HENRI ROELINGS
Founder & CEOHospitality Net
Henri Roelings began his career in hospitality well before the internet era, but it was the digital revolution that ultimately defined his path. In 1994, he founded Hospitality Net in the Netherlands, the first platform of its kind to bring B2B hospitality news online. Since then, he has played a key role in launching initiatives such as WIWIH, PineappleSearch, and the HOTEL Yearbook.
Throughout his career, Henri has connected with influential leaders across the industry and contributed to advisory boards including International Hotel & Restaurant Association and Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’s HITEC, both in Europe and the United States. He was inducted into HITEC Hall of Fame and recognized by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International as one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing.”
A graduate of EHL Hospitality Business School (Class of 1987), Henri has built his career at the intersection of hospitality and digital innovation, a space that continues to evolve and inspire his work.
John duffield
Innovation & FuturesSignal Two
John Duffield is a health and hospitality futurist, innovation strategist, and speaker exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping human experience. A former ad agency leader and founder, he has advised organizations including Novartis, Hilton, Boeing, Starbucks, and PepsiCo on AI, digital transformation, and experience design. A 2x open-heart surgery survivor, he brings rare lived insight into how environments, systems, and design shape human wellbeing during moments that matter. He helps healthcare organizations and hospitality leaders design more human, responsive experiences that leave people better than they arrived. John was a recent guest on Dan Ryan's Defining Hospitality podcast, where he explored the bridge between health and hospitality in an episode titled 'The Future of Hospitality Is Intelligent Tech'. Find him at TheJohnDuffield.com
robert gilbreath
ExecutiveRIVUR
Robert has spent his career building and optimizing SaaS platforms that reduce manual work and improve operational clarity. At Rivur, he applies that experience to project financial management, helping teams replace disconnected processes with streamlined controls, compliance, and reporting. He enjoys working with builders who turn messy workflows into simple, scalable products.
Jessica Brams-Miller
Design Systems LeadRAMSA
Jessica Brams-Miller is a design technology leader with over 18 years of experience in architectural practice. She specializes in BIM strategy, visualization, computational design, and the adoption of emerging tools, with a particular passion for connecting technology decisions to the way designers actually think and work. She has built and led digital transformation programs across several award-winning firms, shaping everything from tool adoption to AI policy to firmwide culture around technology.
Jessica currently serves as Design Systems Lead at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, where she heads a team of design technology managers and specialists. Her team guides firmwide workflows across 3D modeling, visualization, knowledge and model management, next-generation BIM platforms, computational design, and AI. She also drives firmwide education programs and the strategic vision behind RAMSA's design technology efforts.
Her project experience spans institutional work at Columbia University, the American Museum of Natural History, and Cornell University, as well as luxury hospitality and residential projects ranging from single-family residences to high-rise developments to 100+ acre Caribbean golf resorts. Her work has been recognized by the Philadelphia Community Design Collaborative, AIA Philadelphia, and the New York Building Congress, and covered in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She has taught digital design workshops at Lehigh University and spoken at Columbia GSAPP and Autodesk University.
Jessica holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Vocal Performance from Lehigh University. Outside the office, she's a classical singer, enthusiastic Lego builder, and the devoted human to a very fluffy dog.
T.Jack Bagby IV
PrincipalCooper Carry
Inspired by his love of travel and having worked in the hospitality industry, T.Jack understands the end-users' perspectives. He is driven by the opportunity to craft both the guest and employee experiences. He believes that excellent hospitality design is alluring and memorable.
T.Jack has worked on a diverse collection of project types from mixed-use to performance spaces, master planning to retail. His experience has honed his skills in delivering complex projects incorporating great design while striving to exceed client expectations. He is sough out for his attention to detail, collaborative approach, and client service.
Some of his notable projects include the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Charlotte, the Plaza Hotel at Pioneer Park in El Paso, and the Grand Bohemian Lodge in Greenville.
Christina Zimmer
Senior Vice President of Design and DevelopmentNewbond Holdings
Christina Zimmer is a Senior Vice President of Design and Development at Newbond Holdings. She began her career in hospitality on the design side at Stonehill Taylor, an architecture and design firm, where she led dozens of large, complex hotel redevelopment projects. Since transitioning to the ownership side, she has managed the development process from concept to completion for both independent and branded hotels.
