Third Keynote Address New in ’17

Apr 27, 2017
Third Keynote Address New in ’17

Three thought leaders will deliver headlining keynote presentations at this year’s LIGHTFAIR, including a new addition to the LFI calendar on Tuesday, May 9, when the trade show opens.
 
Dr. Michio KakuDr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, best-selling author, radio host and television commentator. During the keynote luncheon on Tuesday, May 9 from 12:15-1:45 p.m., Dr. Kaku will present “The Next 20 Years: How Science Will Revolutionize Business, Medicine, Architecture, Lighting and Our Way of Life.”
 
 
Sakchin BessetteSakchin Bessette, co-founder and executive creative director of Moment Factory, a new media art studio, has been at the creative helm of more than 350 multimedia installations, environments and events globally. During the keynote luncheon on Sunday, May 7 from 12:15-1:45 p.m., Bessette will elaborate on Moment Factory’s work that continues to push the boundaries of excellence in new media and public art. Its work has a particular emphasis on audience participation and interactivity. Bessette has collaborated closely with Cirque du Soleil, participating actively on projects such as Bar at The Edge of the Earth, Celebrity Cruise Ships and Beatles Revolution Lounge at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. He was the creative lead on productions such as the Los Angeles International Airport installation, Ode to Life on La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Bon Jovi’s Because We Can Tour, Fun at the Grammys, Nine Inch Nails’ Lights in the Sky Tour and the Tiesto Kaleidoscope Tour.
 
Janet EchelmanJanet Echelman blends art, science and engineering to create grand and mesmerizing large-scale aerial sculptures. She was named an Architectural Digest Innovator for “changing the very essence of urban spaces.” Echelman also received the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award and her art ranked #1 on Oprah’s “List of 50 Things That Make You Say Wow!” During the keynote luncheon on Monday, May 8 from 12:15-1:45 p.m., “ART: Illuminating Cities,” attendees will learn more about her sculptures around the world. Choreographed by wind and light, her art shifts from being an object you look at, to a living environment you can get lost in. Echelman will also be the keynote speaker for the LFI Innovation Awards, which take place on Tuesday, May 9 from 8-9 a.m. following the breakfast at 7:30 a.m. just before the trade show opens at 9 a.m.