Call for papers for Showlight 2023

With less than 18 months to go until the next in person gathering, Showlight is putting out a Call for Papers.

Now is your chance to share your exciting lighting or terrific technology by presenting a paper at this unique and much-loved quadrennial networking event.

The heart of Showlight has always been its eclectic mix of papers showcasing different disciplines and specialities of lighting. These are delivered by international lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography and architectural lighting designers, or associated crafts like programmers and manufacturers. Past subjects have covered designs and achievements in the fields of lighting for ballet, rock ‘n’ roll, opera, theatre, the largest tv spectacular and the smallest student projects, as well as lighting for landscapes, new and fascinating architecture, puppet theatre, animated films, and innovations in new equipment and solutions to lighting problems as well as lighting with candles! 

One thing is universal – the variety of papers never cease to interest and entertain. 

“Showlight is like an AA meeting for lighting designers! This is my first time attending and I didn’t really know what to expect. I was thinking it was more like a tradeshow, but it’s totally different. The closeness and connectivity between us all is great. Collegial sharing is what it’s all about.” Said Mikki Kunttu, Finnish lighting designer and Showlight 2017 speaker – Swan Lake at the Royal Danish Ballet.

2023 sees the return of Showlight to Fontainebleau after a two-year delay and momentum is already gathering. Help us bring it back in style by presenting a paper on your own hot topic. Talks are to be 20 minutes in length to enable as many papers as possible to be presented over the three-day period. 

We aim for variety, across all aspects of the lighting industry today. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and your failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.   

Typical subjects might include: 

• Innovative and interesting designs 
• Unusual projects large or small 
• Solving the impossible 
• Your unique corner of the lighting world 
• The future and the past – where should we be going and what should we have learnt 
• Issues that are affecting our industry and how we work 

If you would like to become part of Showlight 2023 by presenting a paper, please send them the following at papers@showlight.org: 

• Name(s) 
• Company 
• Mobile number 
• Email address 
• A brief summary of the paper you are proposing 

Please note: all papers will be considered by the Showlight Papers Committee, and if selected you will be contacted for further details, and with technical requirements and accommodation information.