RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2017
10
H
ospitality professionals from around the globe convened
at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, May 3-5, 2017,
in Las Vegas to check out innovative and new products
on display, listen to more than 30 inspirational and educa-
tional conference sessions on and off the show floor (curated by
the editors of Hospitality Design magazine), and network with
their peers.
"We are pleased with the quality and quantity of exhibitors and
attendees at HD Expo 2017," said Liz Sommerville, group show
director. "This show has securely positioned itself as the premier
global hospitality design event, and we will continue to lead that
charge with innovative programming and interactive events that
encourage design inspiration."
HIGHLIGHTS FROM HD EXPO 2017
• Keynote Address – The iconic duo of mega developer Steve
Wynn and veteran designer Roger Thomas (executive vice
president of design for Wynn) delivered the show's keynote
address before a record-breaking, standing room-only crowd.
The pair joined Hospitality Design magazine's editorial director,
Michael Adams, in retelling the story of how they got their start in
the hotel business, anecdotes from their decades-long
collaboration, and how thinking like a guest—not like a designer—
initially set them apart from other hotel properties. Visit
www.hospitalitydesign.com to watch their rare public appearance.
• HD/ISHP Town Hall – Owners' Roundtable: HD Expo's signature
event, the Owners' Roundtable, gave attendees the opportunity
to meet face-to-face with owners, developers, brand executives,
and decision makers representing many of the most significant
brand and ownership groups in the world.
• CEO Talks – Lessons from the Top: A gathering of some of
today's leading lifestyle brand and development companies
shared their view of the hospitality industry, where brands are
headed, and what ultimately effects their day-to-day decisions.
Speakers include Mark Harmon, founding and managing partner,
Auberge Resorts Collection; Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel
Group; Brad Wilson, president, Ace Hotel Group; and Bill
Walshe, CEO, Viceroy Hotel Group.
• The New Visualization – Led by innovation and design studio
ICRAVE, and in collaboration with Hospitality Design magazine,
this two-day virtual reality workshop showcased cutting-
edge visualization and digital experimentation. Attendees were
exposed to a mix of presentations, demo, and free play, allowing
them to engage directly with this new technology and learn the
various ways it can be integrated into the design process.
A SUCCESSFUL HD EXPO 2017
