting design and what it takes to create documentation that serves all stakeholders, including integrators, lighting designers, electricians, and clients. A clear, well-developed RCP reduces ambiguity around fixture placement, switching logic, control zones, ceiling conditions, and coordination points, streamlining execution and helping ensure exceptional project outcomes.
Visit Illuminated Lighting Design at Lightapalooza 2026
Attendees are invited to visit the Illuminated Lighting Design booth to sit down, have a conversation, and explore what lighting design can be, without pressure, pretense, or obligation. Whether an integrator is just beginning to explore lighting design or looking to elevate complex projects, Illuminated Lighting Design offers decades of real-world experience, a proven strategic approach, and a collaborative spirit grounded in generosity and trust.
To register for “Understanding the Interior Designer and Best Practices for Creating Your Best Technology Cheerleader,” “RCP: Respect This Ceiling Plan,” and learn more about events and educational opportunities at Lightapalooza 2026, go to https://lightapalooza.com/.
About Illuminated Lighting Design
Founded by lighting veterans Lynne Stambouly and Bruce Clark, Illuminated Lighting Design brings together more than 100 years of combined industry experience across lighting design, integration, and construction. The Florida-based firm partners nationally with AV integrators, architects, and designers to deliver lighting strategies that are both visionary and executable. Illuminated Lighting Design specializes in supporting projects from concept to completion, with a refined methodology that ensures accuracy, efficiency, and stunning results.
To learn more, visit www.illuminatedlightingdesign.com or contact info@illuminatedlightingdesign.com.
Media Contact
For more information about Illuminated Lighting Design contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by calling 406-446-1283 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
by Bob Archer | Feb 18, 2026 | D-Tools, KMB Communications, News
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D-Tools Releases Data Highlighting Major Growth Opportunities in Lighting Ahead of Lightapalooza 2026
New analysis shows lighting fixtures and motorized window treatments gaining momentum—especially in projects with centralized control systems.
CONCORD, CA – January 27, 2026 — New data from D-Tools reveals that integrators are seeing significant growth opportunities in lighting—particularly lighting fixtures and motorized window treatments—driven largely by the adoption of centralized control systems.
Based on an analysis of tens of thousands of projects created and managed in D-Tools Cloud during 2025, the data shows a strong correlation between control platforms and the inclusion of lighting fixtures, as well as rapid growth in motorized shades and blinds as a revenue-driving category.
D-Tools, the global leader in business management software for system integrators, will showcase these insights and the tools behind them at Lightapalooza 2026, Feb. 16–19, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas (booth #518).
Centralized Control Drives Lighting Fixture Adoption
The data shows that projects including a centralized control solution are 330 times more likely to also include lighting fixtures.
- 24.9% of projects with integrated control included lighting fixtures in 2025
- Only 5.8% of projects without centralized control included lighting fixtures
- That represents a 19.1 percentage-point gap, underscoring how control platforms unlock higher-value lighting opportunities
Motorized Window Treatments Lead All Categories in Growth
The analysis also highlights strong momentum in the “control of natural light” category. In 2025, motorized shades and blinds experienced the largest increase in project market share of any equipment category tracked in D-Tools Cloud.
- Motorized window treatments gained 1.27% more share of total project revenue year-over-year
- This growth outpaced all other major categories, including audio, video, security, and power
- Regionally, the strongest gains were seen among integrators based in the Western U.S.
Together, the data identifies lighting and lighting-adjacent systems as one of the most compelling growth areas for integrators looking to expand both project scope and recurring service opportunities.
See the Data and the Tools at Lightapalooza 2026
D-Tools invites Lightapalooza attendees to visit booth #518 to learn how D-Tools Cloud helps integrators capitalize on lighting opportunities through better design, documentation, and execution.
At the show, D-Tools will demonstrate recent enhancements to its award-winning, end-to-end business management platform designed to support every phase of the integrator workflow, from sales and system design to installation and service.
D-Tools Cloud features the industry’s largest Product Library, with more than 1,800 brands and over 2 million products, including integrator-level pricing.
Recent enhancements to D-Tools Cloud include:
D-Tools AI — Built directly into daily workflows, D-Tools AI enables users to generate scopes of work, restructure quotes, search using natural language, and apply margin logic, all in seconds. The result: faster execution, greater accuracy, and less manual effort.
Native Mobile App (iOS & Android) — The new mobile app allows project managers and technicians to manage schedules, tasks, inventory, job notes, and time tracking directly from the field… even offline. Teams can send and receive notifications, update job status, and communicate with customers via SMS.
