The Hospitality Design Group had a monumental 2013 and as the year comes to an end, the industry leader reports positive growth moving into 2014. Over the past 12 months the Atlanta and New York-based group, who, through a series of influential trade shows, design events, and their namesake magazine, Hospitality Design (HD) magazine, made thoughtful changes and developments that produced unparalleled successes.
Beginning with increased attendance for HD Expo in Las Vegas and HD Americas (formerly HD Boutique) in Miami, the respective pillar tradeshows of the group, helped solidify their place as the preeminent destination to define trends and innovation within the industry. In addition to the positive growth, HD Expo found a new home at Mandalay Bay, allowing for a new look, new exhibitors and an exceptional group of speakers and panelists. The inaugural year for HD Americas brought together an influential group of leaders from Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean and beyond.
While HD Expo and HD Americas had great years, there were also a number of other events hosted by HD Group that resulted in positive outcomes. Founded in 2000, HD Summit celebrated its 13th year in 2013, when it gathered a select group of decision makers for three days of education, inspiration and networking. Highlights from the “thought-camp” event included presentations from musician Eric Whitacre and motivational graffiti artist Erik Wahl. And the annual HD Awards brought in more than 400 entries in 18 different categories, and more than 350 gathered in New York to celebrate the global pool of winners and finalists.
2013 also saw the launch of the NextGen Forum, an invite-only conference that blends education, inspiration, business, and socializing for the next group of hospitality leaders.
CitySCENE events found throughout the country in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas continued to garner great recognition and success, bringing in regional designers, architects, owners, and brand executives in their respective fields.
Perhaps no event held as much meaning as the 25th Annual Platinum Circle Gala, held in November at the Conrad in New York City. With more than 300 in attendance, the show paid homage to pioneers in the hospitality industry. This year the gala honored Pamela Anderson and Laurie Miller of Anderson/Miller Ltd., Daniel Boulud of the Dinex Group, Margaret McMahon of Wimberly Interiors, and Ian Schrager of Ian Schrager Company. The gala also awarded one deserving student and aspiring designer with the Fabric Innovations Legacy Scholarship.
Wrapping up a successful 2013 leads to the promise of an even bigger 2014 as was expressed by Liz Sommerville, group show director, “We could not have asked for a better 2013. We hope to continue this momentum into 2014, and position Hospitality Design Group as the main resource and an industry leader within the design community.”
