Four returning Hosted Buyers set the tone for this year’s program as ambassadors

The highly anticipated HD Expo + Conference is poised to once again convene the brightest minds in hospitality design and development, with its revamped Hosted Buyer Program leading the charge. Scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in May, this year’s event will feature approximately 200 influential professionals, including high-volume project managers, designers, architects, purchasers, and brand leaders with significant purchasing authority. Setting a precedent for the caliber of engagement and expertise, four returning Hosted Buyers have been selected as ambassadors, offering a glimpse into their experiences and expectations for the 2026 iteration of the program.

The Hosted Buyer Program, relaunched in an expanded format in 2025, is meticulously designed to deliver an elevated and highly curated experience. It aims to foster purposeful engagement among decision-makers who are actively shaping the future of the hospitality industry. This strategic initiative by HD Expo + Conference ensures that participants are not merely attendees but active contributors and collaborators, driving innovation and defining industry standards. The program’s success is underscored by the return of key figures who have found significant value in its offerings, now serving to guide and inspire new participants.

This year’s ambassadors—María Adelaida Herrera and Miguel León Borda of Studio Crearq, Jessica Black of Firmdale Hotels, and Ricardo Moreno of Clear on Black—represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the global hospitality landscape. Their insights into the evolving trends, material innovations, and the overarching ethos of contemporary hospitality design offer a valuable preview of what attendees can anticipate at the forthcoming expo.

Echoes of Innovation: Lessons from HD Expo 2025

The foundation for this year’s program is built upon the successes and lessons learned from the previous year. The 2025 HD Expo provided a crucial platform for professionals to identify emerging trends and forge essential connections. For María Adelaida Herrera and Miguel León Borda, cofounders of Studio Crearq, their primary takeaway from HD Expo 2025 was the profound shift towards immersive and emotionally intelligent environments within the hospitality sector.

"It’s no longer just about aesthetics or materials," explained Miguel León Borda. "It’s about narrative, experience, and adaptability. We also noticed a clear shift toward flexible spaces that can transform throughout the day, and materials that balance durability with sensory richness. The future of hospitality design feels more layered, more intentional, and more experiential than ever." This sentiment highlights a move beyond superficial design to a more holistic approach that prioritizes guest well-being and engagement. The ability of spaces to adapt to different times of day and user needs, coupled with materials that offer both tactile appeal and resilience, signals a maturing understanding of what constitutes successful hospitality design.

María Adelaida Herrera further elaborated on this point, emphasizing the boundless potential for creativity within the industry when underpinned by a robust understanding of the supply chain. "There are truly no limits to creativity in hospitality, as long as you have a deep understanding of suppliers, materials, and technical specifications—exactly the kind of knowledge you gain at HD Expo," she stated. This underscores the practical, yet inspiring, nature of the expo, bridging the gap between creative vision and tangible execution.

Jessica Black, Director of Purchasing for Firmdale Hotels, found the expo’s atmosphere to be particularly impactful. "First and foremost, I was struck by how friendly and welcoming the show felt—it created a genuinely positive environment for engagement and meaningful conversation," she recalled. Beyond the interpersonal connections, Black identified a significant industry trend: "My biggest takeaway, however, was how deeply sustainability is now embedded within innovation. It’s no longer a side conversation—it’s shaping material choices, manufacturing processes, packaging, and long-term operational thinking." This observation is critical, as the hospitality industry faces increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to adopt more environmentally conscious practices. The integration of sustainability into the core of innovation suggests a move from mere compliance to proactive, design-led solutions.

Ricardo Moreno, a Senior Designer and Project Manager at Clear on Black, offered a pragmatic perspective on the expo’s format. "I liked having an HD Expo [experience that was] edited in terms of how many vendors there are," he commented. "It made the show much more walkable and meaningful." This focus on curated experiences and efficient navigation suggests an evolution in how trade shows are perceived and valued, prioritizing quality over sheer quantity of exhibitors.

Anticipating the Future: What’s on the Horizon for HD Expo 2026

As the industry gears up for the 2026 HD Expo, the ambassadors have specific areas of focus and keen anticipation for what the show floor will unveil.

Miguel León Borda and María Adelaida Herrera are keenly interested in a range of innovative offerings. "Lighting systems that enhance mood and storytelling," are high on their list, reflecting the growing importance of atmospheric design. They are also seeking "sustainable materials that don’t compromise on sophistication" and "outdoor furniture and terrace solutions," noting their recent work on several terrace concepts. The integration of technology is another key area: "Integrated technology that supports experience without feeling invasive." Their ideal partners are "brands that understand hospitality as a holistic narrative, not just product-driven design." For Herrera, the tactile aspect remains crucial: "Physical samples that we can bring back to our projects—woods, fabrics, tiles, stones, and a wide range of materials that allow us to experiment and specify with greater precision."

Jessica Black’s interests align with the ongoing push for responsible and guest-centric design. She is eager to see "the continued evolution of sustainable materials and circular design—particularly solutions that are not only beautiful but also commercially viable." Black also prioritizes products that "enhance the guest experience in subtle yet meaningful ways, whether through thoughtful design details, operational efficiencies, or elevated in-room touches." A significant aspect of her focus will be on "current and future U.S. manufacturing." This is driven by practical business considerations: "As a company operating across both the UK and New York, the realities of increased shipping costs and tariffs are an important consideration. Exploring locally manufactured solutions and understanding how brands are adapting to these challenges will be a key focus for me." This indicates a strategic imperative for supply chain resilience and economic viability in design sourcing.

Ricardo Moreno, true to his pragmatic approach, is looking forward to reconnecting with key industry figures. "I love to see my sales reps (who, let’s face it, are the backbone of our jobs)," he stated. His search for unique suppliers remains constant: "and I am always on the lookout for a onesie-twosies really great casegood and upholstery shop that we could do some amazing work together."

Defining Product Trends: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Hospitality

The conversations with the ambassadors reveal several overarching product trends that are shaping the hospitality design landscape.

Studio Crearq’s focus on textured, tactile surfaces that invite interaction points to a demand for sensory engagement. Their interest in "earth-driven palettes with deeper, warmer neutrals" and "modular and adaptable furniture systems" suggests a desire for comfort, flexibility, and naturalistic design. The emergence of "hybrid indoor-outdoor materials" and "subtle integration of acoustic solutions into architectural elements" further emphasizes the creation of multi-functional, serene, and acoustically considered spaces. "There’s a strong move toward sensory comfort, spaces that feel calm, grounded, and layered rather than overstimulating," León Borda observed. Contrasting this, Herrera also noted an appreciation for boldness: "Bold mixes, strong patterns, and the idea that ‘more is more’—layered compositions full of texture, character, and personality." This duality in trend observation—from calming neutrals to vibrant maximalism—highlights the industry’s capacity for diverse aesthetic expressions.

Jessica Black’s emphasis on sustainability and circular design is a critical trend. This encompasses not only the use of recycled or renewable materials but also the entire lifecycle of a product, from manufacturing to end-of-life disposal. Her interest in U.S. manufacturing also signals a potential trend towards reshoring or nearshoring of production to mitigate global supply chain disruptions and reduce environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping.

Ricardo Moreno’s focus on integrating technology in a visually unobtrusive manner points to a trend where functionality seamlessly blends with aesthetics. "Stylish ways to add technology into rooms and public spaces that doesn’t detract from the design and are approachable," is a key requirement. This suggests a move away from overtly tech-centric design towards intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the guest experience without dominating the design narrative.

Projects in Progress and Dream Destinations

The ambassadors’ current and aspirational projects offer further context to their industry insights. Studio Crearq’s work on projects like La Estrella in Panama City, Panama, showcases their commitment to creating vibrant and engaging hospitality spaces. Jessica Black, representing Firmdale Hotels, has been involved in projects such as the 9-11 Richmond Buildings office space in London, demonstrating their expertise in creating sophisticated and functional environments that transcend typical hotel design.

Ricardo Moreno is currently engaged in the remodeling of the Hyatt Centric Park City in Utah. This project provides a unique opportunity to revisit and refine a space they helped establish years ago. "We enjoy going back and seeing what worked and opportunities that have come up since the time it opened," Moreno shared, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to project lifecycle management and continuous improvement. His "dream project" is to collaborate with families owning smaller hotels on the West Coast beaches, suggesting a passion for intimate, location-specific hospitality experiences that capture the essence of coastal living.

The Strategic Importance of the Hosted Buyer Program

The HD Expo + Conference’s Hosted Buyer Program is more than just an event feature; it is a strategic pillar designed to foster meaningful business development and innovation. By bringing together approximately 200 carefully vetted professionals, the program ensures a high return on investment for both buyers and suppliers. The curated nature of the program, emphasizing purposeful engagement, allows for focused discussions and the formation of valuable partnerships.

The expansion of the program in 2025 and the continued commitment to its curated format for 2026 reflect an industry-wide recognition of the need for efficient and impactful networking opportunities. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, evolving consumer expectations, and increasing environmental consciousness, platforms like HD Expo are vital for disseminating knowledge, showcasing cutting-edge solutions, and driving the industry forward.

The selection of returning Hosted Buyers as ambassadors for the 2026 program is a testament to the program’s enduring value. Their willingness to share their experiences and expectations not only provides invaluable insights for prospective participants but also reinforces the HD Expo’s position as a premier destination for professionals seeking to connect, learn, and shape the future of hospitality design. As May approaches, the industry eagerly awaits the innovations, connections, and inspiration that will undoubtedly emerge from this dynamic gathering in Las Vegas.

To participate in this pivotal industry event, registration for HD Expo + Conference 2026 is now open. Professionals are encouraged to secure their place to experience firsthand the trends, products, and networking opportunities that will define the next era of hospitality.