Special Events + Co-Located Networking


CONFERENCE: December 4-10, 2024  
EXPO: December 8-10, 2024
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER: West Hall

New Technology Breakfasts

Start your day with a cup of hot coffee and continental breakfast plus a sneak preview of the coolest new technology on the show floor.

Lighting & Lasers
Date & Time: Sunday, December 8  •  8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Room W231


Digital Signage, Projection, Special FX
Date & Time: Monday, December 9  •  8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Room W231


Audio, Staging & Rigging 
Date & Time: Monday, December 9  •  9:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Room W231

New Tech Breakfast Sponsors

Wellness


LDI Special Events - Rise Shine

Rise and Shine 5K Walk/Run

Race Date & Time: Sunday, December 8
Meet-up Location & Start Time: Fontainebleau Las Vegas main entrance, 6:30am
Race Course Link: Confirmation email with course link and additional details to be sent via email to registrants.
Note: This course is open and not closed to traffic. Please exercise caution while participating. 
***All participants must sign a liability waiver on the morning of the run. 

Charity: Behind The Scenes

Join us for a meaningful stride towards positive mental health and substance use support at our annual 5K Rise and Shine Walk/Run. Lace-up your running shoes and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Every step counts as we come together to support a worthy cause, Behind the Scenes. Run with purpose, run with heart – let's go the extra mile for Behind The Scenes!

Behind The Scenes: Mental Health Sessions  

Date & Time:

  • Sunday, December 8 • 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Monday, December 9 • 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday, December 10 • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Behind The Scenes Wellness Lounge, LDI Show Floor

Visit the Behind the Scenes Wellness Lounge, a safe space to learn about mental and physical health through daily presentations, activities, training, and one-on-one consultations. You can also pick up valuable information from our Mental Health Initiative on suicide prevention, Mental Health First Aid, alcohol and substance use, bullying and harassment, and the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder. All sessions listed here.

Behind the Scenes Wellness Lounge

Foster The Future
 

In its innovative Foster The Future program, LDI embraces the next generation of industry professionals with special initiatives. 

The main focus of Foster The Future is the fourth annual Young Career Professionals Program for those under the age of 25 and developing an interest in a career in live events design and production. Foster The Future also includes The Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships and LDI's production assisant program.


Career Day Schedule

Date: Saturday, December 7, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Locations: New Technology Breakfast Room - W2321

 

Career Day: A full day of Buzz Sessions and a Keynote Lunch for LDI's Young Career Professionals Program, part of our Foster The Future Initiative to support and train the next generations of industry professionals.

Career Day Buzz sessions are open to all LDI attendees, including the Keynote speech. The lunch requires a ticket, including with all Young Career Professional badges or available at LDI registration.

Schedule:
9:00am-10:00am: Orientation & Meet Up Breakfast
10:00am-10:30am: Buzz Session: Brad Schiller, Martin Harman
10:30am-11:00am: Buzz Session: Meow Wolf
11:30am-12:00pm: Buzz Session: Elynmarie Kazle, Stage Managers Association
12:00pm-12:45pm: Career Day Lunch (lunch ticket required)
12:45pm-1:30pm: Career Day Keynote Lunch : Sharon Huizinga, Rock Lititz; University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)- Associate Professor of Lighting
1:30pm-2:00pm: Buzz Session: URTA
2:00pm-2:30pm: Buzz Session: Matt Veitch, Ammonite Studios
2:30pm-3:00pm Buzz Session: Simon Evans: TAO Group
3:00pm-3:30pm: Buzz Session: Laura Frank, frame:work
3:30pm-4:00pm: Buzz Session: Shane Smith, LMG
4:00pm-4:30pm: Networking & Snacks

Additional Career Day Activities:
1:00pm-5:00pm: Portfolio & Web Review (open to all LDI attendees) SIGN UP HERE.

6:00pm: Recruitment tour at Omnia nightclub (open to all Young Career Production badges) Join the Tao Group's Senior Director of Creative AV - Simon Evans as he takes you on a tour in one of the most technologically advanced nightclubs in the world - Omnia! This behind the scenes look will provide a showcase into their legendary 'Chandelier Moment' as well as an intimate discussion on how they run the colossal rig, get close up to their FOH systems and discuss what it takes to join his global team.
 