Interconnect Diagrams — Interconnects is a dynamic, visual wiring and connectivity tool built into D-Tools Cloud. It allows integrators to map device connections by system, room, or phase—fully tied to the BOM and product catalog—ensuring design intent carries cleanly from sales through installation.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a global leader in business management software for system integration firms. Its System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud platforms streamline sales, design, project management, and service operations. Serving thousands of companies in more than 90 countries, D-Tools helps electronic systems contractors operate more efficiently and grow profitably.
For more information, visit www.d-tools.com or follow D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts:
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools — (925) 270-4102 — timb@d-tools.com
Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications — (406) 446-1283 — katye@kmbcomm.com
All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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by Bob Archer | Feb 17, 2026 | Apex Technologies, Leon Speakers, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Lightapalooza 2026
Apex Technologies Brings Power and Light Together in a Dynamic Demo of Creative Expression
Leon’s Noah Kaplan “paints” digitally with LED light using Apex Technologies’ ProtoPixel platform—supported by a power management solution ̶ to create mesmerizing works of art that inspire integrators to think beyond traditional lighting design.
Lightapalooza 2026 (January 27, 2026) — Apex Technologies returns to the Lightapalooza 2026 exhibit hall, Feb. 16–19, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas, with a captivating demonstration that fuses precision power with next-generation lighting innovation.
Headlining the showstopping exhibit is ProtoPixel, Apex’s digital pixel lighting solution. This revolutionary lighting platform harnesses individually controllable LEDs to turn surfaces and spaces into dynamic, living environments. As an emerging and highly flexible lighting solution, ProtoPixel represents a new frontier in architectural, artistic, and experiential lighting design. Whether used to enhance architectural features, craft immersive entertainment spaces, or build visually stunning installations, the platform empowers integrators to deliver lighting designs that are customizable, scalable, and unforgettable.
Lighting as a Living Canvas
Bringing this revolutionary technology to life at Lightapalooza is Noah Kaplan of Leon, who will demonstrate ProtoPixel’s creative potential by “painting” with light in real time. Drawing from his signature artistic approach, Kaplan will transform a blank canvas of LED strips and plexiglass into a vibrant work of art, demonstrating to attendees the expressive power and striking visual effects of pixel-based lighting. The presentation will inspire integrators to push beyond conventional illumination in both residential and commercial projects, leveraging the creative power of ProtoPixel into new business and revenue opportunities.
The live demonstration will take place multiple times throughout the show, giving attendees a rare opportunity to witness what’s possible when lighting evolves from static illumination into a dynamic medium of visual expression.
The Performance Behind the Visuals: Clean Power Matters
To ensure the on-floor demo performs flawlessly, Apex Technologies will support the installation with its power management solutions, reinforcing a critical truth of modern home environments: advanced systems are only as reliable as the power feeding them.
“Devices and systems across every category in the smart home industry are directly impacted by the quality of incoming power,” affirms Apex Technologies owner Ryan Donaher. “Without the proper power foundation at our Lightapalooza exhibit, interference could cause the lights in Noah’s ProtoPixel painting to flicker, just as it can in architectural lighting designs in residential or commercial installations. Continuous, non-varying and contamination-free power plays a major role in delivering the experience clients expect.”
This integrated demonstration underscores Apex Technologies’ holistic approach, where performance, reliability, and creative impact are supported from the electrical foundation up.
Education that Empowers
For deeper insight into the critical role clean, stable power plays in the performance of smart systems, Lightapalooza attendees are encouraged to attend one of the power-focused courses presented by Apex Technologies’ Vince Luciani. These sessions will deliver practical, real-world guidance for integrators, covering a wide range of topics designed to help systems perform reliably and succeed in this rapidly growing and increasingly essential category.
To register for any of the Power Track courses at Lightapalooza and learn about other events and educational opportunities, go to https://lightapalooza.com/.
About Apex Technologies
Founded in 2020, Apex Technologies distributes cutting-edge European audio-video manufacturers at the highest end of the market. Brands include Meridian Audio, TPI Aerospace, ProtoPixel, 360 Power Quality, Innovolt, Gude Systems and HDANYWHERE. Apex works tirelessly behind the scenes from project conception through to installation and beyond to ensure that its partners can go about their business with ease. Visit apex-tech.us to learn more.
Media Contact
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (406) 446-1283, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by Bob Archer | Feb 17, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications, SONOS
It used to be that dealers in the custom electronics industry would attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to start the year and the CEDIA Expo to close the year. Today however, there are several trade events that should be on the itinerary of integrators, including the KBIS/International Builders’ Show (IBS).
