BALLAST/TRANSFORMERS

Architecture firms reported another decline in billings in January as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was 45.6. Any score below 50.0 indicates decreasing business conditions. While most architecture firms saw billings decline in January, the proportion experiencing a decrease was slightly lower than in December. Inquiries for new projects continued to rise at a steady, slow pace, but the value of newly signed design contracts dropped for the eleventh month in a row, as clients stayed cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

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The 2025 LEDucation Trade Show and Conference extends a warm welcome to all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and sponsors joining this highly anticipated event at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. The event begins with 15 virtual sessions March 13–14 and continues with in-person exhibit halls and 30 sessions March 18–19. With over 400 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and a rich lineup of 45 AIA CES approved educational sessions curated to address the most pressing topics in the lighting industry.

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After declining to 50 in December, the electroindustry business confidence index current conditions component rebounded to 68.8 in January. Overall, panel members shared a positive outlook, with 44 percent reporting that current conditions were “better” compared to last month, 50 percent indicating “unchanged” conditions, and 6 percent noting that current conditions were “worse.” Panelists' comments were generally positive with many citing strong orders, but with caution due to uncertainty about new economic and tariff policies.

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As of this recording, the US has backed off on tariffs, for now. But they still loom as a possibility sometime in the future. Michael gives his perspective from the viewpoint of Canada, while Greg and Spencer look at it from a “what’s best for America” standpoint. Can’t we all just get along? Spencer Miles first appeared on Get a Grip On Lighting way back in 2017 on episode #4. He is the President of Pacific Lamp and Supply Company where he has worked for 24 years of Pacific Lamp’s over 100 years of business. Spencer served as NAILD’s President in 2019.

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You’ve heard him on Monday mornings. You’ve seen his work quarterly. We pull back the curtain on Scott Wachter to take a look behind the scenes at his work on the Lighting Industry News Brief, Today’s Lighting Distributor, and The Darkness News Update.

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Canada Light Expo 2025 is returning for its second edition following the success & encouraging market response of its inaugural event. Scheduled for 12-13 November 2025 at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada, the Expo is poised to become the most anticipated lighting and LED exhibition. Featuring 75+ leading brands, 1,000+ innovative products, and an expansive 30,000+ sq ft exhibition space, this year, the expo will bring together professionals from across the lighting industry.

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Architecture firms reported a decline in billings in December as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell to 44.1. Any score below 50.0 indicates decreasing business conditions. The stable level of billings seen in October and November stalled and headed down again to end 2024. Inquiries into new projects continued to increase at a relatively slow rate, while the value of newly signed design contracts decreased further in December.

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Retrofitting a troffer? Impossible! Or is it? Greg presents a case where maybe, just maybe, it’s possible to save the old fixture. Even Michael thinks this one has a chance to not end up in a landfill.

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NEMA announced two industry-leading product specifications developed under its “Make it American” Program to help electrical manufacturers confidently offer Build America, Buy America (BABA)-compliant products to market.

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