Christmas Expo

Holiday Lighting & Decorating Conference

Classes & Seminars

Since 2003, Christmas Expo has been the premier conference for holiday decorating. We are the only event offering 3 days of 1-hour conference classes, plus specialty classes and workshops.

  • Conference Classes are 1-hr sessions. With multiple classes to choose from in each time slot, there is something for every skill and interest, from beginners through advanced level decorators. These classes are included in the cost of your conference pass.

2024 Conference Classes

2024 Workshops, Premium, & Specialty Classes

There is an additional cost, as noted, to take any of these workshops or specialty classes.

  • Specialty Classes – Thursday, July 18, 2024 (see descriptions below)
    • LOR Understanding Motion Effects (2-hrs) 9:45 – 11:45 | $65
    • Dance of Illumination (4-hrs) 1-5 | $125
    • Projection Mapping Hands-On Workshop (3.5-hrs) 1:30 – 5 | $125

    Specialty & Premium Class Descriptions

    Home Projection Mapping

    Jeffrey Holmes, IWG Productions
    Explore the wonderful world of Projection Mapping in this immersive workshop. Get hands-on experience mapping and creating content LIVE!  Discover the tools, tricks, and resources that will help you create mesmerizing projection shows even if you are not an animator. This class will cover the full development process, from projector selection to content creation. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! This class is specifically designed with the home decorator in mind and is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the process before investing in hardware & software. An experience you can only find at Expo!

    Requirements: 

    • Bring your own laptop with built-in HDMI output OR an adapter to HDMI
    • A dedicated graphics card is recommended

    LOR: Understanding Motion Effects

    Drew Hickman, Holiday Technologies
    There are a sizeable number of Motion Effects offered by the LOR software. Some of these effects are easy to use while others can be a bit more challenging to implement. Come and explore various effects and visuals as we try different effects, adjust their parameters, blend/merge multiple effects and effect rows together, and even use motion effects with AC channels. Enjoy learning different motion effect techniques as well as learning from others how they implement these tools in their displays.

    Requirements: Bring your own computer with the LOR S6 software pre-installed and ready to use.

    The Dance of Illumination

    Mastering the art and craftsmanship of music-synchronized sequences

    Drew Hickman, Holiday Technologies
    How does one decide which musical element to follow or emphasize when creating a music- or media synchronized sequence? What effects, colors, and props/models should one use? Embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of synchronized light choreography. Led by Drew Hickman, this class explores the intricacies of learning to orchestrate displays which dance harmoniously to music. Participants will uncover the art of creating immersive visuals with multiple layers of meaning, joining with the media to enhance the experience of the viewer. Students will discover the magic of blending technology with artistic expression through hands-on exercises and demonstrations. This class is not software specific.

    Requirements: Bring your own computer with your preferred lighting software pre-installed and ready to use.