Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) concluded on 12 June 2026 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Held alongside Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT), both shows welcomed 210,128 visitors from 164 countries and regions and hosted 2,802 exhibitors. Under the theme “Light-Enhanced Living”, GILE 2026 presented advanced lighting products and solutions for residential, commercial, urban, and cultural tourism applications. It also showcased how the industry is navigating rapid technological change, shifting market needs and growing sustainability demands.
Key Figures from GILE and GEBT 2026:
Visitors: 210,128 from 164 countries and regions
Exhibitors: 2,802 from 18 countries and regions
Scale: 210,000 sqm across Areas A and B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex
Ms. Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, shared: “Our 2026 edition centred on five application pillars: Biological, Emotional, Digital, Ecological and Immersive, showcasing a wide range of lighting solutions, fixtures and intelligent technologies. We were delighted to see the lively atmosphere of exchange at the show and the cross-sector collaboration that followed. We look forward to welcoming you back to Guangzhou next year!”
“I’ve been coming to GILE for many years and have never been disappointed. I am mainly looking for indoor and outdoor industrial lighting, specifically products integrating sensors and remote controllers that expand product functionality. While exploring the fair, I’ve had some fantastic experiences with local suppliers and even got a chance to chat face-to-face with some of our existing suppliers. Meeting in person is a great way to signal that we are heavily invested and involved in the industry.” said Mr. Kenneth Pedersen, CEO, NORDIKLED Denmark.
“One major reason why so many overseas professionals travel to Guangzhou for GILE is the inherently competitive nature of the modern lighting industry. Because the market has become so fast-paced, you absolutely have to be at the forefront of where technology is heading and where product development is moving. I have found the hospitality from exhibitors and the community this year to be overwhelmingly welcoming, perhaps even more so than in previous years, and that is something you can really only find here at GILE.” Mr. Marc Rudman, Global Product Manager - Lighting, Luceco Group (UK), added.
Industry perspectives align to shape future applications
GILE 2026 hosted more than 100 forums and seminar sessions, bringing together industry professionals from across sectors to exchange insights on topics ranging from AI-driven lighting and health-focused lighting to residential aesthetics and urban applications. The programme highlighted the industry’s expanding scope, as lighting increasingly intersects with health, design, and the built environment.
For the "Luce e Design International Design Forum", GILE once again welcomed leading Italian design magazine Luce e Design as co-organiser. The forum explored the relationship between light and interior design, architectural design, industrial design, lifestyle, and culture.
“Lighting can perform miracles. It can elevate an ordinary space or transform a poorly designed one. Designers attending a forum like this should leave feeling inspired, empowered, and thinking, ‘Yes, this is absolutely something we can achieve.’ What keeps me coming back to GILE year after year is a deep sense of tradition and the strong network the fair has built. It serves as a phenomenal, constructive platform for professionals to gather, socialise, and reconnect with long-time industry peers and trusted suppliers.” Mr. Hen-Chao Shih, General Manager & Design Director, J+B Studios Architectural Lighting
At the deLIGHTed Talks Asia Forum, guests from around the world came together to discuss future trends and applications in health lighting, covering topics from science and market development to industry standards.
“GILE 2026 is truly ahead of the curve. Through collaborations like this panel, organised by the Good Light Group Asia, we are building a movement to promote healthier lighting. I hope it will gain even broader support from international scientists and major corporations alike, advancing the global lighting market toward real, scientifically validated well-being solutions. Beyond the discussions, I was also encouraged to see exhibitors developing new scientifically validated eye care solutions.” Dr. Anne Berends, CEO/CTO and Co-founder, SunLED Life Science (Netherlands)
The Lighting Design Forum for Rural Hotels and Guesthouses explored how thoughtful lighting design can enhance living environments and elevate the guest experience in rural hospitality settings.
The next editions of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) will take place from 9 – 12 June 2027. Both fairs are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology portfolio, which is led by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition of Light + Building will be held from 5 – 10 March 2028 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including smarteX Malaysia, International Smart Space Exhibition, Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Türkiye, the UAE and the United States.
