Leaders from across the hospitality design spectrum met in Las Vegas from May 15-17, 2012, at HD Expo to shape the future of their industry through discussion, demonstration, and collaboration. The 2012 show filled more than 250,000 square feet with the wares from more than 842 exhibitors and 7,500 attendees from across the globe.
“The energy found at this year’s show was palpable-from the enthusiasm of our exhibitors both new and experienced, to the inspirational speakers and connections found at networking events-and proves that the show gets better and better each year,” said Liz Sommerville, group show director for Nielsen Exposition’s Hospitality Design Group. “With attendance up almost 10% this year from last year, we’re excited to see what the future will bring in 2013 when we move to Mandalay Bay.”
Conference attendees had the chance to participate in site visits and speaker sessions, receiving insight from industry experts on the most pertinent issues in the hospitality design field such as lighting, renovation, rebranding, and the future of design as it adapts to today’s market.
For new exhibitors, this year’s HD Expo was an opportunity to share their newest innovations with a premier audience. Robert Hahman, founder & chairman of board of Nordaq FRESH, said, “As a first time exhibitor at HD Expo, I can safely say that for Nordaq FRESH, this has been one of the best trade shows we’ve been involved with to date. There was an enormous amount of interest from attendees, and our booth was always busy with people. The expo definitely served as a great networking opportunity for us to showcase our new FRESH water models and systems, hold sensory tastings with expo attendees, and interact with members of the hospitality and food and beverage industries on a regional and national level.”
At this year’s HD Expo, returning exhibitors not only confirmed their dedication to the show but also to its ongoing powerful influence on making hospitality design industry connections. Jose Reynoso Franco, CEO of A y C International, said, “This is our second time participating in HD Expo and all I can say is that we will be returning for many years to come. The show is a great platform to be introduced to the industry and network with the most innovative individuals in the business.”
Hospitality Designmagazine honored the career achievements of some of the industry’s most talented and acclaimed leaders at the 24th annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, on May 15 at the Venetian. The 2012 Platinum Circle inductees were Stephen B. Jacobs, Stephen B. Jacobs Group; Andi Pepper, Andi Pepper Interior Design; Niki Leondakis, president and COO, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Richard Brayton and Stanford Hughes, BraytonHughes Design Studios. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) was honored with the HD Visionary Award.
The winners of the 15th Annual IIDA/HD Product Design Awards were also announced during the celebration. Winners include: Allumé: A Study in Light by Milliken, Best of Competition winner; Boxwood Modular Collection by JANUS et Cie; Ocean Master MAX Cantilever by TUUCI; Beverly Boulevard by Kirk Nix for Robert Allen; and the Mink by Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc.
Radical Innovation in Hospitality contest
Co-founded by The John Hardy Group andHospitality Designmagazine, the Radical Innovation in Hospitality competition promotes innovation and global thought-leadership in hospitality. It showcases the best hospitality strategies in architecture and interior design that incorporate new concepts and enhance the guest experience.
The finalists for the sixth annual Radical Innovation in Hospitality competition include: Koi, Veronique, Marc, Alexandre, Nicolas, and Maximilien Mussche; MORPHotel, Gianluca Santosuosso; The Merlion Hotel, Tatzu Nishi; and REN Retreats, Miles McMullin.
On May 15, finalists presented their concepts to members of the esteemed jury and a room of HD Expo attendees-who submitted their votes in real-time to determine the $10,000 grand-prize winner. This year’s winner, Koi, brought forth the idea of hotels and public hospitality spaces built as bridges, allowing guests to experience the greatest part of a city, the water, in a new light.
The runner-up, MORPHotel went home with a $5,000 prize and the student winner, REN Retreats, received $1,500.
Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo) is presented byHospitality Designmagazine and produced by the Hospitality Design Group, part of Nielsen Expositions, which also produces HD Asia in Hong Kong on June 18-20, 2012 and HD Boutique in Miami Beach on September 11-12, 2012. The event is in association with: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP), National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and NEWH, Inc.-The Hospitality Industry Network.
