(USA) —BDNY, one of the leading trade fairs and conferences for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry, gathered nearly 15,000 at the Javits Center November 12-13 to experience new products, engaging conversations, and strategic networking events.

The show saw a 16% increase in overall attendance, a 15% increase in qualified buyers, and a 20% increase in exhibitors since 2022. More than 650 exhibiting companies participated, which included a greater international presence with more companies exhibiting from Spain and Italy, plus new pavilions from Portugal and Ukraine.

The successful talks programme featured 30 sessions covering such top-of-mind topics as biophilia in design, what’s new in F&B, state of the industry from owners and brands, how to nurture diversity in the industry, and the impact of AI on design. The fair also featured the annual Women Leaders in Hospitality breakfast, held in conjunction with NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), where female executives representing all facets of the industry shared their journeys, today’s challenges and opportunities, and lessons learned.

BDNY featured four Designed Spaces, which partners leading design and brand teams with manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind lounges and stages on the show floor. These included brands such as Rockwell Group who used theatrical inspiration and subtly placed lighting from Lusive to highlight iridescent fabric panels in darker, jewel tones to emulate a luxury supper club in the ChromaClub. The spaces also featured pop-up talks and food and drink throughout the two days.

The BDNY Meet, a networking platform between exhibitors and attendees, also met an increase of 17% compared to 2022 with more than 3,700 attendees and exhibitors engaged in the event. This continued to serve as an important matchmaking tool both prior to and onsite at the trade fair.

The Best of BDNY 2023 Product Design Competition and BDNY Best Exhibit Competition winners were announced during the show. Chosen by two panels of industry experts, product winners and finalists were chosen across 14 categories for their aesthetic progress, functionality, and innovation; while best exhibit honorees in four categories earned nods for visual impact, effective and efficient use of materials, and use of space, colour, texture, lighting, and graphics. Best of BDNY Product Design Competition winners were split between décor and accessory winners, and the winners of the lighting category was Up Pro Cordless Lamp by Zafferano America.

Closing out the week of events, BDNY hosted the sold-out Gold Key Awards celebration on Monday, November 13 at Cipriani 42nd Street. 550 guests gathered to hear who took home top honours in 22 project categories, as well as the coveted Judges’ So Cool award, and fête the Design Firm and Hotelier of the Year.

Keisha Byrd, Brand Leader at BDNY, said: “The energy at BDNY this year was electric. Starting with an impressive turnout of more than 400 industry leaders at the Platinum Circle Gala, followed by a who’s who of the industry on the trade fair floor, and ending with a sold-out Gold Key Awards, BDNY proved to be the premier destination for inspiration. It continues to be the pivotal platform that honours and elevates the products, projects, and personalities shaping the hospitality industry.”

Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President, Emerald Design Group says: “Following the success of another year and the positive response we received from exhibitors, attendees, and our design partners, we eagerly look forward to planning for 2024 and are committed to bringing the best of boutique design to New York.”

The next edition of BDNY will be held at Javits Center, November 10-11, 2024 www.bdny.com