The 2012 Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo) is just two weeks away, May 15-17th at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The annual conference and tradeshow, sponsored by Hospitality Design (HD) magazine, is jam-packed with more than 20 conference sessions, a tradeshow floor of some 900 exhibitors, and multiple networking events. To help you navigate the show, here are a few highlights:
–Check out our HD Expo preview gallery of some of the goodies you will find on the show floor. (Pictured above: Ceramic wall tile for Porcelanosa, one of 900 exhibitors on display)
–As an exciting new twist on sustainable programming at HD Expo, HD and NEWH present Green Conversations, a series of 30-minute, one-on-one interviews between sustainability experts and NEWH Sustainable Committee members at the Green Voice booth #3832. Sponsored by JLF/lonemeadow and Arclite, these live, freeflowing, and interactive interviews will expand on issues discussed during the green luncheon panel discussion as well as others posed by the audience. Hear from all the speakers during the Green Voice Luncheon: The NEWH Student Scholarship Awards and Green Panel Discussion with the Experts at noon on May 15th. (Tickets are available for $70 at the registration desk in Hall G.)
–The HD/ISHP Town Hall: Hotel Owners’ Roundtable: Held Wednesday, May 16th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am in the Venetian Veronese 2501, attendees will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with owners, developers, and brand executives for a free-flowing discussion of industry issues, forecasts, ideas, updates, trends, and whatever topics are brought to the table. In this session, roundtable “hosts” talk about their perspectives with attendees, switching tables every 10 to 15 minutes, offering you the opportunity to hear multiple insights in one session. Co-presented by HD and the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP) and sponsored by Kohler and Mark David, A Kohler Company, this session is free to registered attendees and exhibitors.
–Cast your vote for the $10k winner of the 2012 Radical Innovation in Hospitality Competition, Tuesday, May 15th at 2:00 pm in the Venetian Veronese Ballroom. Six years ago, the John Hardy Group (JHG) and HD magazine joined forces with the goal of honoring leading-edge ideas in the market place. Today, the competition is the industry’s gold standard for radical thinking, and is presented in partnership with sponsor Global Allies (booth #4200). John Hardy, president and CEO, JHG, says, “The sixth annual Radical Innovation in Hospitality Competition is unfolding as the most interesting one yet. As the only forum for new hospitality development concepts globally, its international reach is borne out by the fact that for the first time ever, all three finalists are from outside the U.S. Don’t miss the event.” The finalists include:
Koi by Marc Mussche, MM Planners
The Merlion by Tatzu Nishi, Arataniurano
MORPHotel by Gianluca Santosuosso
–On Tuesday, May 15th, HD will honor five of the industry’s best for their career achievements, and a decades-old association for its dedication to the industry, at the 24th annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, sponsored by Valley Forge Fabrics, to be held at 6:30-8:30 pm in the Venetian Veronese Ballroom. This year’s honorees are: Andi Pepper of Andi Pepper Interior Design; Stephen B. Jacobs of Stephen B. Jacobs Design Group; Richard Brayton and Stanford Hughes of BraytonHughes Design Studios; and Niki Leondakis of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. The HD Visionary Award will be given to the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Tickets are available for $150 at the registration desk in Hall G or they can be purchased at the door to the event.
–A few must-see seminars (register at www.hdexpo.com):
Tuesday, May 15th
9:30 am: Design Spring: The Challenges and Opportunities of Developing the Middle East’s Hospitality Scene
Speakers:
Alia Akkam, managing editor, HD
Sue Firestone, founder/chairman, sfa design
James C. Lehouiller, managing partner/CEO, DiLeonardo
Jeffrey Ornstein, founder, J/Brice Design International
Meg Prendergast, principal, Gettys
Larry Traxler, senior vice president, global design services, Hilton Hotels
Wednesday, May 16th
10:30 am: Keynoter Adam D. Tihany (pictured upper right) in conversation with HD‘s editor in chief, Michael Adams, sponsored by Walters
Noon: Susan Harmsworth (pictured right), CEO, ESPA International, shares her keys to successful holistic spa design
1:30 pm: Form and Function: The Secrets to Award-Winning Restaurant Collaboration
Speakers:
Donnie Madia managing partner and owner, One Off hospitality Group
Paul Kahan executive chef and owner, One Off hospitality Group
Thomas Schlesser founder, Design Bureaux
1:30 pm: Rethinking the Lobby: Creating the 24-7 Social Space
Speakers:
Eric Nicolas, director/global brand management , Holiday Inn Family of Brands, IHG
George L. Scammell, vice president global design, development planning and construction, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, executive editor, HD
Ted Jacobs, VP brand design, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Vito Lotta, senior director of design, Hilton Hotels
–LAVO and TAO are offering attendees two complimentary hour-long parties, 10-11 pm Tuesday, May 15th, and Thursday, May 16th, respectively. Just show your badge at the door for admittance (dress code enforced). Also, you can hear TAO and LAVO partners, Jason Strauss and Lou Abin, discuss their other über-successful brand Marquee, Tuesday morning at 11:00 am.
–Speaking of Marquee: In town on Monday (the 14th) night? Come to Marquee from 10-11 for another free hour of cocktails. Just say you are with HD Expo or show your badge!
