HD Expo + Conference, the largest U.S.-based hospitality event of its kind, announces an illustrious lineup of speakers and thought-provoking topics curated by Hospitality Design (HD) magazine. Over three days, more than 150 design visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders will share their expertise on topics from market shifts to sustainability, well-being to new concepts, plus hybrids, workplace, and more.
Interior designers, architects, hoteliers, restaurateurs, owners, operators, developers, and purchasers are drawn to the annual conference to explore concepts and innovations that showcase the best of hospitality. Programs will be presented on stages in three distinct areas conveniently located on the show floor: HD Park (#2873), DesignWell Pavilion (#4973), and HD Social Hub (#5726). Each area’s unique purpose, design, and programming—from panel sessions to keynote talks—foster an environment of idea-sharing and inspiration and enable attendees to stay ahead of global trends and on top of industry ideas.
HD Park (#2873)
HD Park shines a spotlight on immersive outdoor experiences while also serving as the home to all HD Expo + Conference CEU/LU-accredited sessions. Attendees can connect with clients and colleagues and hear case studies and conversational panels. Panelists include leading ownership groups and hotel and F+B brands as well as veteran and rising star architects, interior designers, and purchasers. Full Conference or Experience passes are required to enter CEU/LU-accredited sessions in HD Park.
DesignWell Pavilion (#4973)
Wellness and sustainability share the focus of the DesignWell Pavilion, designed by INC Architecture & Design. Attendees can learn how brands integrate wellbeing into their projects and products, and explore DEI-driven ideas for community building with the Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC), alongside innovations in hospitality design that put the guest center stage. Everyone is welcome to attend sessions at the DesignWell Pavilion without prior signup.
HD Social Hub (#5726)
HD magazine invites attendees to lounge, recharge, and connect at the HD Social Hub, crafted by 21c Museum Hotels and featuring intimate conversations each day. Expo attendees can hear talks ranging from brands redefining the lifestyle market to Lodging Econometrics on their industry outlook, and explore hot topics including designing with soul and business lessons learned from the pandemic. Everyone is welcome to attend the HD Social Hub sessions without prior signup.
DAILY PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS (Full schedule linked here)
TUESDAY, APRIL 26
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | DesignWell Pavilion #4973
HDAC Series: Culture as Catalyst
Marquise Stillwell believes in people, and building community, in creating spaces that acknowledge our shared humanity, while giving value to our differences. He posits culture—art, music, activism, design—as a catalyst to bring us all together.
Marquise Stillwell, Founder, Openbox
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | HD Park #2873
Concepts We Love: Projects Through the Editors' Lens
What are we watching now? Hospitality Design magazine editors curate the best of notable projects and designs, with their creators sharing inside stories from inception to outcome.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | DesignWell Pavilion #4973
Sustainability, Environment, Future
What does sustainability mean today? What are innovative best practices? How do we continue to push the envelope? Experts talk through thoughtful approaches to high-performance, sustainably driven solutions.=
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | HD Park #2873
The HD Forecast: Tracking Shifts and Innovation
As lines among project types continue to blur and blend, explore concepts that showcase hospitality's broad influence--on education, residential, retail, workplace, and more. Experts share their insights and observations.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | DesignWell Pavilion #4973
Making Design More Democratic
From creating affordable housing to using architecture for good, change-makers discuss their out-of-the-box thinking and ideas for a better world.
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | HD Social Hub #5726
Imbibing in Style: A New Era of Wineries and Distilleries, Bars and Hangouts
The seemingly limitless world of wine and spirits is infinitely more engaging given recent boundary-breaking design interventions for tasting, consumption, enjoyment, and, most of all, monetizing on the experience.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | HD Park #2873
Lifestyle Leaders
Where is the industry headed? What’s next in terms of lifestyle and luxury? How are they evolving to address the needs of today’s travelers (especially post-pandemic)? Hospitality Design editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen gathers influential CEOs and presidents of leading hotel companies to answer these questions and so much more.
