Welcome to LEDs Magazine's Connected SSL & Controls newsletter for June 13, 2022. We are just one week away from landing in Las Vegas for LightFair. Our team is looking forward to connecting with both new and familiar faces in the LED and solid-state lighting supply and design chain. Editorial director Wanda Lau says it best in her June issue Commentary — while virtual events help us expand our knowledge base, there is nothing like in-person meetings for bringing new topics and questions to light.

In this issue:

- PNNL's Kate Hickcox, who helped to design the current L-Prize program, explores the connectivity, modularity, and intelligent enhancements that won four teams Concept Phase recognition.

- Microgrids are expected to play a key role in the energy management and controls strategies of buildings, campuses, and municipal areas. But what do they entail? Our colleague Elisa Wood of Microgrid Knowledge outlines the fundamentals.

- Equity across all areas of the lighting industry is critical to fostering creativity and problem-solving in addition to human decency, writes industry contributor Alana Shepherd.

Please stay in touch about content we publish and to propose contributed articles.

Carrie Meadows, (603) 891-9382, [email protected]