On May 15th–17th, Hospitality Design Exposition and Conference (HD Expo) will again connect more than 800 exhibitors and 7,000 attendees in the industry’s No. 1 and largest tradeshow-this time, in a new location at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. As always, the tradeshow is full of innovative seminars, thought-provoking presentations, and packed networking events. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

• Sponsored by W A L T E R S, this year’s keynoter is Trisha Wilson, founder of Wilson Associates. She and HD‘s Michael Adams will discuss her more than 40 years as a groundbreaker and leader in the hospitality industry.
• New this year is the Social Hub, a sleek lounge located in the center of the show floor and created by Seed Design. It will host the Green Voice Conversations with the Experts-30-minute chats on various sustainable topics-as well as food and cocktail demonstrations by the Light Group’s in-house chefs and mixologists.
• On Thursday morning, network at the show’s signature event: the HD/ISHP Town Hall: Owners’ Roundtable. In a twist on speed meeting, an impressive roster of hotel executives from leading brand, investment, and development companies discuss issues, trends, and forecasts in a small-scale, free-flowing format, as they switch tables every 10 minutes.
• While strolling the show floor, vote for HD Expo’s most innovative product for 2013 at the Innovation Pavilion, where select exhibitors showcase the science and technology behind their most cutting-edge designs. See the finalists here.
• On Wednesday morning, vote for the winner of the 7th annual Radical Innovation in Hospitality Award-sponsored by Global Allies- a competition created by the John Hardy Group (JHG) and HD that honors leading-edge hospitality ideas.
And of course, the networking parties are not to be missed. “We’re so excited because at this year’s HD Expo we are not only welcoming quality exhibitors-both new and returning-we are also offering new networking opportunities in a new venue,” says Liz Sommerville, group show director for the Hospitality Design Group. “Be sure to check out the opening night party at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues, and the always-popular Party by the Pool on Thursday at Caesars Palace.”
Register for HD Expo by clicking here, and for more information, visit www.hdexpo.com.