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | HD Park #2873
What Clients Want: Ask the Owners and Brands
The past three years have required grit, resilience, and creativity. Evaluate changes and challenges for design teams as HD dives deeply into client needs, concerns, and what matters most to owners and brands. Get up to date on their expectations when it comes to design.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | HD Park #2873
Brand Identity: Exploring the New Luxury
The definition of luxury continues to evolve. Creatives and brands examine its myriad iterations—simplicity, beauty, and singular experiences—and what that means in terms of ever-evolving guest needs. Look at next-gen luxury from different points of view.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | South Pacific Ballroom E
HD/ISHP Town Hall: Owners' Roundtable
Reemerging as a face-to-face event, HD/ISHP Owners' Roundtable convenes influential hospitality owners and brands with attendees for open and candid conversations about current projects and development plans for the future. You ask the questions in the roundtable format that has become a celebrated HD Expo + Conference tradition. Owners come from companies such as Las Vegas Sands, Hard Rock International, Hyatt Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Carnival Cruise Line, Hilton Worldwide, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Dream Hotel Group. Pre-registration is required for this free session.
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | HD Park #2873
F+B Trends: What's Next
The restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit, but still, with nearly $800 billion in U.S. revenues alone, F+B relies on design as a powerful driver and attractor especially in trying times. From retro to modern to groundbreaking aesthetics, explore innovation where form meets function, with designers and restaurateurs.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | HD Social Hub #5726
Designing With Soul
Authentic may be the most overused term in the industry, but it's what many in hospitality strive for. From creating new spaces from scratch, to rehabbing existing buildings, we dive into how to create a coveted, guest-centric, holistic concept that leaves a lasting impression.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | HD Park #2873
HD Project Breakdown: Hotel Marcel and Nobu Hotel Barcelona
HD explores two distinct projects—groundbreaking in their own ways. Becker + Becker Architects, Dutch East Design, and Hilton share their insight on the Hotel Marcel, a redux of the landmark Pirelli building by Marcel Breuer, and now powered solely by the sun. Rockwell Group discusses how they merged the best elements of the Nobu brand with the essence of Spain to create the new Nobu Hotel Barcelona.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | DesignWell Pavilion #4973
Leading-Edge Experiential Design
The pandemic has accelerated many things including the importance of disconnecting from tech and reconnecting with nature. Indeed, from remote lodging to hotels immersed in nature, experiential venues hit a nerve with guests.
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | HD Park #2873
Rethinking Lodging for Evolving Demand
As remote work becomes the norm, and leisure travel more popular than ever, design and concept respond to—and get ahead of—guest demand for short-term and long-term lodging, apartment-style living, and hybrid options.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | HD Park #2873
UNLV: Emerging Talent Envisions the Future of Hospitality
At the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Hospitality Design Lab, M.Arch. students tackle design challenges in evolutionary ways. From designing bioengineered hotel interiors to planning for drone services within resorts, the new generation of designers shares lessons learned through research and simulations.
11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | HD Park #2873
HD Keynote: Todd-Avery Lenahan
Leading on the company's next chapter, Todd-Avery Lenahan, President + Chief Creative Officer, Wynn Design & Development, shares his vision for a new era of development in luxury experiences. He helms teams across architecture, interiors, construction, procurement, finance, HR, F+B, wellness, nightlife, concept development, and more, to create the future of Wynn.
Todd-Avery Lenahan, President + Chief Creative Officer, Wynn Design & Development
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | HD Park #2873
Viva Las Vegas!
Given the extraordinary design and gaming leadership and talent in Las Vegas, HD goes local to explore what's new, noteworthy, and next in Las Vegas and beyond.
HD EXPO + CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DETAILS
Registration for industry professionals currently starts at $119 for an expo-only pass, with full
conference options available here.
For the full agenda and conference lineup, visit hdexpo.com. Members of the media may register for a complimentary press pass at this link.