The Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA) is preparing to host its 19th annual conference, positioning itself once again as the premier gathering for lighting professionals. Scheduled for 13-14 August at Phahama Lodge in Johannesburg, this year's event promises to deliver essential insights under the theme "Empowering Africa through innovative lighting solutions."
The conference serves as the cornerstone event for the lighting industry, providing professional networking and development opportunities for attendees. They can connect with sector peers, explore business opportunities, and receive crucial updates on the transformative changes shaping the lighting landscape. Organisers have placed particular emphasis on three critical areas: regulatory developments, technological progress, and environmental implications.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
IESSA's mission centres on advancing lighting knowledge, and the conference delivers essential updates on industry innovations and emerging developments in research, technology, and lighting methodology. The organisation's role extends beyond education, as it represents South Africa's lighting sector in government and regulatory contexts while serving as the national representative on the international CIE (Commission Internationale de l'éclairage) National Committee.
For professionals seeking to maintain their credentials, the conference offers significant value through its longstanding accreditation with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Attendees will earn 1.5 CPD points, helping to address the ongoing challenge many professionals face in accumulating the required continuing professional development credits.
Networking opportunities and industry connections
The event creates abundant opportunities for meaningful interaction, connecting attendees with sector leaders and colleagues from across South Africa and beyond. Recognising the evolving nature of professional engagement, organisers have included a hybrid attendance option, ensuring that those unable to join in person can still access the valuable insights shared by expert presenters.
The conference presents a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with both established contacts and senior leadership, including directors and CEOs who can become pivotal strategic connections. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, maintaining close relationships with suppliers who truly comprehend the lighting industry and can provide customised solutions becomes increasingly important.
Target audience and professional impact
The conference caters to a broad spectrum of lighting professionals, welcoming anyone whose role involves lighting engineering or work within the lighting industry in technical, commercial, institutional, educational, municipal, or public capacities. This inclusive approach ensures that the event serves as a comprehensive forum for the entire lighting ecosystem.
Beyond the technical knowledge and networking opportunities, the conference aims to address a common challenge faced by industry professionals: maintaining career motivation amid the demands of everyday business operations. The event is designed to help attendees rediscover their professional purpose by exploring innovative concepts while connecting with fellow industry professionals who share their commitment.
Participants can expect to leave the conference revitalised, motivated, and equipped with practical insights to enhance their work environment, making it an essential date in the calendar for South Africa's lighting industry professionals.
The IESSA annual conference continues to demonstrate its value as the key industry event where lighting professionals can engage with peers, advance their knowledge, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the lighting sector across Africa.
