Emerging Professionals Bursaries
Showlight Bursaries for early career delegates.
Showlight has a limited number of conference places available to early career freelance professionals.
Showlight has a limited number of conference places available to early career freelance professionals.
Supporting lighting’s next generation
The Emerging Professional Bursaries
form a completely new initiative, made possible in 2025 by the generous support of Diamond Sponsor, Ayrton, that complements Showlight’s existing Student Sponsorship
scheme to enable an even greater range of delegates to participate and enjoy Showlight.
Showlight wants to encourage as many people as possible to be able to attend this unique conference and appreciates that, for those early in their freelance professional career, the cost of attending can be daunting.
For more information, please contact James Simpson.
“I had such a terrific time, I’m still talking about it, and I was so inspired and motivated by the speakers that I have a renewed energy for my work and trying out new things."
James Simpson, 2017 speaker
MashIt-
“It’s like an AA meeting for lighting designers!... The closeness and connectivity between us all is great. Collegial sharing is what it’s all about.”
Mikki Kunttu, 2017 speaker
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“Part of the fun of Showlight is you never know what you are going to hear next!”
Jason Larcombe, Bright*, 2017 delegate
YesSuits 
“Many thanks for making Showlight come to life once again. The conference was so inspiring and fun, the networking and catching up with friends were a major plus.”
Jeff Ravitz, 2017 speaker
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“Showlight puts a lot of emphasis on encouraging students to participate and allows them unprecedented access to designers.”
Rob Dyer, Student Co-ordinator
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“Showlight was a beautiful and very enhancing experience! It taught me a lot about light, creative vision, collaboration, technicalities, and human connections.”
Adelaida Pardo, 2017 Student Delegate
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“People don’t ‘get’ the idea of Showlight until they actually attend. But I would recommend they do because it is the only way to truly understand the unique nature of the event.”
Vincent Billard, Ayrton, 2017 Exhibitor
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“Showlight is an opportunity for artists, designers, students and manufacturers to network, exchange ideas, learn and listen about all aspects of lighting from live theatre to major events, film, TV and the art of using light to enhance buildings.”
John Allen, Chairman
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“Of course, everyone here is a lighting expert, but there are always new things you can learn from each other at an event such as this!”
Pio Nahum, Claypaky, 2017 Sponsor
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“It is a great chance to meet a mix of people from all over the world, with different views, approaches and styles to design.”
Amy Mae Smith, 2017 speaker
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“Thank you for a wonderful event – it was my first Showlight and without a doubt it's the most fantastic event in the lighting industry.”
Declan Randall, 2017 speaker
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“Another great Showlight! Once again you have created and hosted the industry’s best event and I give high kudos to all involved.”
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“Showlight packs a full programme into three days which gives the opportunity to dive deep into the world of light and to meet lots of new people outside of your normal comfort zone.”
Isabel Nielen, 2017 speaker
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“Speaking at Showlight has been a real career and personal highlight. It felt like the most relaxed event I’ve ever been to.”
David Duffy, 2017 speaker
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“What a fantastic event! It was great to discover that nearly everyone you spoke to was a leading international designer from a host of different industries, yet everyone was so humble and approachable.”
Colin Ball, 2017 speaker
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“My time at Showlight was a delight and I would be honoured to come again.”
Elliott Jones, Student Delegate
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“Showlight is so interesting because of the access it gives to everybody. It’s first and foremost an excellent networking event.”
Ellen Lampert-Greaux, 2017 Delegate
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