BDNY will return to the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York on November 12–13th. The annual trade fair and conference connects boutique hospitality brands and designers with a curated roster of vendors, one-of-a-kind experiences, engaging panels, and hospitality products from around the globe.
The BD Mainstage, designed by New York firm GOODRICH, will host six must-attend, CEU-accredited panel discussions with some of the top brands and designers—plus experts from outside sectors—highlighting the who and what to know now in the hospitality industry.
Read on for a sneak peek of three of these panels, and don’t forget to register now!
BD Brand Central: Evolving Boutique, Lifestyle, and Luxury
Sunday, November 12th, 11:00 a.m.
Explore the current zeitgeist among boutique and lifestyle brands, as well as how luxury fits into the picture, as legacy names and up-and-comers discuss their brand pillars. Then unpack how design teams can exceed expectations for brands that are trying to define themselves in a shifting market.
Panelists:
Michael Bodsworth, vice president, design management, Montage International
Diana Kessler, creative director, the Kessler Collection
Larry Traxler, senior vice president, global design services, Hilton
Audra Tuskes, VP of design, Marriott
Crystal Vinisse Thomas, VP, global brands, Hyatt
Moderator: Katie Kervin, Boutique Design | Hospitality Design
The reception desk at the newly opened Pendry Newport Beach, designed by Studio Munge; photo by Christian Horan Photography
Hospitable Thinking: The Secret Weapon Brands in Other Sectors are Adopting Now
Monday, November 13th, 1:30 p.m.
Thinking hospitably is no longer reserved just for hospitality. Brands looking to get ahead are adopting and implementing hospitality principles to create products, experiences, and services based on memorable engagement for customers. This session taps the philosophy of “Hospitable Thinking” that integrates behavioral sciences and environmental psychology—exploring timeless core truths that surprise and delight guests and stakeholders alike.
Panelists:
Joshua Powe, director brand experience, Delta Air Lines
Silvia Schwarzer, vice president global store design, creative visual merchandising, and exhibits, Tiffany & Co.
Chyrie Sell, group creative director, Capital One
Nick Solomon, chief creative officer, AvroKO
Melinda Welch, head of strategy, Brand Bureau
The lounge at the Piero Lissoni-designed Hotel AKA NoMad in New York; photo by Jeffrey Totaro
New in New York: Innovative Ideas and Concepts
Monday, November 13th, 3:00 p.m.
New York has earned its reputation as the epicenter of the design world, and hospitality venues are increasingly turning to immersive experiences to innovate and elevate guest experience. Hear from leading designers and owners about how they create some of the city’s freshest and most engaging concepts.
Panelists:
Julien Albertini, founding partner, Asthetíque
Blake Danner, COO, AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences
Ryan Nelson, cofounder, INTER_IAM
Tom Parker, cofounder and creative director, Fettle
Moderator:
Alissa Ponchione, Hospitality Design magazine
