Boutique Design New York (BDNY), the premier trade fair and conference for the boutique and lifestyle hospitality industry, made a dynamic return to the Javits Center in November, drawing an enthusiastic and engaged audience.
More than 15,700 designers, architects, brand executives, hoteliers, developers, purchasers, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered to explore the innovative products from 770-plus exhibitors, engage in more than 50 thought-provoking discussions featuring nearly 200 experts, and participate in curated networking sessions and events.
Exhibitors at BDNY 2024 highlighted various trends, blending a focus on functionality and materiality with rich, moody hues like burgundy, purple, and brown, as well as leading-edge technologies—all grounded in an ever-increasing dedication to sustainability.
“BDNY immersed the design community with unmatched energy, welcoming over 10,200 qualified attendees from more than 20 countries—a 5 percent increase from the previous year—and showcasing 140-plus new exhibitors. Known as the ultimate platform for innovation in hospitality design, this year’s event further solidified BDNY’s reputation as a must-attend gathering for industry leaders,” says Keisha Byrd, vice president and brand director for the Hospitality Design Group, Emerald. “Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s dynamic creative and cultural scene, BDNY provided attendees experiences beyond the trade fair floor. From the prestigious Platinum Circle Gala to the sold-out Gold Key Awards, BDNY celebrated the industry’s best products, projects, and influencers—affirming its role as the premier event for hospitality visionaries and game changers.”
This year, thousands of attendees explored newly designed spaces across the show floor—including the BD Mainstage, designed by Brooklyn, New York firm Watts & Dray and the BD Hub, designed and sponsored by Wayfair—featuring panel discussions on cutting-edge topics such as carbon positivity, the impact of AI, and transformative design. These spaces also provided invaluable opportunities for networking and meaningful connections throughout the two-day event.
Debuting in 2024, Dine & Design brought a fresh focus on front-of-house restaurant and bar design products to the BDNY show floor. At its heart was Café Hue, an innovative space crafted by Jessica Gidari of J.GIDARI.
“As the show’s first-ever active F&B concept, Café Hue was designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with a Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic featuring bold colors, inviting warmth, and adaptable seating,” Gidari explained. “It quickly became the go-to hub of the floor, buzzing with networking, reunions, and spontaneous connections. Guests engaged in meaningful conversations over expertly brewed coffee within a thoughtfully designed space, where every detail—from acoustic walls made of recycled materials to custom soundtracks, branded collateral, and uniforms—was crafted to reflect the seamless blend of design and functionality. Café Hue was more than a café; it was the beating heart of BDNY’s Dine & Design debut.”
Dine & Design is set to become one of BDNY’s four main Designed Spaces in 2025.
BDNY’s four additional 2024 Designed Spaces were created by top designers and sponsoring manufacturers, each showcasing visionary concepts intended to inspire and serve as destinations for topical discussions, networking, and DJ sessions. BLUR Workshop designed Serendipitous Encounters to capture the wonder of serendipity through design and exemplify the firm’s motto: to design without boundaries. Salone by Baskervill drew inspiration from a 15th-century salone to create a reimagined and lively gathering space filled with bold, immersive, and intimate interactions. Sobremesa by Curioso was created for meaningful connections inspired by the Spanish tradition of lingering around the table in conversation with friends. Nodding to nature’s artistry found in geodes and the beauty of their imperfection, Hidden Gem by Parker-Torres Design celebrated these multifaceted and vibrant colors through its own gem of a space. More information about the Designed Spaces can be found here.
The fair also hosted the annual BDNY Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality breakfast, which was presented in partnership with NEWH. During this event, executives from various industry sectors shared their personal journeys, discussed current challenges and opportunities, and offered valuable lessons they had learned along the way.
The Best of BDNY 2024 Product Design Competition and Best Exhibit Competition winners were announced during the show. Chosen by industry experts, product winners and finalists were chosen across 13 categories for their aesthetics, functionality, and innovation. In comparison, best exhibit honorees in four categories were lauded for their creativity in design, visual impact, effective and efficient use of materials, and outstanding use of space, color, texture, lighting, and graphics.
Preceding BDNY, the prestigious and sold-out 35th annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, hosted by sister brand Hospitality Design magazine, took place on Friday, November 8th at the Lighthouse at Pier 61 in New York, where four hospitality leaders were honored for their lifetime achievements: Liz Lambert of Lambert McGuire Design, MML Hospitality, and Bunkhouse Group; Tom Ito of Gensler; Ave Bradley of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Alan Fuerstman of Montage International.
Closing out the week of events, BDNY hosted the sold-out Gold Key Awards celebration on Monday, November 11th at Cipriani 42nd Street, where more than 500 guests gathered to find out who took home awards in 24 project categories, including The Hotel Chalet at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee by Jenny Bukovec Studio, winner of the coveted Judges’ So Cool award. The event also celebrated Neena Gupta, CEO, Miiro Hotels, winner of the 2024 Up-And-Coming Hotelier of the Year honor and New York firm GOODRICH, the Designer of the Year. A complete list of winners and finalists can be found here.
The next edition of BDNY will be held at the Javits Center on November 9–10th, 2025. To receive show and registration email updates, click here.
