IES Boston’s Emerging Professionals (EP) program is built for those in the first seven years of their architectural lighting career. Whether you’re just starting out or finding your footing, EP is a space to connect with peers, learn from experienced practitioners, and grow alongside others who are navigating the same path.

Each summer, we run a dedicated series of EP events — from hands-on technical workshops to casual networking nights — designed to build both skills and community. Past programming has included controls workshops, expert panels, and collaborative social events.

Beyond the event series, EP members are invited to join our Discord community: a peer-driven space to ask questions, share resources, stay up to date on events, and connect with others in the Boston-area lighting community year-round. See below for more information and a link to join.

If you're early in your lighting career and looking for a community, this is it.

SNEAK PEAK AT
UPCOMING
EP EVENTS

5.28

EP KICK-OFF

6.5-7

EP RETREAT: NIGHT LIGHTS, WIRING & CONTROLS WORKSHOP

6.9

TECH TACO TUESDAY: ASK AN EXPERT PANEL

TBD

EP SCAVENGER HUNT

7.14

TECH TACO TUESDAY: ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS

7.16

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

8.11

TECH TACO TUESDAY: APPLICATIONS OF LIGHT

8.27

EP SEND-OFF

Introducing the EP Discord Community:

To keep the community connected, we also created a new Discord community created specifically for emerging professionals in lighting!

Who this Discord is for:

• Professionals with 0–7 years of experience in architectural lighting
• Individuals interested in attending and staying informed about our emerging professional (EP) events
• Those looking for peer connection, mentorship, and career development conversations
We will also regularly post upcoming events and opportunities in the channel so members can stay informed and get involved.

A note about aging out of the program:

Once you surpass seven years of experience while in our group, you remain part of the community and will be assigned an alumni role. You’ll continue to have access to the main discussion spaces, past and glowing channel, and event information; however, you will lose access to the EP-specific channels designed around early-career questions and conversations.

👉 Join the Discord here: https://discord.gg/abFByf5s

Participation is completely flexible—jump in when you can, observe when you want, and contribute however feels right. We’re excited to grow this space together and support the next generation of architectural lighting professionals.