HD Expo + Conference returns to Las Vegas in less than a month! The annual conference brings together the hospitality design community for strategic networking events, exclusive product premieres, inspiring education, and bespoke experiences. Over three days, attendees will have the opportunity to explore products and resources to consider for global projects, as well as engage in conference programming featuring more than 150 design visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders.
Here is a preview of three panel discussions—taking place at the Hilton-crafted DesignWell Pavilion and the Social Hub, designed by Wimberly Interiors—you’ll find at the show. There’s still time to register!
From Accolades to Action: A Diversity Dialogue
Tuesday, April 30th | 4:00–4:30 pm
Location: Social Hub
The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) has honored three individuals with its annual Award of Excellence for their commitment to promoting DEI in the industry. Listen to these gamechangers’ stories and their ideas on how we can improve DEI initiatives in hospitality design.
Panelists:
Ashli Johnson, founder, Hospitality Hued and executive director, Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University
Dyonne Fashina, principal designer, Denizens Of Design Inc.
Jason Bass, director of culture and programming, Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead
Moderator: Nina Grondin, HDAC and managing partner + cofounder, Curioso
The expanded campus for Adidas’ North American headquarters, designed by Studio O+A, in Portland, Oregon
HD Idea Exchange: Conversations on Carbon x Design x the Future
Wednesday, May 1st | 10:00–10:30 am
Location: DesignWell Pavilion
For designing to mitigate climate change, what do you need to know? What do we need to do? How can we improve? Our industry has struggled to move the needle around climate change so this session explores how we, as an industry, can address it.
Panelists:
Jon Strassner, owner/founder, Jon Strassner Consulting
Verda Alexander, cofounder, Studio O+A
The Meyer Davis-designed Dream Nashville lobby features black and white checkered flooring and a bright orange reception desk
The Special Sauce: What Does Authentic Design Mean Today?
Tuesday, April 30th | 3:30–4:30 pm
Location: DesignWell Pavilion
The construct of hospitality, along with its defining traits and characteristics, has evolved to authentic design at the next level—catering to changing consumer tastes, the need for community, and creating spaces with lasting appeal. This talk looks at the notion that nostalgia and the familiar spark emotions and memories, and that engaging the five senses can create enjoyable experiences for all. In an era of transformative placemaking, hospitality relies on greater individualization and personalization, as well as multi-sensory and immersive experiences.
Panelists:
Kat Kim, head of creative, Dream Hotels, Reverie Studios
Andrew Connorton, vice president, programming + design, Aparium Hotel Group
Ryan Crown, creative director, Crown Creative
Leigh Salem, partner, Post Company
Roy Kim, chief design officer, Extell Development Company
More from HD:
The Hospitality Development Landscape Is Flourishing
Companies Bet Big on the Branded Residence Segment
Finalists Announced for the 20th Annual HD Awards
