About the Event

For most in the built environment, AC (Alternating Current) is a forgone conclusion when it comes to providing power to buildings. History tells us that the battle between AC (George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla) and DC (Thomas Edison and JP Morgan) at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 would determine the future of an electrical standard throughout the world. AC's ability to travel long distances safely won the day and the rest is history.

For over 130 years, AC has powered the globe and is a multi-trillion dollar industry. To say that AC shaped the world would be a massive understatement. It is also safe to say that buildings could not function without electricity.

While the predominant of countries across the globe use AC, DC (Direct Current) has found its place in specific places and applications. More recently, the electric car and solar powered energy have reintroduced the world to DC.

One of the first DC technologies to find the built environment in modern history was in the early 2000s where Panasonic demonstrated a low voltage, networked connected lighting technology in their demonstration showroom in Tokyo.

Over the years,there have been various new developments in the low and high voltage DC power marketplace.

In 2023, Realcomm | IBcon initiated an advisory group, the Low Voltage / POE Consortium and worked with a number of individuals and organizations to develop programming for the annual conference. This included a specific session on the topic and a DC Power / Low Voltage Pavilion on the exhibit floor.

In 2024, Realcomm | IBcon expanded the conversation and added additional conversations, segments, sessions and demonstrations. The highlight of the 2024 event was a first of its kind demonstration of a 1M Lumen, DC-powered, both low and high voltage, in the General Session.

Due to its long-standing belief in the technology and relationships with the innovator community, Realcomm is pleased to announce the next logical step in its DC power journey, an event focused solely on the promise of DC-powered buildings.