Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) celebrated another successful edition as more than 165,000 visitors (5 per cent increase from 2017) descended on the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou from June 9 – 12. A total of 2,602 exhibitors demonstrated the latest in lighting and LED products and solutions across 19 halls and 195,000 sq.m. of exhibition space. The main thoroughfare at the exhibition – The Pearl Promenade – was also a hive of activity as the THINKLIGHT: Embracing Changes Forum enticed thousands of visitors to a programme of talks from some of the world’s leading authorities in lighting concepts, technology and design.
While heavy rain and storm clouds greeted participants on their arrival in Guangzhou, spirits could not be dampened inside the fairground as the summer sunshine returned in time for the opening day of the 23rd edition of the show. Adopting a theme of “Embracing Changes”, the fair showcased a plethora of innovative lighting and LED products and solutions as the show reaffirmed its position as the most comprehensive and influential lighting event in Asia.
Commenting on this year’s exhibition, Ms Lucia Wong, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, said, “Embracing change has never been so important for the lighting industry and I am truly pleased to have seen such earnest and forward-looking ideas and approaches on display at the fair. The rise in visitor figures demonstrates the renewed industry-wide confidence and positive future outlook for the lighting community. The global transition to connected lighting has the potential to improve the quality of our lives and it will undoubtedly bring previously distinct industry sectors together. GILE will continue to serve as platform that supports these innovations and nurtures future developments.”
One of the highlights of this year’s fair was the success of the THINKLIGHT: Embracing Changes Forum. Divided into the THINK and ACT Forums, more than 80 renowned speakers shared their insights into the future of lighting over the first three days of the show. Exploring many conceptual and strategic ideas, the THINK forum examined lighting’s potential while those on the ACT stage examined current applications and real-life business studies.
Reflecting on the importance of gathering such influential and highly regarded speakers to the show, Philip Beesley, Professor, School of Architecture, University of Waterloo, commented, “I think that an exhibition like this can not only emphasise industry and commerce but also culture and deeply felt common values in the lighting industry. This forum has brought together a cultural gathering of research and careful thought. It is an extraordinary intellectual festival that could have a tremendous impact on participants.”
Smart lighting, lighting design in smart cities, humancentric lighting, OLEDs, miniaturised LED drivers and horticultural lighting were just a few of the topics broached in the presentations delivered on both stages.
