By Emma Peterson.

A new two-track education format, a keynote from Aaron Davis and expanded networking opportunities await lightning protection professionals in Charleston.

If you’ve been to any of the last three Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) shows, you know that they’ve been theming their shows around the industry cycle of “innovate, inspire, elevate and ignite.” And for this year’s show, which will be hosted at the Emeline Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina from February 16–18, 2027, the theme is IGNITE!

What does that mean?

INNOVATE (2024) kicked off the cycle with new ideas and new approaches. Building on that, the 2025 INSPIRE-themed show highlighted getting both newcomers and veterans of the industry more involved. And then, just last year, the ELEVATE-themed show celebrated the results of everyone’s innovations and involvement! Now, the IGNITE-theme of this year’s show will bring it all together, to recognize what’s working and fuel the next cycle! As LPI puts it:

For three years, we've been building something and we saw it pay off [with] more awareness of our industry, stronger member engagement, adjacent industries reaching out and growing interest from the technical community. IGNITE 2027 is where that cycle comes full circle. We'll look at what's working, celebrate the people and companies who made it happen and put all of that energy [towards the future]... Each phase builds on the last. IGNITE doesn't end the cycle. It powers the next one.

What can you expect from this year’s IGNITE show? The keynote will be presented by Aaron Davis. Aaron’s talk, “What Does It Take to Perform like a Champion?” highlights “how a positive, champion-minded attitude can transform the way they work, lead and live.” Attendees will get to hear how he went from mopping floors alongside his father at age eight to a 1994 national championship sports team, business ownership and surviving cancer.

Further, there are some exciting new formats that the LPI team created based on 2026 attendee feedback. These include the creation of two education tracks (one for business growth and one for technical training), a new networking event (a night at the South Carolina Aquarium) and a power lunch that closes the conference. As they put it, “After the 2026 conference, you told us what mattered most: understanding what’s happening across the industry, finding ways to improve your business and above all, the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. IGNITE 2027 is built around all three.”

Learn more and get registered for IGNITE 2027!

LPI’s advocacy for standards-based lightning protection, high standards and overall safety drives its work across the lightning protection industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) into their community. 

Lightning is a direct threat to data and security. It has been reported that in one year alone, $1.7 trillion USD can be lost due to lightning and, in the last two decades, it has been the second-most deadly weather to flooding. What can we do to minimize these damages? Install properly designed and inspected lightning protection and grounding systems. 

It is the proper design, installation and maintenance of these lightning protection systems that LPI continues to champion. Founded in 1955, LPI brings together lightning protection manufacturers, contractors, installers, designers and industry partners. LPI promotes practices that contribute to safer structures, stronger coordination and better lightning protection for people, property and operations. 

They do this in a variety of ways, including:  

• Advocating for standards-based systems: LPI advocates for standards-based lightning protection systems and promotes greater understanding across the construction, roofing, design and facility management communities. 
• Certifying professionals: LPI holds a certification program for lightning protection installers and designers that verifies qualified professionals with demonstrated knowledge of systems, applicable standards and field experience. 
• Providing industry resources: LPI provides resources and partnerships that help members and allied industries advance standards-based lightning protection, improve coordination and promote safer outcomes. 

If you want to help maintain high standards in the lightning protection industry and strengthen connections across the broader construction community, joining and actively participating in LPI is a meaningful step. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI).