CINCINNATI, OH, September 14, 2015 – The innovators behind some of hospitality’s most respected hotel brands and design firms will share their views on what’s next for hospitality and what that means for hospitality designers at the sixth annual Boutique Design New York (BDNY). This fast-growing trade fair and conference, tailored to East Coast hospitality design professionals, will be held Nov. 8-9 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Held concurrently with The Hotel Experience (HX), formerly the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show (IHMRS), the BDNY trade fair combines inventive elements for hospitality interiors with signature educational and social events, unique Designed Spaces created by leading hospitality design firms, and an extensive conference program.
More than 5,000 interior designers, architects, purchasing executives, and hospitality owners and operators are expected to attend BDNY 2015. The event will feature 600+ manufacturers and marketers displaying the latest FF&E products in 80,000 square feet of exhibit space, as well as more than 30 interactive conference sessions.
New this year, BDNY conference sessions are organized into three tracks: Information, which speaks to the trends of today and how to develop those concepts, maximize opportunities and improve business practices; Inspiration, which invites designers to tap into ideas from other design disciplines, technology visionaries and forward-thinking influencers; and Interaction, up-close sessions on the trade fair floor that invite attendees to join in master-class conversations with designers and other industry experts.
“We’ve brought together thought leaders not only from hospitality design and operations, but also from the worlds of theater, art and technology to help designers blow the walls off the box,” said Mary Scoviak, executive editor, Boutique Design, and conference director, Hospitality Media Group. “And we’ve redesigned our program to move away from the typical lecture format to a more conversational approach that makes attendees part of the process. It’s going to be a great conversation for the entire industry.”
Each day of the conference begins with a ticketed, Boutique Design signature panel discussion and breakfast. On Sunday, Nov. 8, the “Lifestyle Leaders’ Opening Breakfast,” will feature insights from influential figures in lifestyle hospitality design and operations, with Jonathan Falik, founder and CEO, JF Capital Advisors, moderating.
Scoviak will moderate the “Boutique Design Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality Breakfast and Panel Discussion” on Monday, Nov. 9. Panelists for the BD signature event, held in collaboration with NEWH, include: Dominique Colliat, COO, North & Central America and the Caribbean, ACCOR Hotels; Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects; Tarrunumn Murad, CEO, Tramz Hotels Group; Brenda Smith, president, Signature Hospitality Carpets; Therese Virserius, president, Virserius Studio; and Christina Zimmer, SVP, Ian Schrager Company.
In “Boutique Design’s 2015 Up-and-Coming Hoteliers,” the honorees of BD’s first annual Up-and-Coming Hoteliers award will share their predictions for the must-haves of next generation hotel design and operations. Speakers include Enrique “Kike” Sarasola, president and founder, Room Mate Hotels and BeMate.com; Brad Wilson, president, Ace Hotel Group, and Co-Partner, Atelier Ace; and Josh Wyatt, CSO, Generator.
“Brand Central,” another BD signature session, features Kemper Hyers, SVP Design, Starwood Capital Group; Vito Lotta, senior director of design, Hilton Worldwide; and Toni Stoeckl, VP Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International, discussing the types of layouts, concepts and installation solutions hotel companies want from their design partners in 2016.
Carl Long, EVP, Purchasing Management International, and Laura Klinkose, VP, The Carroll Adams Group, will moderate the perennially popular “ISHP/Boutique Design Owners’ Grill” signature session. Panelists for 2015 include: Ted Brumleve, director of design and construction, Dolce Hotels and Resorts; Gerry Chase, president and COO, New Castle Hotels & Resorts; Julie Frank, global director of design, Le Méridien; and Thomas Prins, partner, Gemstone Hotels & Resorts.
The design minds behind some of New York’s latest headline-grabbing hotels will discuss the challenges and opportunities of working in the nation’s most visible and competitive urban market in “New in New York,” moderated by Boutique Design editor Matthew Hall. Panelists include Gray Davis, principal, Meyer Davis Studio; Michael Gabellini, creative director, Gabellini Sheppard Associates; Shan Kanagasingham, VP Operations, SH Group (Baccarat and 1 Hotels); Will Meyer, principal, Meyer Davis Studio; and Shawn Sullivan, partner, Rockwell Group.
Thirty more sessions—addressing topics such as next-gen technology for hospitality spaces; business and design opportunities in the hotel/residential hybrid market; and the competitive landscape in Cuba—fill the two-day agenda, with more than 100 speakers participating. Ten of the sessions are awaiting CEU/AIA accreditation.
Registration options for BDNY 2015 include an Exhibits-Only registration fee of $50 ($30 through Oct. 12); a BDNY Conference/All Access pass for $175, which includes admission to BDNY and HX exhibits; and a One-Day Conference Access pass for $100. Registration for Per-Session CEU Access is $50.
Ticketed events include the ISHP Annual Fundraiser and BDNY Opening Reception on Saturday, Nov. 7; Boutique Design Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality Breakfast & Panel Discussion on Monday, Nov. 9; and the 35th Gold Key Awards Gala on Monday evening at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC.
Attendee registration and trade fair details are available at bdny.com.
