.
With the LIA’s TECH-X and ICEL conferences coming fast over the horizon (10th and 11th September) let’s take a look at the Keynotes for the two events, because the LIA has engaged a couple of the big beasts – not to be missed.
.
.
Ricky Nuttall was one of over 250 first-responders who were called to the fire at Grenfell Tower, on the 14th June 2017. The fire tragically claimed the lives of 72 residents and injured over 70 more. He suffered from PTSD as a result of the life-changing decisions made that night, as well as carrying the weight of previous traumatic incidents over his long career.
Ricky is now a mental health advocate and public voice, focusing on raising awareness on the importance of social and workplace mental health and well-being.
Former firefighter, mental health advocate, award-nominated screenwriter, and published poet, he is now well-known for his powerful advocacy work. His keynote will offer a compelling and human-centred perspective that promises deep technical insight and sector-wide collaboration.
.
When the RFA Sir Galahad was destroyed in the Bluff Cove Air Attack during the Falklands War, in 1982, on board was Simon Weston, Welsh Guardsman. Simon was severely injured, sustaining serious burns to 46% of his body. He has become well-known across the United Kingdom and abroad for his struggle to overcome his injuries and redefine his role in life, and his message is one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment and succeeding.
.
Along with Simon’s work with a number of charities, he is also a professional motivational speaker with over 25 years of experience. Simon not only talks about overcoming adversity and positive mental attitude but also his experiences of being in the public eye over the last 30 years.
.
.
TECH-X 2025 is a brand-new conference built entirely around feedback from the lighting industry. The event will bring together lighting professionals, designers, engineers, manufacturers, regulators, and policy leaders for a packed day of dialogue and discovery across three dedicated stages:
- Main Stage – Tech Talks Arena:
Standards, compliance, regulation and sustainability including major updates to IEC 60598 and 61347, plus insights on CE/UKCA, BREEAM V7, and more. - Lighting Design Stage:
Exploring innovation, inclusive design, AI, neurodiversity, Part L, and the future of lighting for people and place. - Connected Lighting Stage:
A deep-dive into smart systems, cyber resilience, hybrid integration, residential tech trends, and data-driven value creation. - “This conference isn’t just about technical updates,” said Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA. “It’s about understanding what’s changing, asking better questions of how we design and deliver, and remembering the people affected by the choices we make. Ricky Nuttall brings a perspective that helps us hold on to that, the human side of progress.”
.
Each year, key stakeholders from across the emergency lighting supply chain gather to discuss upcoming changes affecting the sector. This year, The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), is delighted to announce that its keynote speaker headlining its 2025 programme will be Simon Weston CBE.
In addition to Simon’s keynote speech, throughout the day the programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to emergency lighting, presented by leading industry experts.
Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, said: “The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference is a vital event for those working in the sector to network, develop their knowledge and keep to date with key developments.
“We’re excited that Simon Weston will be joining us to deliver the keynote speech. Not only are his experiences linked closely to the importance of emergency lighting, he is also a truly inspirational figure that I know all attendees will be waiting to hear from.“
.
.
.
.
.