About the webinar
Great design doesn't happen in a vacuum - it takes reps, designers, and manufacturers pulling in the same direction. In this live panel discussion, industry voices from both coasts get real about what exceptional support actually looks like: protecting specs on out-of town projects, navigating shifting compensation models, and building the early collaboration that keeps value engineering from gutting great work. Bring your questions - this one's built for debate.
What outcomes will you achieve from this webinar?
• Early teamwork among designers, reps, and manufacturers can prevent errors and value engineering issues.
• How to proactively manage real world challenges like incomplete designs entering bidding phases.
• Trust and strong local relationships are key to managing projects effectively.
Who is this for?
This session is designed for lighting designers, sales reps, manufacturers, and anyone navigating the handoff between design intent and project reality - whether you're managing specs locally or across territories.
About the speakers
Claudio Ramos - Director, Electrolight
Claudio Ramos is one of the United States’ leading lighting designers, with over thirty-five years of experience and a long-standing membership with the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). In 2024, he was honored with induction into the IALD College of Fellows.
Claudio became a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) in 2018, earning the first international, evidence-based certification in architectural lighting design. He is among the first lighting designers in the world to achieve this prestigious global certification, demonstrating a proven track record of excellence and the successful validation of his skills through a rigorous assessment process that sets the benchmark for professional practice.
As a Director at Electrolight in San Francisco, he leads a talented team of five and has developed a portfolio of award-winning projects spanning commercial, hospitality, residential, and cultural sectors.
A frequent speaker at IALD Enlighten conferences, Claudio has contributed to shaping industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing. He served on the IALD Enlighten Americas Content Advisory Group from 2020 through 2023, where he played a key role in curating content for the region’s premier lighting design event.
In his role as Director, Claudio leads Electrolight’s design work in San Francisco and across the United States. His educational background in architecture, combined with extensive international experience in the lighting industry, enables him to deliver a strong balance of technical expertise and innovative design solutions.
Ann Schiffers - CEO, Vode Lighting LLC
Ann Schiffers joined Vode as President in June 2023, following LMPG’s acquisition of the company. With more than 30 years of experience in the lighting industry, Ann brings a comprehensive perspective shaped by architectural lighting design, education, manufacturing, and executive leadership.
She began her career as a lighting designer at internationally recognized firms including Fisher Marantz Stone, HLB, and CBB before founding her own practice, Ann Schiffers Lighting Design. Her commitment to lighting education includes faculty positions at Parsons School of Design, the New York School of Interior Design, and the School of Visual Arts, as well as service on the IES Board of Directors.
Ann later expanded her career into lighting manufacturing and executive leadership, serving as Senior Vice President at USAI Lighting and CEO of FLOS, where she developed and implemented sustainable growth strategies with lasting organizational impact. Her ability to align product development, sales, marketing, and strategic direction has helped design-driven lighting companies achieve consistent growth while realizing their broader potential.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, with a minor in Biology, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, as well as an MFA from Parsons School of Design. Her graduate thesis explored architectural downlighting through study with Edison Price and Philip Johnson and is archived at Yale University.
Alberto Portolani - Vice President, Targetti USA
Alberto Portolani (Porto) is a lighting industry executive with over 20 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, and market strategy across Europe and North America. He began his career in Italy in R&D and export roles during the industry’s transition to LED technology, later relocating company to the U.S. to build North American operations.
Currently Vice President of Targetti USA, he focuses on production strategy, key accounts, and market-driven product development. As a Board Member of Business of Light, he brings a global, hands-on perspective rooted in design collaboration, innovation, and the practical realities of the lighting business.
Jeff Teasley - Principal, General Manager, Performance Lighting Systems
Jeff grew up in the small town of Warner Robins, GA, and is a proud Georgia Tech grad (’91, Industrial Engineering). His lighting journey began at Lithonia Lighting, where he took on roles in engineering, supply chain, marketing, and sales.
In 1999, Jeff took the leap into entrepreneurship, founding Lighting Trends in Knoxville, TN. He later co-founded Performance Lighting Systems in Irvine, CA, where he currently serves as Principal. Most recently, he acquired Designlight in Nashville, TN — now leading teams across both companies with a combined 170+ employees.
