Rogier van der Heide: Festival of Lights Keynote Speaker

World-renowned architectural lighting designer, Rogier van der Heide will headline the May 7 - 9, 2006 "Festival of Lights" program sponsored by Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL), the company announced today.

A Dutch citizen, van der Heide is an Associate Director and Global Leader with Arup Lighting, a worldwide architectural and natural lighting design service studio.

The upcoming "Festival of Lights" is the fourth such event hosted by Acuity Brands Lighting and its Atlanta-area headquarters' campus.

"We are pleased and excited that Rogier van der Heide accepted our invitation to be the Keynote Speaker during our 'Festival of Lights'," said ABL's Jimalee Dakin, festival director.

"I had the opportunity to hear him present his Radiance Award winning design at the IALD conference in Alexandria, Va., and I was instantly struck by his brilliance in art, design and technology. His experience and expertise will inspire all who attend the Festival of Lights."

The program provides two days of intensive training and field work for selected specifiers interested in expanding their knowledge of light and color in outdoor environments.

Fashioned after the annual "Festival of Lights" celebration in Lyon, France, the Acuity Brands Lighting workshop culminates with a spectacular nighttime lighting display as teams of participan