SPARC 2011 was opened by the Deputy Premier of NSW, the Hon Andrew Stoner, at a festive welcome reception. There followed two days of intensive activities for lighting professionals: a world-class speaker program of invited international and Australian lighting specialists, a display of the latest lighting technology by 47 leading lighting companies; and a gala dinner attended by over 600 people.

SPARC chief executive Bryan Douglas says that the event far exceeded organisers’ expectations.

“The success of SPARC indicates that Australia is ready to take its place on the world stage of premier lighting events alongside other major events in Frankfurt, New York, Milan and Guangzhou,” he says.

Bryan says that factors contributing to the success of SPARC included: placing all exhibitors on an equal footing by restricting them to a single display booth of uniform size; attracting internationally-renowned speakers such as Mark Major (Speirs + Major, London) and Chou Lien (BPI Branston, New York); and an appealing program of entertainment and catering.

Another factor in SPARC’s success was holding it alongside Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas.

“SPARC acknowledges the fantastic support from Events New South Wales,” Bryan says.

The success of SPARC ensures that it will be a regular biennial event. The dates for SPARC 2013 will be established shortly.

SPARC is an initiative of Australia’s lighting industry and is convened by Lighting Council Australia and the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand.