Debuting only last year, HI DESIGN, the 2nd annual business meetings forum for the hospitality interior design community which took place at the Intercontinental Berlin on 26- 28 April 2007, saw a 40% increase in the number of attending delegates.

“This leap in numbers has come as no surprise to us. HI DESIGN was borne out of demand. In this rapidly growing industry these unbelievably busy professionals need an efficient, yet quality, focused way to achieve their business needs,” remarked Jonathan Needs, Director of Atticus Events.

Facilitating over 800 official face-to-face private meetings for hoteliers, designers and suppliers from across Europe, Middle East and Africa, HI DESIGN provides the key players within the industry with an efficient system for business and communication. In fact, collated from the event’s feedback research, 97% of delegates agreed that HI DESIGN is a very effective platform for their business.

The key component of HI DESIGN’s unique format is the pre-arranged, individualised meeting schedule allowing for focused meetings between the buyer delegates - hoteliers, architects and interior designers - and their suppliers. In advance, all delegates are able to select and prioritise whom they wish to meet so the meetings are also very relevant to the individual’s business requirements.

Alongside the personalised meetings schedule is the Supplier Showcase and the exclusive yet relaxed social functions. The mix of formal meetings with more intimate, friendly networking opportunities mean delegates can really get to know each other both professionally and socially to forge stronger business relationships.

HI DESIGN also includes, as delegates describe, “a stimulating series of seminars” dedicated to issues pertinent to the audience. Presented by hotel consultant & journalist, Guy Dittrich, the programme featured a thorough overview of the state of the industry by James Chappell of the Bench, online data providers to the hotel industry; Gordon McKinnon, Executive Vice President for the Rezidor Hotel Group presenting on design across the group’s multiple brands; Lars Krueckeberg of Graft detailing their approach to hospitality, including Q! Hotel and the evolving development of their flowing architecture with folded planes and hybridisation of space and Shaun Clarkson depicting his move from star of the “Style Bar” in 90’s UK to the development of his ‘hometel’ concept with Cliff Barns in Norfolk.

Delegates were also able to actively participate in explorative discussions with panelists such as Jan Peter Bergkvist, Director Sustainability at Scandic, Jeremy Blake, Principal at Purcell Miller Tritton and Ralf Jeffrey, independent environmental business consultant on the environmental issues in the designing of alluring hospitality spaces and Carina Billetun, Spaus, Malcolm McDonald, Syntax, Clare West, Six Sense Spas, Peter Rietweld, Klafs and Peter Haslauer on the health of the spa industry.

“As increasing emphasis is placed on branding and quality design in this industry, it’s essential that time is found to regularly update on new products/technologies, debate issues and build relationships. Knowledge not only provides added value and can give competitive edge but should also ensure creative progress within the industry. HI DESIGN gives delegates the opportunity to do just this very effectively,” says James Burke, Director at Atticus Events.

As one designer delegate confirmed “HI DESIGN is a space to address the possibilities and issues that we are often too busy to give adequate time”.

HI DESIGN 2008 will be held on 13-15 March 2008 (venue to be announced shortly).

information from : www.hospitalitynet.org