Several sessions of "sparring speakers," research applied case studies, a hot topic panel discussion, and award ceremonies are among the highlights that comprised the annual conference in Austin, TX, October 31 and November 1. The conference drew nearly 500 attendees.

The opening session began with Sparring Speakers where presenters argued their side of their respective topics with the speakers coming to a meeting of the minds by the close of the session and offering a joint solution. Sparring topics presented throughout the conference included Health and Energy, Energy and Education, Sustainability and Economics, and Architect and Engineer.

To round out the conference, several high interest case studies were presented. The first provided issues and insights into the application of LED lighting to a roadway environment. The second involved using the principles of theatrical lighting to illuminate two recent Disney attractions-"Jasmine's Flying Carpets: and "Monsters, Inc." in Tokyo. A "futurecasting" session described the development of fiber optic techniques used to measure/sense vibration and sound from musical instruments (much like an electromagnetic pick-up).

All attendees were given sketchbooks to capture new ideas for after-conference implementation, thus the conference theme: Lessons in Sketching.

Corporate sponsors for the conference were Acuity Brands; BetaLED/A Cree Company; Cooper Lighting; CSA International; GE Lighting; Lutron; Osram Sylvania; Philips; Philips Day-Brite; Philips Lumec.

The 2012 conference will be held November 11-13, Minneapolis, MN. For information about the 2011 or 2012 IES Annual conference, please contact Valerie Landers, Director, Member Services. ([email protected])

ABOUT THE ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA

IES is the oldest and largest educational and scientific society in North America devoted to lighting. Since 1906, the IES has sought to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public. A broad variety of programs, including publications, conferences and seminars, have been established to accomplish this mission. IES publishes and distributes the finest lighting literature authored by committees with the most experienced minds in industry and academia today. For more information about IES, go to http://www.ies.org.