KBIS/IBS has risen in importance for dealers due to the growth of the custom electronics market and its convergence with other residential trades such as interior design and architect professions.
The intersection of the custom electronics industry will be on full display in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 17-19 during the annual KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)/IBS event. This designer/home builder show brings together hundreds of exhibitors, and industry professionals from across the housing industry.
Dealers interested in mingling with these home industry professionals have several booths worth investigating. Integrators will have familiarity with these brands, but unlike when these companies exhibit at events such as CEDIA Expo, their booths will reflect how their products and services complement modern home spaces to appeal to other parts of the building trades market.
IBS Represents the Future of Homebuilding
Admittedly, the builders’ show is a massive event that can be daunting to take in. Streamlining the show for integrators, here is a roundup of some of the KBIS/IBS booths worth visiting while in Orlando:
Cavco Park Models and Cabin: During the event Cavco Park Models and Cabin will showcase its solutions in #booth P1742 and P1842. The company offers specific solutions for each region of the company it operates. In its booth during the show the company will feature solutions from the global lighting and motorized shade manufacturer Lutron Electronics and Samsung. Samsung is a global electronics and appliances manufacturer.
Deako: In booth #S8071 Deako will show its line of whole-house smart lighting control products. The product line can be used for everything from spec homes to semi-custom building projects, and the products utilize modern industrial designs.
Epson America, Inc.: Epson is a diverse manufacturer of printers, label makers, and projectors for commercial AV and home AV applications. At IBS 2026 the company will be exhibiting in booth #S1000.
Resideo: Resideo is known throughout the custom integration industry for its security and smart home products. At the IBS 2026 event the company will be exhibiting in booth #S8085.
Schlage: Schlage is a manufacturer of access control and smart door locks in the residential custom integration market. In its booth (#W4757) the company will highlight its array of traditional lock and smart lock solutions.
Sonos: Sonos is a global audio brand and one of the most popular manufacturers of home audio products in the entire world. The company will exhibit at IBS 2026 in booth #S9071 showing its selection of speakers, subwoofers and soundbars that can be used for home theater and wireless multiroom audio applications.
Span: Span is a company that provides energy management for today’s homes. The company will be in booth #S15058 and its product line provides homeowners with solutions to help manage their power with clean energy.
StruXure Outdoor: exhibiting in booth #S4119, the company provides outdoor living products. StruXure Outdoor offers three product lines: Pergola X Classic, Evolve and Cabana X. These products provide features such as shading and modular versatility.
Must See KBIS Exhibitors
FreePower: Exhibiting in booth #W687 and founded back in 2017, FreePower develops wireless charging products that integrate underneath countertops. FreePower says its solutions enables mobile devices to charge without the need for cabling and hardware.
Kwikset: Kwikset offers a broad range of products for residential access control (door locks). The company’s line includes several smart locks that can integrate into a home control system using a choice of wireless connectivity protocols. Kwikset is exhibiting in booth #W2055 during KBIS.
Samsung: At KBIS Samsung will be in booth #W2073 and it offers a line of smart TVs, including its Frame line of products that brings digital art into residential settings. In addition, Samsung developed its SmartThings smart home platform to enable devices including kitchen appliances, dryers, washing machines and more to integrate into smart homes. At KBIS the company will likely showcase its Bespoke line of appliances that combine state-of-the-art features and modern design options.
Sharp Home Electronics: In booth #S25091 Sharp will showcase its line of home appliances and AQUOS TVs. Sharp offers microwave ovens, air purifiers, and more.
KMB Communications hosts a podcast called AV Trade Talk. Listeners can check out the podcast to learn about the latest happenings in the custom installation electronics industry. To listen to the KMB AV Trade Talk Podcast, click here.
by Bob Archer | Feb 16, 2026 | News, RoseWater Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lightapalooza 2026
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RoseWater Energy Expands the Integration Community’s Knowledge Base with Comprehensive Power Management Training at Lightapalooza 2026
Integration and design professionals can deepen their understanding of power management, strengthen sales strategies, and uncover new revenue opportunities by attending educational sessions and exploring its advanced power management solutions.
LIGHTAPALOOZA 2026 (February 16, 2026) – RoseWater Energy, a leader for more than a decade in advanced, professionally installed whole-home power conditioning, energy management, and standby power systems for luxury residences, will return to Lightapalooza 2026 with an expanded educational initiative designed to equip systems integrators, designers, manufacturer representatives, consultants, and builders with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving residential power landscape.
