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HOTEL VAN ZANDT, AUSTINOCT 20-21, 2025

HD NextGen Forum, presented by Hospitality Design magazine, is an invitation-only conference that blends education, inspiration, business, and networking for the next generation of hospitality design leaders. From inspirational keynotes to the influential leaders of the Owners’ Roundtable, our speakers lineup is sure to motivate and educate.

At the event, HD also annually presents the Wave of the Future awards—an honor reserved for designers, architects, owners, and brand executives who we think are young enough to be considered visionary, but tested enough to be considered accomplished. In addition to a spotlight in the magazine, honorees share their experience during an exclusive panel discussion.

Editorial Contacts:

Caitlin St John
Senior Digital Editor
caitlin.stjohn@emeraldx.com

Stephanie Chen
Senior Editor
stephanie.chen@emeraldx.com

Sponsorship Inquiries:

Paul Bienkowski
Publisher, Hospitality Design magazine + Key Accounts
paul.bienkowski@emeraldx.com
860.655.3134

Liliana Connolly
Key Accounts + New England, GA, FL + Midwest
liliana.connolly@emeraldx.com
781.492.1509

Neil Hochman
Key Accounts + NY-NJ-PA-DE-MD-DC-VA-NC-SC
liliana.connolly@emeraldx.com
917.434.5663

Sponsorship Inquiries:

Keisha Byrd
Vice President & Brand Director, Hospitality Design Group
keisha.byrd@emeraldx.com

513.260.3106

Kevin Gaffney, CEM

Senior Vice President & General Manager
kevin.gaffney@emeraldx.com
770.291.5446