LAS VEGAS - HD Expo established record-breaking attendance and exhibitor figures this year following a successful event, which took place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from May 13-15, 2015. The final figures showcased significant growth for the industry show, which is produced by Emerald Expositions and presented by Hospitality Design magazine, with a final tally of 10,260 registered attendees, marking a 10% increase from last year.
The show floor also showcased the latest and most innovative designs and products from leading global manufacturers, including 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also an increase from 2014.
“HD Expo continues to be at the forefront of the industry as we uniquely provide the ultimate platform to bring together and provide access to the world’s leading hospitality design professionals and thought leaders under one roof,” said Liz Sommerville, show director, Hospitality Design Group. “We take great pride in our established brand and are thrilled to receive such an overwhelmingly positive response from show exhibitors, attendees and conference speakers.”
Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the quality of new connections and business contacts that were established during the Vegas show, and noted how the show directly reflects the resurgence in the overall economy. “Being our third year exhibiting at HD Expo, we found that the overall experience was an improvement from last year as we were able to secure more quality and larger contracts. We also learned from the previous years of how to better present our products and to showcase our unique products for the industry,” said Michele Crociani, business development manager, indel B.
Jim DeCamp, vice president of Sales and Marketing, AAI, shared similar sentiments adding “The first day of the show alone exceeded our expectations and really made the whole show for us. It’s clear that big banks are lending again which directly translates to larger hospitality design projects.”
First-time exhibitors also voiced their positive reaction to the show and their intention to come back again next year in full force. “We attended HD Expo for the first time where we showcased our LectroFan sound machines and we really enjoyed every aspect of the conference,” said Keith Washo, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Adaptive Sound Technologies. “We met great people and moved forward on opportunities to bring our products into hotel rooms and hospitality facilities. We learned a lot at the various conference sessions and had a great time at the social events. Overall the show exceeded our expectations and we look forward to coming again next year,” added Washo.
This year’s Keynote Address at HD Expo was an inspiring presentation and snapshot of a storied career led by Clodagh, founder of Clodagh Design. HD Expo also hosted interactive sessions such as the signature Owner’s Roundtable, where attendees and exhibitors had a unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with notable designers, owners, developers and investors in the industry.
At the stunning HD Expo Social Hub, designed by Hilton Worldwide and inspired by the new Canopy brand, attendees and exhibitors gathered for HD Conversations, 30-minute intimate discussions with industry heavyweights, and NEWH Green Voice Conversations, featuring notable experts that spoke through a series of interactive sessions covering sustainable themes such as biophilic design, futuristic materials, smaller footprint trends, and detoxifying hotel interiors.
Other conference sessions featured hospitality and design experts covering a myriad of topics including: the definition of luxury; what meeting planners want; where development growth is happening; the collaboration between chefs and designers; the state of hospitality in China; new lifestyle brands and game changers; unique venues and architectural finishes; design on a dime, and the state of the entertainment resort industry. HD Expo also hosted two high-energy networking events for attendees at the House of Blues and at the Mandalay Pool.
HD Expo attracts the worlds’ most talented and sought after network of interior designers, architects, hoteliers, owners, operators, developers and purchasers: true leaders, creative risk-takers and innovators who make an impact in the industry. For exhibitors, having the opportunity to debut a new line, collection or service at the show translates to profitable business opportunities and significant brand exposure as HD Expo generates the ideal environment to connect some of the world’s top buyers and sellers. The show also marries the perfect balance between up-and-coming and established exhibitors, all of whom chose the show to launch their products, test specialty services and share their latest innovations.
HD Expo is in association with American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); 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.