On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly 68th Session proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015).
Although the International Year of Light was 2015, the closing ceremony was actually February 6, 2016. So the IES Philadelphia Section decided to host a Gala on February 4, 2016 to commemorate this International Celebration of light and community. This was the largest event coordinated to my knowledge by our local IES. As a celebration, the focus was for it to be a fun, enjoyable event reflecting lighting and Philadelphia. This was not a typical IES happening . . . there were speakers, but no continuing education units. The event showcased Philadelphia projects without an awards ceremony. Plus free admission!
As part of the setup committee for the International Year of Light Gala, I was charged with finding fabulous SWAG (stuff we all get) and creating vibrant ambiance! Through several committee meetings I noted everyone’s suggestions. The words LIGHT, COLOR, and PHILADELPHIA, seemed to be mentioned repeatedly in discussions.
I had the International Year of Light’s colorful logo applied to motion activated bracelets that lit up. I thought they were perfect for applauding the speakers and handshakes during the networking happy hour.
In following with the logo’s colorful flags, I placed ribbon wands of assorted colors on the chairs and throughout the venue.
For the table tops, I created elegant, illuminated color changing center pieces, with white roses and baby’s breath.
Philadelphia was represented with a slide show of projects I compiled. The initial images were of structures as they appeared in late 1800s to early 1900s, followed by images of how they are lit today.
There were three great speakers,Derrick Pitts Hon. D Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute, James Timberlake FAIA, LEED AP BD+Cfounder and partner Kieran Timberlake Architects, and Isaiah Zagar mosaic mural artist, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. A Philly Mummers String Band kicked the night off energizing guests before the speakers took the stage and a three-piece jazz band closed out the evening.
The event was a huge success, due to all the volunteer help and coordination of the IES Philadelphia IYL Committees.