 

Foster the Future Sessions

LDI Portfolio & Website Review, Lighting & Projection

Date & Time: Saturday, December 7 • 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: W205

All students and young professionals are invited to participate in the LDI Portfolio and Website Review.  Bring your portfolio and/or digital device to get tips one-on-one from the industry's top professionals. Co-moderated by Brackley Frayer and Deanna Fitzgerald. All participants will get a code for a free LDI expo hall pass.

Sign up for time slots here: LDI Portfolio & Website Review 

LDI Special Events - Portfolio

URTA Design Showcase

Date & Time: Sunday, December 8 • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Association Lounge, LDI Expo Hall

Designers and technicians! Present your work, and network with graduate school recruiters and potential employers. Presented by the University Resident Theatre Association, there is no additional cost to participate in the showcase.

Please pre-register to reserve your space at the showcase here. Deadline to pre-register Friday, November 22.

 All pre-registered participants will receive a code for a free LDI expo hall pass

LDI Special Events - URTA

Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarship Ceremony 

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 10, 9am-10am as part of the LDI 2024 Awards Ceremony

Location: Battle of the Busk Stage (near the Circle Bar on the LDI show floor)

Support diversity and inclusion as we acknowledge and celebrate the 2024 recipients of the 6th annual Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships, sponsored by LDI.



Partners:

LDI Color Logo 125px
TSDCA_Logo 125px

 

 

 

 

USITT logo 70px

 

 

 

 

 

2024 Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarship Receipients

Awards


LDI Special Events - Awards

LDI Booth and Product Awards Breakfast

Date & Time: 
Tuesday December 10, 2024
8:45am Doors Open
9:00 – 10:00am Ceremony 

Location: Battle of the Busk Stage (LDI Show Floor)

In an all-new breakfast format, the LDI 2024 Booth and Best Debuting Product Awards will honor technological advances in new products from our exhibitors and those companies who excel in their booth design.

The LDI Awards are presented to the best debuting products launched at LDI 2024 or available for the first time in the United States on the LDI 2024 trade show floor. Our panel of industry experts will evaluate these new products, with an eye towards cutting-edge technology. All exhibitors are invited to nominate products in the following categories: Lighting, Projection, Staging and Rigging, Audio, Special Effects, and Widgets. Please note: For the debuting lighting products, there is a new category for architectural lighting fixtures this year. Please make sure to indicate if your new lighting product is for the architectural market.

In addition, LDI will present its fifth annual Sustainability Award for a product or initiative that promotes a greener future, addresses climate change, or promotes sustainable energies.

There are also booth awards for Best Small Booth, Best Big Booth, Most Creative Use of Light, and Best Product Presentation.

Exhibitors: Nominate your products here.

The Awards breakfast is free to all LDI attendees and exhibitors, but please be sure to RSVP in the registration options (when you register or you can go back and add to your badge).

Competition


Battle of the Busk

Battle of the Busk

Date & Time: Sunday, December 8, 6:00 pm  – 7:00 pm
Location: LDI Circle Bar and Battle of the Busk Stage

Experience the ultimate showdown between lighting and video jockeys as they compete in the Battle of the Busk. Vote for your favorite lighting and video team.
 



Sponsors:

Battle of the Busk 2024 Sponsors

Networking


Crew Up + Connect Industry Party

Date & Time: Sunday, December 8, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Circle Bar

Reunite with old friends, colleagues, and make new ones at LDI’s Crew Up + Connect industry party. Meet us at the Circle Bar for beverages immediately after the Battle of the Busk. The Circle Bar will also be open during show hours.

Sponsored by; 

ETC logo
LDI Special Events - Circle Bar
Mentoring

Mentoring Meet Up Networking Event

Date: Monday December 9th, 3:30pm-4:00pm 
Location: LDI Circle Bar

All LDI attendees are invited to our Mentoring Meet Up , on Monday, December 9 from 3:30pm-4pm at the Circle Bar on the LDI show floor.  Network directly with your peers, meet industry veterans, and share tips, tricks and questions.  The perfect chance to build new relationships in an informal setting. Beverages and a chance to win prizes included.  We will all gather and have a casual networking mentoring meet up. Attendees take a Topic Card (see below) at their arrival with what they are interested in talking about. Mentors will be aligned with a topic they feel strong mentorship with. We’ll stand in a circle, start with a quick icebreaker, then hold up the cards to see the commonality. From this, smaller groups are formed where our mentors and mentees can align together.
 

