The Boutique Design New York (BDNY) tradeshow and conference held at the Javits Center on November 12-13, 2023, marked a successful return for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry. With over 15,000 professionals attending, BDNY 2023 demonstrated the industry’s resilience and growth. The event boasted a 16 per cent increase in overall attendance, a 15 per cent rise in qualified buyers, and a remarkable 20 per cent increase in exhibitors compared to 2022.
A Global Gathering for Industry Leaders
The Boutique Design New York show 2023 attracted designers, architects, brand executives, hoteliers, developers, purchasers, and manufacturers. Over 650 exhibitors showcased their products for those seeking the latest trends and innovations in hospitality.
Several FreemanKelley clients were among the 650 exhibitors at BDNY 2023:
Aesthetic Mirror showcased innovative mirrors designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of hospitality spaces. Their mirrors blend functionality with artistic design, creating a unique and immersive experience for guests.
Daniel Paul Chairs, in collaboration with DVP Fabrics, presented a collection of chairs that seamlessly combined comfort and style. The use of high-quality fabrics added a touch of luxury to the seating solutions.
Hollywood Bed Frame Company featured innovative bed frame designs that catered to the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. Their products focus on durability, aesthetics, and customizable options for hoteliers.
Serta Hospitality exhibited premium mattresses designed specifically for the comfort and well-being of hotel guests. The mattresses showcased the latest innovations in sleep technology, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay.
Simply Tables impressed attendees with their stylish table solutions. Creating beautiful, durable tables delivered on time, their products offer a perfect blend of form and function for various hospitality settings.
The conference also featured more than 30 sessions covering diverse topics such as biophilia in design, F&B trends, industry insights from owners and brands, diversity in the industry, and the impact of AI on design. BDNY 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.
BDNY is renowned for its Designed Spaces, where leading design and brand teams partner with manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind lounges and stages on the show floor. Four unique installations captivated this year’s attendees:
- Designed by Nature (1 Hotels): Utilizing sustainably sourced materials, layers of greenery, and neutral-hued furnishings, 1 Hotels created an immersive experience inspired by nature.
- Imaginative Travel (Andaz): A collaboration between Hyatt and Host Hotels, this space, designed by Otherworld Creative and Within Light Studio, transported visitors to a luxurious beachside bar-at-sunset concept.
- ChromaClub (Rockwell Group): Rockwell Group drew inspiration from theatrical elements, using subtly placed lighting to highlight iridescent fabric panels in darker jewel tones, creating a luxurious supper club vibe.
- Down the Rabbit Hole (KTGY + Simeone Deary Design Group): Inspired by the Year of the Rabbit, this space combined elements of a bunny hutch, a secret garden, and a hint of a mad tea party, fostering conversation and community.
Keisha Byrd, Brand Leader at BDNY, expressed, “The energy at BDNY this year was absolutely electric. 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.”
Recognizing Excellence with the Best of BDNY Awards:
One of the highlights of The Boutique Design New York show was the recognition of outstanding achievements in the Best of BDNY Product Design Competition and the BDNY Best Exhibit Competition. These awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in various categories.
Best Exhibit Competition Winners:
- Samuel & Sons Passementerie (Small)
- JACLO Industries (Medium)
- Mittman Hospitality (Large)
Mittman Hospitality also earned the prestigious Best in Show award.
The Best of BDNY Product Design Competition recognized outstanding products across various categories:
- ICON by WOW Design won in Architectural Materials.
- The Park by Light Annex was honored in the Art & Accessories category.
- NU by Roca Bathroom Products secured the top spot in the Bath/Spa category.
- Bellina by Cortina Leathers received recognition in the Fabric category.
- Outlander Collection by Daltile was the winner in Flooring.
- Hug Armchair by Parla stood out in the Furniture category.
- Touchless Hand Sanitizer by Vaask won in Health & Wellness.
- PushUp Pro Cordless Lamp by Zafferano America was recognized in Lighting.
- Elegante Veneers by Havwoods earned top marks in the Other category.
- Obi by EXPORMIM took the lead in Outdoor products.
- Bau by InSpec was the winner in Seating.
- Double by Elli S.R.L. was honored in the Sustainable category.
- Between Rivers by Arte stood out in Wallcoverings.
- Universe Drapery Sheers by Fabric Innovations excelled in Window Treatments.
Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design:
The 43rd Annual Gold Key Awards recognized outstanding achievements in hospitality design across 22 categories. Notable winners included:
- Sendero for Eco-Conscious Hotel.
- The Darwin Hotel, Atlanta, for Lobby Focused Service.
- High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff, Arizona, for Lobby Midscale.
- The Manchester, Lexington, Kentucky, for Lobby Upscale.
- Capella Sydney, Australia, for Lobby Luxury.
- Mello, Holmes Beach, Florida, for Guestroom Focused Service.
- Wayfinder Waikiki, Honolulu, for Guestroom Midscale.
- The Manchester, Lexington, Kentucky, for Guestroom Upscale.
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Turkey, for Guestroom Luxury.
- The Darwin Hotel, Atlanta, for Hotel Focused Service.
- Moxy NYC Lower East Side for Hotel Midscale.
- The Manchester, Lexington, Kentucky, for Hotel Upscale.
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, for Hotel Luxury.
- Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for Suites.
- The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico, for Resort.
- Coterie Hudson Yards, New York, for Senior Living.
- Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for Wellness.
- Florattica, London, for Nightclub/Lounge.
- Darling Jack’s Tavern, Philadelphia, for Restaurant Casual.
- Daphne, Toronto, for Restaurant Fine Dining.
- Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming, and AutoCamp Catskills, Saugerties, New York, tied for Specialty Design.
- Blind Tiger earned the Emerging Hotel Concept award.
- The Judges’ So Cool award went to the eight-foot spherical orb by Serkan Özkaya installed in the lobby of the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis.
Looking Ahead to BDNY 2024
BDNY continues to grow and remains a key event for industry professionals to connect, explore, and celebrate the outstanding contributions that shape the future of hospitality design.
Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President Emerald Design Group, stated, “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.”
With the tremendous success of BDNY 2023, anticipation is already building for next year’s trade show and conference, scheduled to take place at the Javits Center on November 10-11, 2024. BDNY promises another immersive experience for the global hospitality design community and an opportunity to showcase innovative products and award-winning designs that create unforgettable guest experiences.
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Images courtesy of PWP Studio