LDI 2026 expands its horizons with live competitions and exclusive backstage access in Las Vegas

Live Design International (LDI) has announced an expanded programme of exclusive experiences, live competitions, industry celebrations, professional networking opportunities and unique activities in Las Vegas, reaffirming that the event is much more than a trade show.

LDI 2026 will take place from December 2 to 8, 2026, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with the Expo Hall open from December 6 to 8. Over the course of a week, the event will bring together the live entertainment community with a programme that goes far beyond the traditional trade show format.

From gaining backstage access to some of Las Vegas' most prominent entertainment venues and watching live competitions between lighting and video artists to dining with industry legends, discovering the latest technological innovations and connecting with fellow professionals, LDI 2026 is set to become a meeting point for learning, networking, competing and celebrating.

LDI is much more than a place to discover the latest technologies. It is where the professionals behind some of the world's biggest productions come together as a community. We have put together a week packed with experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else, from extraordinary backstage access and live creative competitions to opportunities for building professional relationships and celebrations that bring the industry together. Whether you are attending for the first time or are an LDI veteran, this is an event you will not want to miss, says Jessi Cybulski, Show Director of LDI. 

Backstage access to Las Vegas' leading entertainment venues

One of the most anticipated activities at each edition, Backstage Las Vegas, offers attendees an exclusive opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the technology, creativity and production operations behind some of the city's most outstanding shows and entertainment venues.

This full-day experience takes participants behind the scenes with scheduled visits to PRG, Omnia Dayclub, Omnia Nightclub, Marquee Las Vegas, LIV Las Vegas and BleauLive Theater. Participants will gain an insider's perspective on the technologies and professional teams that bring these venues to life.

The grand finale? A live performance by Dierks Bentley at BleauLive Theater.

With breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation and concert admission included, Backstage Las Vegas offers an opportunity to discover the city from the perspective of the professionals who make its entertainment industry possible.

Creativity takes centre stage in live competitions

At LDI, technology is not simply displayed: it is also put to the test in spectacular live demonstrations. Two of the event's most anticipated competitions return to showcase participants' creative talent, technical skills and ability to improvise.

In Battle of the Busk, teams of lighting and video programmers compete in a high-energy contest, using professional production technology to create lighting designs and visual experiences in real time. With no predetermined setlist, participants must improvise, collaborate and react on the spot as the audience watches the creative process unfold.

Meanwhile, VJ Challenge brings together talented visual artists in a competition combining music, motion graphics, LED technology and real-time visual performances. Musical genres are determined by a roulette wheel, giving competitors just minutes to transform an unexpected soundtrack into a memorable visual experience.

Both competitions highlight the extraordinary creativity and technical talent behind live entertainment, giving attendees a front-row seat to all the action.

Meet the legends of live entertainment

LDI brings together the professionals shaping the industry's future with the figures who helped build it.

On December 5, XLIVE: The Concert Touring Sessions will bring together concert touring professionals for a full day of open discussions about the creative, technical and business factors transforming touring productions.

Moderated by Butch Allen of TAIT and Bob Bonniol of ACT Entertainment, the programme will explore the realities, innovations and opportunities currently shaping the touring industry.

The day will lead into one of LDI's most cherished traditions: Dining With Dinosaurs, presented by Geezers of Gear.

This evening event will bring industry veterans, emerging professionals and touring legends together over dinner, creating an ideal setting to share stories and experiences and build the professional relationships that make LDI a special gathering.

Recognising the industry and its professionals

The Excellence in Live Design Awards recognise the people, products, projects and innovations contributing to the advancement of the live entertainment industry.

These awards provide another opportunity to bring the professional community together, celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise the creative and technical talent behind extraordinary experiences.

Public voting is now open. The winners will be announced on November 13 and recognised during LDI in December.

The event will also host the LDI Booth and Product Awards ceremony, recognising the best booths and products, as well as the Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarship ceremony.

Start the day by discovering the technologies of tomorrow

The New Technology Breakfasts will allow attendees to begin their day with a closer look at emerging technologies, new products and ideas influencing the future of entertainment design and production.

These morning gatherings offer an accessible format for learning directly about the latest industry developments before embarking on another busy day of activities at LDI.

Professional development and new networking opportunities

LDI also offers opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.

The LDI Career Fair will connect employers with professionals seeking new career opportunities, while the Mentoring Meet Up will provide a space for emerging talent to engage with experienced industry professionals, ask questions and build relationships.

In addition, a dedicated session called Diversity Discussion will bring community members together to address issues relating to representation, inclusion and the future of the industry.

Networking continues after show hours

When the exhibition day ends, LDI continues with further activities.

LDI After Dark will extend the experience into the evening, while the LDIndustry Parties, held at the Circle Bar, will provide an informal setting to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new industry professionals and continue conversations started on the show floor.

These social experiences remain an essential part of LDI, as some of the most valuable professional relationships develop when attendees spend time together outside the strictly commercial environment.

Supporting the wellbeing of the entire professional community

LDI 2026 will once again place special emphasis on mental health and wellbeing through the Behind The Scenes Wellness Lounge, with a programme designed to address the challenges faced by professionals working in the demanding live entertainment industry.

Sessions will focus on topics such as stress management, resilience, workplace communication, career transitions and personal wellbeing.

From yoga activities and individual career coaching sessions to overdose prevention training and practical strategies for managing the pressures of live production, these initiatives will provide valuable tools to help build a healthier and stronger industry.

Attendees will also be able to start their day away from screens and stages by taking part in the Rise and Shine 5K Walk/Run, a five-kilometre activity combining wellbeing, community and outdoor exercise before the day's programme begins.

One industry. One week. Endless experiences.

All these initiatives reflect the evolution of LDI, which has grown from a venue for showcasing new technologies into a meeting point where the live entertainment community can learn, compete, celebrate, build relationships, recharge and share experiences.

From an early-morning five-kilometre run to late-night conversations, from hands-on competitions to backstage visits at some of Las Vegas' most prominent venues, LDI 2026 is designed to make the most of every day and every night.