Introducing HD Expo + Conference’s Inaugural Curators

Why It Matters

By centralizing top design and operational talent, the Curators aim to accelerate knowledge sharing and address skill shortages across hospitality design, enhancing project outcomes and industry innovation.

Key Takeaways

• 16 leaders selected from design, development, operations sectors.
• Curators will shape HD Expo’s 2026 education curriculum.
• Event scheduled May 5‑7, 2026, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
• Registration opened, targeting global hospitality professionals.
• Initiative addresses industry knowledge gaps and collaboration.

Pulse Analysis

The Hospitality Design (HD) Expo + Conference has long been a cornerstone for professionals seeking the latest trends in hotel and resort design. This year, the organizers are elevating the event’s educational track by introducing a dedicated panel known as the Curators. Unlike traditional speaker line‑ups, the Curators are a hand‑picked committee of senior designers, developers, owners and operators who meet regularly to diagnose the sector’s most pressing challenges. Their mandate is to translate real‑world project pressures into actionable sessions that resonate with both emerging talent and seasoned executives.

The inaugural Curators roster reads like a who’s‑who of hospitality design leadership. Names such as Heather Ciszczon of CoralTree Hospitality, Mark Eacott from Ennismore, and Gensler’s Lori Mukoyama bring deep project experience, while industry voices like Alison Medina of Hospitality Design and Alissa Ponchione add editorial insight. By spanning design, brand strategy, procurement and construction, the group captures the full project lifecycle. Their collective input will shape the 2026 curriculum, ensuring workshops address knowledge gaps in sustainability, technology integration, and guest‑centric design.

For attendees, the Curators promise a more targeted learning experience that aligns with current market demands. The May 5‑7, 2026 conference at Mandalay Bay will feature sessions curated around the panel’s recommendations, offering networking opportunities with the very leaders shaping the agenda. As hospitality firms grapple with labor shortages and rapid digital transformation, this collaborative education model could accelerate best‑practice adoption and reduce project risk. Registrants can expect a blend of case studies, interactive labs, and forward‑looking panels that equip them to drive profitable, resilient design outcomes.