Dallas Market Center to Host First-Ever Live NAILD
Lighting Specialist in Controls (LS-C) Certification Program
DALLAS – March 11, 2025 – A brand-new certification course in lighting controls offered by the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) will be hosted at Dallas Market Center (DMC) preceding the June 18-21 edition of Lightovation, which is the largest residential lighting show in North America.
The two-day, intensive Lighting Specialist in Controls (LS-C) course will be held June 16-17 with an exam on June 18. The NAILD LS-C Certification Program is developed to bridge the knowledge gap in lighting controls within the distribution channel of the industry. To address this, the program provides structured training and formalized certification, enhancing professionals' ability to deliver efficient, code-compliant, budget-friendly, and quality lighting control solutions for small-scale projects.
The program offers a choice of three certification tracks: LS-CD (Distribution), LS-CS (Specialist), or LS-CI (Installation). Participants will select one track for the June training and will have future opportunities to take other tracks. NAILD recommends larger groups to consider certifying at least one staff member in each track, since each builds distinct expertise.
LS-CD training is recommended for individuals or companies interested in learning how to sell, stock, and coordinate lighting controls. LS-CD certified professionals will learn how to interpret project documentation, generate a bill of materials (BOM), and create accurate quotations. For companies that work primarily with specifiers and skilled installers, this track will help them manage lighting control system sales and coordination for well-documented projects.
LS-CS training is for individuals or companies that frequently encounter incomplete or unclear project documentation. This certification trains staff to transform blank reflected ceiling plans into complete lighting controls layouts, control intent narratives, and one-line diagrams to enable the sales team to generate a BOM and quotation with confidence.
The LS-CI track is for individuals or companies who want to offer oversight and support services during and after installation. This training provides the ability to guide contractors on proper installation procedures, educate end-users on system operation, and provide ongoing project support.
Certification instructors will be Ron Kuszmar (LS-CD track), Vice President of Architectural & Theatrical Lighting at Port Lighting; C. Webster Marsh (LS-CS track), owner of Penumbra Controls; and Chris O’Shea (LS-CI track), Head of Marketing and Business Development at Control Force.
Early bird pricing for this certification training, which ends March 31, is $399 for NAILD members and $499 for non-members. Registration for this training also includes registration for the full June 18-21 Lightovation show, and participants will receive a guided tour of DMC’s 1 million square foot permanent lighting marketplace following the certification exam on June 18. To register and for more information, visit www.naild.org/ls-c.
Certification attendees are welcome to book hotel accommodations from any of Lightovation’s blocks, which start as low as $123/night can be explored and reserved here:https://book.passkey.com/event/50802375/owner/14227/home.
Additional information about the largest residential lighting show in North America is available on the Lightovation page of the Dallas Market Center website. Keep up with the latest developments by following the #Lightovation hashtag on social media, via the Lightovation Facebook Page and Lightovation - Lighting Industry Discussion Group.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in lighting, home décor, furniture, gifts, and fashion. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus near downtown Dallas, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products via open-daily showrooms and from exhibitors participating in trade events held throughout the year. The Dallas Market Center website is available at dallasmarketcenter.com.
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