It was fall… and winter… and maybe even a little summer in NY this past week as we headed up for BD|NY, which was held at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.
While what to wear proved a little tricky, what to see was a whole different story. This was my first time at the hospitality-focused show, and even if it wasn’t my job to be there, it is a show I would definitely attend again. That was the sentiment heard throughout as well. According to an Emerald Expo spokesperson, the show had a double-digit increase in attendance, and while I have to take his word for it (since this was my first time), the steady stream of traffic in the aisles and crowded booths suggested his estimates were right on target. Exhibitors we spoke with were also pleased with attendance and interest in the products they had on display in their booth spaces.
Innovation at Its Finest
Even with smaller booth spaces compared with showroom markets, innovation was everywhere at BD|NY. From Raffel Products, which produces ever-more-necessary device charging elements that are being embedded in chairs, sofas and case goods (the company’s collaboration with Brookline furniture was on display in an adjacent booth) to mattress innovations on sleeper sofas from Hickory Springs Manufacturing to LED lighting advances designed simultaneously for functionality and artistic flair, there was definitely something for everyone at this November market.
There were other innovations as well. Some of the booths drawing crowds that we noticed at BD|NY included Kindle Living, which produces outdoor heaters that look like crazy-oversized lamps — the shades are functional as they return the heat back down to where folks are sitting — and Phillip Jeffries new digital wallpaper collection, which allows for any design to be added to any wallpaper substrate, including silk and cork, for a truly customizable wall-covering experience.
The Design Side
As trends are often more flexible in the hospitality arena, our eyes were also privy to a feast of colors, patterns and imaginative displays that made this editor stop for a wow moment and quick pic! It’s incredible what can be accomplished with light, tile, fabric and more these days! And while beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder — and there was something for everyone — for hospitality particularly, functionality and durability is key, and that was prevalent across the show.
A show is not a show these days without educational and networking opportunities, as attending designers are inclined to share their finds, check in with peers on what to be on the lookout for, and hear insights on how to raise their design bars and business profitability. BD|NY had that covered as well with central spaces designed to listen in on seminars, grab a drink and a bite and network with industry colleagues. Showrooms around town took the opportunity to give BD|NY guests an opportunity to see even more design and mingle with friends. We started off our BD|NY experience at the EJ Victor showroom at 200 Lexington on Saturday night, where were introduced to trendsetters and an innovative sleeper sofa that had to be one of the most comfortable temporary bedding options I’ve experienced. I wanted to take that home! Other guests found it so comfortable, the sofa was well-attended throughout the event.
Well, that’s it for this show wrap-up! We’re looking forward to being back next year, and our fingers are crossed that the show will be extended to three days. There was so much to see and do that two days felt rushed. And an extra day in New York is never a bad thing.
For more of what we've seen at BD|NY, visit our image gallery here!
