LAS VEGAS—Green Day will precede Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo) once again this year, taking place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 17. Green Day is the only accredited conference of its kind that brings together a targeted group of passionate industry leaders dedicated to sustainable hospitality design. This unique forum continues to be at the forefront of education and innovation to promote more socially responsible, ethical and eco-friendly practices within the industry. While the U.S. market of green building products and services has increased 500 percent in the past three years, costs of incorporating green architecture and interior design are falling relative to conventional construction. Benefits from this global campaign include government tax incentives, environmental compliance, reduced operating expenses, increased profitability, and improved corporate and brand image. Green Day is the preeminent platform for learning from successful practitioners in the field, keeping tabs on future trends, and connecting with other hospitality design professionals.
HD Expo, planned from May 18 to 20, also at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, is the premier event for the hospitality design industry. With competitions, idea-generating conference sessions and special events focused on impacting industry change, the HD Expo will provide attendees with the tools to succeed year-round in this ever-changing, ultra-competitive field. Presented by Hospitality Design (HD) magazine and produced by The Hospitality Design Group, the show draws more than 7,000 attendees each year to view the most innovative products from more than 900 exhibitors showcased in more than 260,000 square feet. Products and new solutions range from accessories, artwork, bedding, electronics, furniture and casegoods, to flooring, lighting, plumbing and bath fixtures, textiles, wallcoverings, and window treatments.
The trade show brings together interior designers, architects, purchasing agents, hotel owners, and operators, as well as other buyers, sellers, and hospitality design influencers. Along with more than 25 information-packed sessions, panel discussions, exclusive site tours and other specialized programming, the HD Expo is a must-attend event for any professional or student in the industry who wants to stay in the game or ahead of the curve.
“This year’s conference lineup at HD Expo encapsulates the factors driving the hospitality industry forward, from global inspiration to sustainable innovation,” said Liz Sommerville, group show director for The Hospitality Design Group.
Conference Highlights
Led by industry experts, the peer-based courses discuss the most pertinent issues in the hospitality design field. Attendees can gain a better understanding of a wide range of topics, such as lighting, renovation, rebranding, and the future of design as it adapts to today’s market. The HD Conference sessions are LU/CEU accredited. Highlights include:
Hot New Hotel Brands: Powerhouses, Upstarts, and Global Game-Changers—HD senior managing editor Stacy Shoemaker Rauen explains who is entering the market anew, which companies are launching brands and collections, and their design viewpoints. Track the market entrants, the upstarts, and the global game-changers who are designing, developing, and decidedly influencing market direction. Then hear from an expert panel representing innovative ideas and bold brands to watch now. Panelists are Dan Flannery, managing director, EDITION Hotels; Cenk Kinay, CEO and founder, The SUU Hotels; and Raul Leal, president and COO, Virgin Hotels.
The Low-Down on Going Global: Understanding Hospitality in China, India, and Beyond—HD and NEWH Inc. The Hospitality Industry Network present a two-panel conference on China and India. It’s one-stop shopping for going and staying global by understanding design challenges, trends, project development, procurement issues, logistics, and cultural norms with insight on how to get business done successfully in distant markets. The speakers are brand leaders, development professionals, and design team members who will share the inside story on succeeding in Asia now. Panelists include Bill Cheung, managing director, Hong Kong, Benjamin West; William F. Gartz, AIA, principal in charge, Callison; Beatrice Girelli, principal, Indidesign; Thomas Johnson, senior vice president, KNA; Alastair McPhail, vice president international CapEx, Host Hotels & Resorts; Julia Monk, LEED AP partner in charge, BBG-BBGM; and D.J. Rama, executive vice president, JHM Hotels.
HD/ISHP Town Hall/Hotel Owners’ Roundtable—Presented by the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP). Attendees meet face to face with owners, developers, and brand executives for a free-flowing discussion of industry issues, forecasts, ideas, updates, trends, and topics of their choosing. Hear about how they hire architects, interior designers, and purchasing companies, as well as their latest projections for development. Roundtable “hosts” talk with attendees, switching tables every 10 to 15 minutes, offering participants the opportunity to hear multiple perspectives in one session. Moderated by Alan Benjamin, ISHP, ISHC, president of Benjamin West and co-founding ISHP president.
Ten Grand at Stake
Radical Innovation in Hospitality—Hear competition finalists of the 2011 prize describe their concepts and projects in architecture and interior design that incorporate new ideas and enhance the guest experience. Attendees will select the grand-prize winner and runner-up with $10,000 in prize money at stake, sponsored by the John Hardy Group and Hospitality Design Group. Last year’s grand-prize winners were Krystal Solorzano, Karen Mitri, and Jerod Costner of WATG for their Mosaic PATHWAY (Portable Adaptable Temporary Hotel With Alternative You-ses), which was developed as a solution for temporary housing needs for special events and disaster situations. The Mosaic PATHWAY will be unveiled at this year’s HD Expo. To enter a concept or project to be considered for the 2011 award, visit www.radicalinnovationinhospitality.com. Entries accepted between February 1 and March 1.
Hospitality Design magazine will honor some of the industry’s most talented and acclaimed leaders at the 24th annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Venetian. Names of the honorees have not yet been released. The winners of the 15th Annual IIDA/HD Product Design Awards will also be announced during the celebration. This competition which recognizes the best in hospitality manufacturers, designers, and products, will be showcased in Hospitality Design magazine and International Interior Design Association (IIDA)’s Perspective magazine.
The Party by the Pool will take place Thursday, May 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Las Vegas’ newest and most talked about property, The Cosmopolitan. This is a ticketed event. Advance purchase discount.
Go to www.hdexpo.com for more information.
