AAM 2026: Seamless Engineering Meets Light — Sehner and Luxam Present in Philadelphia
February 12, 2026
We are pleased to announce that Katharina Sehner (Sehner Precision Display Cases) and Daphnée Hocquard (Luxam) will host a Poster Talk at the AAM Annual Meeting 2026, taking place this year in Philadelphia.
Titled “Designing with Light: Integrating Display Case Engineering and Illumination”, the talk examines how early coordination between showcase engineering and lighting design can fundamentally elevate exhibition outcomes.
The discussion will address how integrated planning benefits key aspects of exhibition development — from stable microclimates and conservation standards to energy efficiency and the overall visitor experience. When technical disciplines collaborate from the outset, precision becomes more than a technical requirement; it becomes a narrative tool.
Selected case studies will illustrate how meticulous engineering and carefully choreographed light work together to support both conservation and storytelling. Additional guest speakers may join the session to contribute further perspectives.
A focused exchange for professionals shaping the future of exhibition design — where clarity, security, and elegance converge.
The discussion will address how integrated planning benefits key aspects of exhibition development — from stable microclimates and conservation standards to energy efficiency and the overall visitor experience. When technical disciplines collaborate from the outset, precision becomes more than a technical requirement; it becomes a narrative tool.
Selected case studies will illustrate how meticulous engineering and carefully choreographed light work together to support both conservation and storytelling. Additional guest speakers may join the session to contribute further perspectives.
A focused exchange for professionals shaping the future of exhibition design — where clarity, security, and elegance converge.
Designing with Light: Integrating Display Case Engineering and Illumination
Freitag, 22. Mai 2026 · 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM EDT
To the event page Clarity, security, and elegance belong together — they form the foundation of every showcase built with intention.
This Poster Talk reflects that mindset, offering a precise look at what drives the everyday in today’s demanding exhibition environments — and what’s shaping the expectations of tomorrow. A conversation for everyone designing with purpose and precision.
This Poster Talk reflects that mindset, offering a precise look at what drives the everyday in today’s demanding exhibition environments — and what’s shaping the expectations of tomorrow. A conversation for everyone designing with purpose and precision.
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Speaker Feature: Meet Katharina Sehner
In the lead-up to AAM 2026, we’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes Q&A with Katharina Sehner, responsible for Business Development and Sales at Sehner, giving insight into her work, the collaboration with Luxam, and the values that guide our approach.
In the lead-up to AAM 2026, we’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes Q&A with Katharina Sehner, responsible for Business Development and Sales at Sehner, giving insight into her work, the collaboration with Luxam, and the values that guide our approach.
- QWhat are you most looking forward to about AAM 2026 in Philadelphia?AI’m really looking forward to the conversations. AAM is always a great moment to step out of project mode and exchange ideas with museum professionals from very different backgrounds.
Philadelphia has a strong cultural scene, and I’m curious to see how topics like sustainability, visitor experience and technology are being discussed there.
For us, it’s also a good opportunity to listen, learn, and bring fresh impulses back into our projects. I’m very much looking forward to get into inspiring conversations to gain new perspectives and bring back new ideas! - QWhat made the Las Vegas project such a powerful example of engineering and lighting coming together?AThe Las Vegas project worked so well because engineering and lighting were treated as one integrated system from the beginning.
The objects, the architecture and the lighting concept were developed in close dialogue, not in separate steps. That allowed us to be very precise — technically, but also emotionally — and to create a display that feels effortless for the visitor, even though there is a lot of complexity behind it.
- QWhy is it important to involve display case design and lighting from the very start of an exhibition project?ABecause display cases and lighting directly shape how objects are perceived. If they are added too late, you’re always reacting instead of designing proactively.
When we’re involved early, we can align conservation requirements, storytelling, spatial design and lighting into one coherent solution. It saves time in the long run and leads to a much more balanced and sustainable result.
- QWhat does “precision” mean in your work at Sehner — beyond the technical aspects?AFor us, precision is not only about tolerances or engineering details. It’s also about listening carefully, understanding the curator’s intent, and translating that into a physical solution.
Precision means respect — for the object, for the client, and for the craftsmanship behind every detail. Coming from a hands-on, and engineering background myself, that connection between thinking and making is very important to me.
Precision means respect — for the object, for the client, and for the craftsmanship behind every detail. Coming from a hands-on background myself, that connection between thinking and making is very important to me.
Katharina Sehner
Katharina Sehner
- QHow would you describe the working dynamic between Sehner and Luxam?AThe collaboration with Luxam is very open and trust-based. We speak the same language when it comes to quality and detail, but we also challenge each other in a constructive way. The focus is to fulfill the highest conservation standards. That dynamic leads to better solutions, because engineering and lighting are developed together instead of being layered on top of each other.
- QWhat trends are you seeing in international museum projects right now — and how is Sehner responding?AWe see a strong focus on flexibility, sustainability and long-term usability. Museums want solutions that can adapt over time without losing quality.
At the same time, there is a growing sensitivity for materiality, light and atmosphere. Sehner is responding by developing modular systems, investing in durable materials, and working even more closely with partners early in the planning phase. - QFinally, tell us what inspires you personally — whether inside or outside of engineering?AI’m inspired by things that combine function and emotion — whether it’s a well-crafted piece of furniture, a thoughtfully designed exhibition, or simply how light changes a space.
My background in craftsmanship and engineering, combined with international experience, has taught me to stay curious and open. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, especially when you take the time to really observe.
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