HD Talks

HD Expo’s Finest

Posted by on May 16, 2013 in Events, Trends | 0 comments

Everyone’s first question this week has been, “So, is this your first time in Vegas?” For me, this year’s HD Expo is a first for many things: visiting Vegas, having to use a map in my hotel, and of course, for coming to HD Expo.

The booths have been just as amazing as the city, and so we’ve had a hard time narrowing down the best ones. Here is just a taste:

Best Newcomer Award

All the way from Hong Kong, Ricardo Lighting specializes in customized lighting from elaborate, five-story structures to intricate chandeliers. Booth #1477 showcases their work with an overhanging chandelier and a table setting of lighting fixtures.

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Judge’s Choice

Showing off their interior finishes, Tri-Kes transformed an old airstream into an chic hospitality area, complete with lounge seating and a bar. The outside of the airstream is set up like a campground, where attendees enter through panels of fabric. Continue reading →

The Ninth Annual HD Awards Are Here

Posted by on May 9, 2013 in Events | 0 comments

We’ve spent the past few months here at HD knee-deep in organizing the ninth annual HD Awards, taking place Wednesday, June 5, at the Grand Hyatt New York.

As project manager, I’m particularly excited for this magical evening, and hope you’ll join us in celebrating your colleagues’ outstanding achievements—followed by a lively, wine-fueled party afterwards, of course.

Get your tickets here: http://registration3.experientevent.com/ShowHDA132/

I look forward to meeting you next month! Continue reading →

Remembering Graham

Posted by on May 2, 2013 in Events | 0 comments

My heart still hurts. It has been ten days since we as an industry lost a great talent, Graham Downes, and I and many, a friend. I have sat down a few times to write this blog, but I think part of me still can’t believe he is gone. At 56 years old and so full of life, his time was cut way too short, and by such a senseless act of violence (he died from injuries sustained from an altercation with an employee at one of his house parties). Besides his contagious personality that could fill an entire room, as an ex rugby player, he was one of the strongest guys I knew.

I’ll never forget the first time I met Graham. We had featured one of his San Diego nightclubs and had talked via email but had never met in person. In 2004, he was coming to HD Expo (he was always a wonderful supporter of our events) so we set up a time to meet at the HD booth—day two of the show, 10 a.m. Continue reading →

Vegas: Here we go again!

Posted by on April 24, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

It’s amazing the difference a year can make.

This May will be my second trip to HD Expo, and I already feel like an old pro. While I haven’t exactly warmed to Las Vegas in general (although admittedly I do love the actual warmth of the place, and that delicious baking-in-an-oven feeling you get after about three minutes pool-side), I feel like I’m much more prepared for the riot of parties, meetings, and and talented people that I will come in contact with throughout the tradeshow. I’m looking forward to my HD Live interviews with the folks at Interface Hospitality and Durkan (did you catch our interviews from last year?) as well as a chance to walk the show floor and discover new products and trends. And I will be hanging out at the HD magazine booth on Wednesday morning, so please stop by and say hello.

What are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

What Happens in Vegas

Posted by on April 18, 2013 in Events

It’s that time of year again! HD Expo is right around the corner.

Among the many great happenings on and off the show floor, we have partnered with TAO and LAVO again to give you access—and complimentary drinks—to two of Vegas’ hottest nightclubs. Tuesday, May 14th, get complimentary admission and a one hour open bar from 11-midnight at LAVO; and Friday, May 17th, get the same treatment at TAO from 10:30-11:30 p.m. See you on the dance floor!

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  Continue reading →