Still need to fulfill your CEU requirement for 2024? This year, the BDNY Mainstage—designed by Brooklyn, New York studio Watts & Dray—will host eight accredited sessions featuring insights from visionary industry leaders on trending topics like wellness and sustainability, neuroaesthetics, the future of F&B, and more.
Read on for a sneak peek at four of these standout sessions, and don’t forget to register for BDNY before advance rates end on October 10th!
BD Brand Central: The Boutique and Lifestyle Landscape
Sunday, November 10th, 10:30 a.m.
Dive into the dynamic world of boutique and lifestyle brands in a discussion with industry leaders and visionaries that are creating and evolving resonant brand identities in this ever-shifting segment. From innovative design concepts to storytelling techniques and community engagement, the panelists will share what it takes to stand out.
Panelists:
Stefan Merriweather, head of creative, the LINE, the Ned (U.S.) + Saguaro Hotels
Alvaro Montoya, regional vice president and lifestyle studio head, design services, Americas, Hyatt
Alison Sobeck, senior director, global design strategies, Marriott
Barry Sullivan, senior director, lifestyle global design services, Hilton
Moderator: Katie Kervin, Boutique Design | Hospitality Design
Design Pulse: What’s Happening Now
Sunday, November 10th, 12:30 p.m.
Go beyond what’s trending with thought leaders and innovators from across the hospitality industry who will share the latest currents shaping the market and the secret to truly experiential design. From challenges to new opportunities, learn how shifts in culture, wellness, technology, guest preference, programming, and operations are influencing today’s design landscape and the role of the designer. Listen in on innovative approaches and concepts that are elevating the guest experience.
Panelists:
Neena Gupta, CEO, Miiro Hotels
Tana Hovland, director, Rockwell Group
Michelle Jaime, president & creative director, the Vanguard Theory
Andrew Kline, associate principal, Workshop/APD
Kelly McFadden, director, development design, Left Lane
Moderator: Katie Kervin, Boutique Design | Hospitality Design
CapEx Requirements: Bridging the Brand-Owner Gap
Sunday, November 10th, 2:00 p.m.
When it comes to CapEx, how do you balance the owner’s ROI, the management company’s desire to operate “best-in-class” hotels that guests love, and today’s strict brand requirements? This panel of industry veterans will discuss tangible solutions and provide real life examples of how the CapEx gap can be overcome while meeting all party’s needs.
Panelists:
Alan Benjamin, president, Benjamin West
Kristie Dickinson, managing director/EVP, CHMWarnick
Jonathan Jaeger, senior managing director, LW Hospitality Advisors
Tracy Smith-Woodby, director, interior design, global design U.S. & Canada, Marriott
Moderator: Andrea Belfanti, CEO, ISHC
BD Dines Out: The Future of F&B
Monday, November 11th, 10:30 a.m.
From the rise of booze-free/sober-curious bars and chef-driven concepts, to the demands of Gen-Z guests and bridging the gap between design and operations, F&B experts come together to explore what’s compelling hospitality venues to adapt and evolve.
Panelists:
Dala Al-Fuwaires, founder & CEO, House of Form
Michael Doneff, VP, F&B concept & brand development, global, Four Seasons
Erika Dray, partner, Watts & Dray
Kiko Singh, client leader, principal, DLR Group
Andreina Vincentelli, experience director, Rowe
Moderator: Andrew Hopson, F&B operations leader, Biltmore Estates
