As a B2B media group, we are always interested in who’s on the leading edge of the LED and solid-state lighting (SSL) sectors. One thing our team has recently considered is acknowledging those who are up-and-coming in the industry — those whose career paths are clearly on an upward trajectory in delivering success to their organizations and who are on their way becoming the next generation of technology, application, and design/specification leadership in the SSL community. And so the “40 under 40” was born.
This blog serves as the soft announcement, and you can expect the official launch within the next couple of weeks as we build out the submission portal. [EDITOR'S NOTE: The submission portal is now live.] There will be no cost to nominate someone. The aim of this new program is to identify the 40 under 40, the best and the brightest, in LED and SSL product engineering, research & development (R&D), and product marketing, as well as lighting design and lighting specification. Consider them the “Class of 2020.” We will feature profiles on those selected in the July/August 2020 issue of LEDs Magazine and on our website and in newsletters.
Nominees will demonstrate a combination of the following qualities and qualifications:
- First and foremost, the nominee must be under the age of 40 by July 1, 2020
- Pursuit of career development — Advanced training, on-the-job and/or through industry continuing education, including higher-education degrees as applicable, professional certifications
- Industry service — Association membership, participation in industry standards organizations, participation in industry events such as speaker opportunities (live or online), committee membership/leadership, etc.
- Contributions to internal organization success — Process and operational management, improvements in workflows/procedures, R&D project management, demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues
- Contributions to commercial successes — Fundraising and partnership for R&D, sales/marketing, commercial project management, product design fulfillment, lighting design/installation fulfillment
We realize that some of these criteria may seem a bit qualitative rather than quantitative. That is precisely the point; there will be a combination of factors that make these candidates stand out to their employers and colleagues, who would be the ones nominating them. Consider your direct reports, your team members, and determine how they best represent your organization’s mission and standards, and their ability to meet the demands of their position and then reach beyond them. Think about it, and then tell us who deserves to be in the spotlight.
*Note: The program will recognize up to 40 individuals who meet the criteria as outlined and determined by Endeavor Business Media’s LED & Lighting Network team.
**Updated Mar. 17, 2020 to include live links to the submission portal.
