(photo by PWP Studio)
Thousands Gather to Exhibit and Honor Hospitality’s Best
By Kerstan Szczepanski
This year was a good year for Boutique Design New York (BDNY). 2023 saw a 16% increase in attendance from 2022, with a 15% increase in qualified buyers and a 20% increase in exhibitors. Over 15,000 designers, architects, brand executives, hoteliers, developers, purchasers, manufacturers, sampled new products from 650 plus exhibitors. More than 30 sessions covered new ideas and the latest trends such 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.
With so many exhibitors BDNY provides work for many exhibit houses. One company is Illinois based Lighthouse Exhibits, for whom the show is very important.
Jacqueline Hake, President-Creative Director for Lighthouse Exhibits, says “BDNY is an important show for Lighthouse Exhibits. We work with multiple exhibitors to build their brand recognition and showcase their latest products. We are usually there for the entire week, to set up the show and attend the show. It’s the best show for identifying new trends and choosing beautiful materials for our other exhibit designs.”
Maddy Clary, Project Coordinator for Lighthouse Exhibits, waxes enthusiastic when asked about BDNY. “The detail that goes into each booth. Being able to see the process from an empty booth space to opening day is so fun! Each booth differs from the next one.”
Lighthouse worked with three exhibitors this year. Says Hake, “The Phillip Jeffries exhibit was a real show-stopper! The way they were able to highlight so many different wall coverings, prints, and textures, in one space, was truly remarkable and visually impactful. Their selection of natural, textured, and specialty wallcovering was able to be seen from across the hall.”
On another Lighthouse worked exhibit, Clary comments, “Currey & Company, each piece is it’s own and the way the lighting and accessories are displayed makes it fun to imagine it in your own space. I love the brightness of this booth. It’s super attention-grabbing and a showstopper!”
“Fabric Innovations appeared at the front of the exhibit hall with a gorgeous fall mural of Central Park used to backdrop their design-driven linens, bedding, and custom fabrics,” says Hake. She also had great news for this exhibitor. “They also took home an award for their window treatments!
Winners of this year’s Best of BDNY Product Design Competition include the following: ICON, WOW Design (Architectural Materials); The Park, Light Annex (Art & Accessories); NU, Roca Bathroom Products (Bath/Spa); Bellina, Cortina Leathers (Fabric); Outlander Collection, Daltile (Flooring); Hug Armchair, Parla (Furniture); Touchless Hand Sanitizer, Vaask (Health & Wellness); PushUp Pro Cordless Lamp, Zafferano America (Lighting); Elegante Veneers, Havwoods (Other); Obi, EXPORMIM (Outdoor); Bau, InSpec (Seating); Double, Elli S.R.L. (Sustainable); Between Rivers, Arte (Wallcoverings); and Universe Drapery Sheers, Fabric Innovations (Window Treatments).
Hospitality Design magazine hosted the 34th Annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala. Hospitality leaders honored were: Martin Brudnizki, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio; Ted Carroll, the Carroll Adams Group; Raul Leal, SH Hotels & Resorts; Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Flag Luxury; and Libby Sims Patrick, Sims Patrick Studio. NEWH CEO Shelia Lohmiller was also honored with the Manfred Steinfeld Humanitarian Award.
Winners of the sold-out Gold Key Awards can be found here.
Winners of BDNY Best Exhibit Competition included: Samuel & Sons Passementerie (Small), JACLO Industries (Medium), and Mittman Hospitality (Large). Mittman Hospitality also won the Best in Show award.
Design, inspiration, and excitement were all a part of BDNY. “You can walk around for hours and be in awe the whole time,” says Clary. Hake agrees, “As a designer, I am inspired by the companies and their products at this show.”
