Protocol Magazine: Spring 2026
I had the incredible opportunity to contribute an article for Protocol Magazine, the quarterly publication from ESTA! (Thank you, Katie Jang)
The piece reflects on 20 years of working on the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show. What began in 2004 as a modest system running just two universes of DMX has grown into something... considerably larger.
Along the way, it's offered a front-row seat to the evolution of LED technology as well as allowed for the methodical development of our tools/process.
More importantly, it's been a project defined by people.
Over the two decades, this work has led to long-standing friendships, unexpected opportunities, and a team of trusted collaborators. There's no way to properly credit everyone within this article - but, a few individuals have been truly instrumental:
Focus Lighting - Paul Gregory, JR Krauza
American Christmas - Fred Schwam, Dan Casterella, Kent Fritzel
4Wall Entertainment - Brent Pritchett, Jeffrey Collier, Tim Neggie, Lisa Cameron, Manuel Ramirez, Ashleigh Barrera, Kyle Arnold, Dustin Warner
Lunar Telephone Company / Chris Werner Design - Dan Efros, Will G., Alex Stevens, Kevan Loney
AMA Electric Signs - Joseph J. Calvano, Jim Taggart Jr.
And, OF COURSE, the visionary leadership from Saks Fifth Avenue - Mark Briggs, Andrew Winton, Eva Maravelias, Adam Schwartz
If you've got a moment, give it a read on the ESTA website!
Hit me up with thoughts - unless they're spelling/grammar fixes! ;-)