Five-Course Power Track Delivers Tangible Takeaways
At this year’s event, RoseWater Energy, along with Apex Technologies, Savant, and other power management providers, will host a focused five-course educational Power Track. Led by a panel of power experts, including RoseWater Energy CEO Joe Piccirilli, the program delivers a progressive learning experience, beginning with residential power fundamentals and advancing through targeted discussions of power management, smart electrical infrastructure, generator optimization, and whole-home energy systems.
Designed to provide both technical depth and practical sales insight, the Power Track helps professionals identify new opportunities, sell power solutions with confidence, and deliver greater value to their clients.
Power Track Highlight: Residential Power Fundamentals & Smart Power Primer
The cornerstone of the power-focused educational series is a 90-minute foundational course offering a comprehensive overview of how power enters, flows through, and impacts today’s luxury homes. Professionals new to the category are strongly encouraged to attend this must-see kick-off session.
Core learning objectives include:
- Understanding residential power system topology
- Identifying challenges across utility, generator, solar, and battery power sources
- Recognizing market trends and emerging client opportunities
- Comprehending the fundamentals of smart power integration
The course explores the differences between all-inclusive and device-specific power management solutions, examines power quality versus backup strategies, and reviews traditional residential power topology, including service entrances, load distribution, and proper system sizing. Attendees will also gain insight into market forces such as Net Energy Metering (NEM), Time-of-Use (ToU) rates, electrification, EV charging, and utility service limits, helping them align system designs with real-world conditions.
“Education has always been one of our hallmarks,” says Piccirilli. “But success at an event like Lightapalooza ultimately comes down to creating new revenue opportunities for integrators. Whether integrators are experienced with power management and want a more advanced turnkey solution, are looking to improve sales effectiveness, or are entirely new to the category and need guidance on where to begin, we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
A Progressive Power Track Curriculum
Following the introductory course are four advanced sessions that build toward complete smart energy system design:
- Course 2: Targeted Power Management – A practical look at rack-level and device-specific solutions, including PDUs, UPS systems, power conditioning, and real-world application scenarios.
- Course 3: Intelligence Infrastructure / Smart Electrical Panels – An overview of the smart panel market, key use cases, deployment strategies, and integration considerations.
- Course 4: Leveling Up – Improving the Value of the Generator – Examining generator limitations and how pairing generators with smart power, batteries, and intelligent transfer strategies improves performance and ROI.
- Course 5: Whole-Home Energy Systems – Covering battery energy storage systems (BESS), single-line diagrams, system sizing methodologies, operational modes, and power source combinations.
Each session delivers tangible takeaways, such as decision matrices, checklists, and design templates, that attendees can immediately apply to active and future projects.
Visit the RoseWater Energy Booth for Deeper Insights
Lightapalooza 2026 attendees are also invited to visit the RoseWater Energy booth to explore the company’s latest power management solutions and engage directly with its team of power experts.
“Our goal is to provide integrators with a thorough, practical education on residential power,” Piccirilli adds. “At the booth, we can go deeper, demonstrating how our purpose-built Energy HUBs address a full range of project requirements, the performance advantages over other approaches, and how our authorized dealer program provides end-to-end, concierge-level support from design through deployment.”
RoseWater Energy HUBs address electrical anomalies at the source, ensuring that every device, from lighting controls and home theaters to kitchen appliances and home office equipment, receives clean, stable power for optimal performance and longevity. The system eliminates the need for multiple standalone protective devices while allowing for seamless expansion as new technology is added to a home.
In addition, RoseWater Energy HUBs provide standby power to sustain critical areas of the residence during outages, creating a worry-free environment where technology performs reliably under all conditions.
To register for any of the Power Track courses at Lightapalooza and learn about other events and educational opportunities, go to https://lightapalooza.com/.
About RoseWater Energy
RoseWater Energy understands that Power is the Foundation® for any smart home. The company designs and manufactures a complete solution providing both power conditioning and consistent energy, as well as surge and lightning protection for the main power source, solar input, and battery backup, along with analytics and remote monitoring in a redundant industrial-grade system made for large, high-end residences and commercial environments.
Committed to building Simply the Best® energy management system on the market, RoseWater Energy HUBs work 24/7 and are always providing clean power in any situation – including during normal grid operation as well as grid spikes, surges, brownouts, or power outages. RoseWater HUBs are built with full power conditioning functionality and zero-transfer-times between power sources. These unique features enable technology integration professionals to reduce or eliminate a plethora of unnecessary and expensive client service calls due to power issues and instead, provide peace of mind. Concierge support ensures a successful outcome. RoseWater will work with authorized integration firms to help design, build, integrate, and manage a custom Power Plan™ specific to the needs of each project. For more details visit www.rosewaterenergy.com.
RoseWater Energy Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
