(UK) – The largest edition yet of [d]arc sessions welcomed nearly 200 delegates to the beautiful location of Tróia, Portugal, for three days of meetings, networking, and socialising.

There was a constant hum of positivity and excitement in Tróia, Portugal, this May, as a record number of lighting specifiers and suppliers travelled from across Europe for the sixth edition of [d]arc sessions.

By now an established, and incredibly popular fixture within the [d]arc media portfolio of events, the latest edition was held at the Tróia Design Hotel, on the picturesque Portuguese peninsula.

Following a short, scenic catamaran ride, where attendees saw leaping fish and even the occasional dolphin, leading lighting designers and interior designers working within the European lighting specification market came to network and meet with a wide range of high-end lighting suppliers across three days.

The unique format of the event allowed specifiers to make essential connections with lighting suppliers through a series of quickfire, speed-dating inspired, 20-minute meetings, where they could learn about the latest lighting products and innovations, discuss upcoming projects, rekindle existing relationships, and meet new brands.

Interspersed with the meeting sessions, delegates attended a small talks programme, in which panelists discussed the industry’s hot topics in a fluid, informal, manner. Topics covered included a deep dive on maintaining specification integrity, an enthralling conversation on the value of design, and an examination on the ways in which designers can work together – both within their own teams, and across studios, and even international borders.

An insightful keynote presentation from Light Collective around the topic of “Inspiration” also got attendees talking, and looking for inspiration for the rest of the event.

As with each edition to date, each day concluded with further networking opportunities in the shape of informal dinner and drinks receptions, where attendees could continue conversations from their earlier meetings long into the night. This event also saw the formation of the inaugural “[d]arc sessions Swim Club”, with several attendees braving the cold of the Atlantic Ocean for an “invigorating” post-meeting swim. Taking place again over UNESCO’s International Day of Light, delegates recreated something first done at [d]arc sessions Rovinj in 2023, spelling out the word ‘LIGHT’ for a special photo opportunity.

The next [d]arc sessions event will take place at Le Meridien Phuket Beach, Thailand, on 24-26 September 2024. To get involved, or for more information please contact Tristan Blowers on: t.blowers@mondiale.co.uk

www.darcsessions.com