BDNY puts a spotlight on thought-provoking design
(USA) – The conference for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry gathered nearly 13,000 designers, architects, brand executives, hoteliers, developers, purchasers, manufacturers, and other professionals from 47 countries at the Javits Center on November 13-14 to experience new products, engaging conversations, and strategic networking events.
BDNY returned strongly with a sold-out Kickoff Party on November 12 and continued with a noticeable increase in attendance. In comparison to 2021, that equated to a 65% increase in overall attendance, a 61% increase in qualified buyers, a 47% increase in exhibitors, as well as record-breaking gains in onsite registration over the past two shows—up 737% over 2021 and up 247% over 2019.
“It was an incredible few days in New York—from kicking off with a sold-out Platinum Circle Gala to seeing so many excited faces representing a who’s who of the industry on the show floor to ending with a packed house at the Gold Key Awards,” says Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, editor in chief of Hospitality Design magazine and SVP, Design Group at Emerald. “I think everyone walked away invigorated and inspired—I know I did.”
“The positive response we received from our exhibitors, attendees, and design partners has proven that business is back and better than ever this year. We are looking forward to continuing to expand our exposure and to deliver smart and targeted programming for the hospitality design community in 2023,” states Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President, Emerald Design Group.
Thousands of industry professionals explored new products from nearly 600 exhibitors and learned about the latest trends and issues in hospitality from sessions covering innovation in design, wellness and mindfulness, navigating inclusivity, and the future of hospitality. While sustainability in design has always been important, it became more central in both products and projects at this year’s BDNY. At the ReWild by Westin Designed Space, the environment was top of mind with abundant greenery and features like The Well, which contained a plastic-free source of water for visitors. At the booths, an emphasis on eco-friendly was pervasive from the recyclability of iSiMAR’s aluminium outdoor furniture to a line of textiles from Valley Forge Fabrics created from reclaimed and repurposed ocean plastic. Other trends that appeared throughout the exhibitor booths included a focus on 1970s-themed shapes and colours and curved silhouettes among chairs, sofas, and more.
Highlights of this year’s BDNY included the debut of its four signature Designed Spaces. Created by major interior and architecture teams, and hospitality companies, the spaces rely on products from BDNY exhibitors and sponsors as sources for inspiration, design, and concept. This year’s Designed Spaces included Revive by Element designed by The Society; ReWild by Westin designed by the EoA; Better-Verse by DLR Group; and Posta by WorldHotels Crafted Collection designed by EDG. In addition to presenting impressive designs, these spaces featured pop-up talks and food and drink throughout the two days.
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 3,000 attendees and exhibitors engaged with BDNY Meet by visiting matched profiles and sending meeting requests.
Spanning 14 categories for hospitality interiors, the Best of BDNY 2022 Product Design Competition and BDNY Best Exhibit Competition celebrate designers and manufacturers of products that demonstrate aesthetic progress, functionality, and innovation. This year’s Best Exhibit Competition winners were Mexa Diseño (Small), CM Hospitality (Medium), and Opiary (Large). Opiary also won the Best in Show award, and Arteriors won the Lighting category.
Preceding BDNY, the 33rd Annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, hosted by Hospitality Design magazine, took place on Friday, November 11 at Gotham Hall in New York, where seven hospitality leaders were honoured for their lifetime achievements: Ronnie Bray and Elisa Whaler, Bray Whaler; Ken Fulk, Ken Fulk Inc.; Neil Jacobs, Six Senses; Sheila Johnson, Salamander Hotels & Resorts; and Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres, Parker-Torres Design.
Closing out the week of events, BDNY hosted the annual Gold Key Awards celebration on Monday, November 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street, where winners in 24 project categories—from fine dining restaurant and resort to suite—were announced.
The next edition of BDNY will be held at Javits Center, November 12-13, 2023.