Meet Manufacturers

Meet the Manufacturers Reception

Date: Monday December 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PST
Location: Circle Bar

All LDI attendees are invited to our Meet The Manufacturers reception, on Monday, December 9 from 4pm-5pm at the Circle Bar on the LDI show floor. Bring your tech and troubleshooting questions and interface directly with representatives of leading LDI exhibitors away from the busy booth environment. The perfect chance to network with manufacturers in an informal setting. Come early at 3:30 to join the Mentoring Meet Up. Beverages and a chance to prizes included.  

LDI After Dark Clubs

Las Vegas opens its arms – and dance floors – to LDI and DSE attendees. Present your LDI or DSE badge for free entry into the hottest clubs in town. It’s the perfect way to check out the gear as you dance the night away. Each night will have exclusive VIP expedited entry and access to special VIP table booking options.

After Dark Club Schedule:

  • Thursday, December 5 – TAO (Venetian)
  • Friday, December 6 – Omnia (Caesars Palace)
  • Saturday, December 7 – Hakkasan (MGM Grand)
  • Sunday, December 8 – Marquee Drenched After Dark (Cosmopolitan) 
  • Monday, December 9 – Jewel (Aria)
  • Tuesday, December 10 – Omnia (Caesars Palace)


Sponsored by:

Tao_Group_Hospitality_Logo

 

 

 


LDI After Dark Networking

Jampack is LDI's official group hospitality vendor, and their sourcing experts are standing by to assist you in any way. Whether you are planning private dining arrangements, cocktail receptions, nightlife access, excursions, or even a venue buyout - they are here to assist.

See how Jampack can help you, go here to request services.  

Join your industry colleagues for exclusive AFTER DARK NETWORKING experiences. Limited availability, so don't miss out!

***Only Available to Registered LDI Badge Holders

After Dark Networking Passes

  • All Access Pass: $33
  • VIP All Access Pass: $189

View the schedule and purchase After Dark Networking Pass here.



Sponsored by:

Jampack

 

 

LDI After Dark

Expo Hall Sessions


LDI Special Events - Diversity Panel

Diversity: A Discussion About Equity And Inclusion

Date & Time: Sunday, December 8 •  12:30 pm  – 2:30 pm
Location: ConNEXTions Café

A serious conversation on the need for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in the live events industry, is an important issue the industry continues to face, and there is so much more to learn. How to engage and commit! Moderated by lighting/projection designer Roma Flowers.

LDI Audience Session

LDInnovation Conference - Audio Sessions

Dates: Sunday, December 8 - Tuesday, December 10

Location: Pro Audio Pavilion

Visit the Pro Audio Pavilion for professional training and to demo the latest audio gear.  Please stay tuned for training schedule.

Headshot Lounge with Eagle AV Rental

Visit Booth #1164.

Visit the Headshot Lounge and capture your best professional look! Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, website, or just want a polished image, we've got you covered.

Headshot Lounge

Drone Show

The IFO Experience: A Creative Revolution, Live 

Date & Time: Monday December 9, 2024 6:15pm - 6:30pm PST
Location: Outside West Hall - Diamond Lot 1 (outside registration area near Rideshare pickup)
 

Drone Show: The IFO Experience: A Creative Revolution, Live. An incredible drone show that will leave attendees in awe. Look up and prepare to be amazed as the night sky transforms into a canvas of light, color, and motion. This show is a collaborative work with UVify​ and Drone Show Software.

Drone Show

Podcasts


The Lumen Brothers Light Talk Podcast Live at LDI

Date & Time: Sunday December 8, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Location: Podcast Studio W326

The Light Talk podcast (now in its 8th year) features seasoned professional lighting designers and educators — the original three Lumen Brothers Steve Woods (SMU), Stan Kaye (emeritus University of Florida), David Jacques (emeritus California State University Long Beach), plus Brackley Frayer (emeritus UNLV) as well as designer Zak Borovay, and honorary Lumen Sisters Ellen Lampert-Gréaux (LDI/Live Design) and Ann McMills (San Diego State University)—who discuss the latest topics and developments in the world of entertainment and architectural lighting design and offer sage, and sometimes controversial advice to professionals and students of lighting design. Nothing is Taboo, Nothing is Sacred, and they can be as silly as they are informative. Join us for a live taping and toss out questions and topics at LDI. Click here for details.

LDI Special Events - Light Talk Podcast