CINCINNATI, OH—Educational content, learning sessions and accreditation opportunities are being offered at BDwest, Hospitality Media Group’s (HMG) newest trade fair entry. The event will be held April 4-5, 2013 at the San Diego Convention Center.
“We are proud to offer a high-caliber conference program, which includes a stellar speaker roster, multiple sessions that will keep attendees on, or ahead of, the trend as well as insights from owners and developers—and even some strong voices from the fashion industry,” Michelle Finn, President of HMG, said in a statement.
At BDwest, all education and conference sessions will take place on the trade show floor, providing attendees quick access to the sessions and making it easy for attendees to visit exhibitors and attend important sessions.
During the “Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality” panel discussion, some of hospitality’s women thought leaders will discuss their secrets of success, as well as their outlooks of what’s ahead for the industry and the challenges and opportunities of diversity in the workplace, and what will be the next hot design trend. Panelists include: Maki Nakamura Bara, president and co-founder, Chartres Lodging Group; Julie Frank, director of design, Le Meridian Hotels; Lori Horvath, VP, U.S. Project and Development Services, Jones Lang LaSalle; Rebecca Jones, founder and principal, RD Jones & Associates; Nancy Johnson, EVP, development, midscale brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Trisha Poole, president, Design Poole, Inc.; Lauren Rottet, founder and principal, Rottet Studio; Randy Rubin, co-owner, Crypton, Inc.; Lisa Simeone, a founder and principal, Simeone Deary Design Group; and Lisa Villareal, president, Lily Jack. The Women In Lodging (WIL) and NEWH are sponsoring this session.
The challenges of developing under-utilized and vacant spaces and the process involved in transforming them into beautiful resorts and entertainment destinations are discussed during “Chula Vista Bayfront: The Neighborhood of the Future.” This is a CEU course, pending accreditation. Attendees will get an insider’s view of the design opportunities and challenges involved in transforming 556 acres of under-utilized and vacant spaces in Chula and on Port tidelands (located just seven miles outside of San Diego) into a world-class destination with hotels, restaurants, entertainment, parks and an improved marina. This project is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the United States. Panelists will include Allison Rolfe, director of planning, Pacifica Companies; the real estate developer/investor for the project; and the local authorities involved in the master plan.
An industry favorite, the ISHP/BD Owners’ Grill session promises a lively discussion, which addresses the state of the hospitality industry, trends, growth opportunities and design from the owner’s perspectives. This panel will be moderated by Lori Patten, ISHP president and principal of Patten Purchasing, as well as Neil Locke, ISHP member and principal of Neil Locke & Associates.
Brand Central is a CEU course, pending accreditation, that will bring designers and operators from the world’s biggest hotel chain together to discuss the changing role of design in building brand identity. Panelists include: Tom Horwitz, SVP & partner, FRCH Design Worldwide; Dawn Koenig, VP, brand performance support, Homewood Suites by Hilton; Barbara Best-Santos, sr. associate/NW hospitality practice area leader, Gensler.
In a session led by Alan Benjamin, “Test Your Hospitality IQ,” hospitality professionals share their hospitality IQ in a jeopardy-like game setting. Attendees will be selected at random and paired with a panelist for cash prizes.
More session information is available on the BDwest website, boutiquedesignwest.com.