Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2024 10 Boutique Design New York (BDNY), the leading trade fair and conference for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry, gathered nearly 15,000 designers, architects, brand executives, hoteliers, developers, purchasers, manufacturers, and other professionals at the Javits Center November 12-13 to experience new products, engaging conversations, and strategic networking events. BDNY maintained the momentum from 2022, a testament to the resilience and growth of the boutique and lifestyle hospitality industry. In comparison to 2022, the show saw a 16% increase in overall attendance, a 15% increase in qualified buyers, and a 20% increase in exhibitors. More than 650 exhibiting companies participated, including a greater international presence with more exhibiting companies from Spain and Italy, plus new pavilions from Portugal and Ukraine. "The energy at BDNY this year was absolutely electric, said Keisha Byrd, Brand Leader, BDNY. "Starting with an impressive turnout of more than 400 industry leaders at the Platinum Circle Gala, followed by a Who's Who of the industry on the trade fair floor, and ending with a sold-out Gold Key Awards, BDNY proved to be the premier destination for inspiration. It continues to be the pivotal platform that honors and elevates the products, projects, and personalities shaping the hospitality industry." "Following the success of another year and the positive response we received from exhibitors, attendees, and our design partners, we eagerly look forward to planning for 2024 and are committed to bringing the best of boutique design to New York," said Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President, Emerald Design Group. Thousands of industry professionals explored new products and learned about the latest trends, new ideas, and standout projects in hospitality from more than 30 sessions covering such top-of-mind topics as biophilia in design, what's new in F&B, state of the industry from owners and brands, how to nurture diversity in the industry, and the impact of AI on design. The fair also featured the annual Women Leaders in Hospitality breakfast, held in conjunction with NEWH, where female executives representing all facets of the industry shared their journeys, today's challenges and opportunities, and lessons learned. Besides the CEU-accredited stage designed by Goodrich, which was conceived as a talk show studio sculpted through color and graphics, BDNY also featured four Designed Spaces, a signature of the show, which partners leading design and brand teams with manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind lounges and stages on the show floor. Hotels crafted the Designed by Nature experience using sustainably sourced materials, layers of greenery, and neutral-hued furnishings. Imaginative Travel by Andaz, a collaboration between Hyatt and Host Hotels, designed by Otherworld Creative and Within Light Studio, delivered a luxe bar-at-sunset concept by balancing ethereal lighting and earthy textures to capture the very essence of a beachside escape. Rockwell Group used theatrical inspiration and subtly placed lighting to highlight iridescent fabric panels in darker, jewel tones to emulate a luxurious supper club vibe in the ChromaClub. And lastly, KTGY + Simeone Deary Design Group was inspired by the Year of the Rabbit for Down the Rabbit Hole, part bunny hutch, part secret garden, with a hint of a mad tea party, to evoke conversation and build community and camaraderie. In addition to presenting impressive designs, these spaces featured pop-up talks and food and drink throughout the two days. Please visit bdny.com/design-spaces to find out more about the Designed Spaces' design teams and sponsors. BDNY Meet, a platform for targeted connections between exhibitors and attendees, continued to serve as an important matchmaking tool both prior to and onsite at the trade fair. More than 3,700 attendees and exhibitors engaged with the matchmaking and meeting request tool, an increase of 17% compared to 2022. Boutique Design New York

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