Before joining Newbond, Christina was a key member of Highgate’s Design and Construction team, where she led the development of several iconic projects, most notably The Newbury Hotel Boston, one of that city’s most preeminent hotel properties. Prior to this role, Christina was Senior Vice President of Design & Construction at Ian Schrager Company, contributing to acclaimed projects such as Public New York and Edition West Hollywood.
Christina has served on many world-renowned design juries within the hospitality industry and is currently a judge for Radical Innovation. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University.
RIKA LISSLO
Vice President, Lifestyle & Residential Development U.S. & CanadaHilton
UBS - Fourth Floor Fellow - Hyatt Global Wellbeing Council Member - International Luxury Hotel Association Board Member - Culinary Institute of America - Society of Fellows Board Member
Ms. Lisslö, as Vice President of Hyatt Americas Development team, is responsible for origination, portfolio growth, development, brand partnership, and identifying new business opportunities. She oversees growth of Hyatt’s Lifestyle, Wellness, Luxury & Collection brands: Thompson, AlilA, Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Destination, Unbound, and JDV.
Ms. Lisslö has broad-based development expertise and a proven track record of success in mixed-use development; leasing, capital markets, investments, sales, brand building, F&B, luxury retail and entertainment. In addition, she maintains high client and capital partner relationships across multiple industry disciplines. She’s an accomplished deal maker who’s skilled in market research, sight selection, negotiation, and transaction execution (+1bn)
Ms. Lisslö is heavily involved in project start-up strategies within Prop/Fin/Hospitality-Tech and Luxury Fashion. Her unique profile and adaptability position her well for companies looking to grow through strategic relationships and corporate partnerships. A UBS -Fourth Floor Startup Fellow - with the mission to diversify board representation.
CBS Host - Hotels by Design.
Urban Arts board member
Nordic International Film Festival board member
glenn nowak
Associate ProfessorUNLV School of Architecture | AERO AI
Glenn NP Nowak, Associate Professor of Architecture, is the founder and coordinator of the Hospitality Design (HD) Concentration at the UNLV School of Architecture. Since the HD Studio’s inception in the fall of 2010, the entertainment capital of the world has become an extension of the academic studio for students interested in collaborative explorations in design research with leaders in the hospitality industry. Additionally, Glenn serves as the graduate coordinator of the M. Arch program and serves on the board of The AIA Las Vegas Chapter and other non-profit organizations. His work and design research often involves community-integrated projects that focus on social, environmental, and economic sustainability. He earned his Master of Architecture from Cornell University and his Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Ball State. He is a licensed architect in Nevada
Staci patton
Senior Director, Global Full Service Brand DesignHilton
Staci heads Hiltons’ Global Full Service Brand Design team, globally leading design strategy development for brands Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree Hotels, Signia by Hilton, Apartment Collection by Hilton, and emerging full-service Brands. In this role, Staci leads her team shaping brand design narratives, developing category tools and packages, and collaborates with Regional AD&C teams and leaders across the globe on strategic projects. This involves curating insights from hospitality, residential, third-spaces, and cultural design movements to inform forward-looking concepts that anticipate guest needs, inspire development partners, and reinforce Hilton’s reputation for design leadership across the Full Service portfolio.
As a natural storyteller, an award-winning hospitality designer, and industry thought leader Staci has a unique talent to unite others around a vision. Staci’s work for top hoteliers and lifestyle leaders has been featured by Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Metropolis, Dwell, Hospitality Design, Boutique Design, Interior Design Magazine, Inspired Design, and AWA Accidently Wes Anderson. She has been a contributor to the CBS primetime television program Hotels ByDesign TV and has appeared on ‘No Vacancy’ and ‘Defining Hospitality’ podcasts. Recently Staci was honored by Hospitality Design’s 2024 ‘Women in Design’ Award highlighting leaders for their inspirational achievements who have helped shape the industry, and prior won “Designer of the Year” by Boutique Design magazine while at DLR Group leading the Hospitality Design Studio.
AMY DEVERS
Co-Founder, Executive Producer and HostClever with Amy Devers
Amy Devers is an award-winning podcaster, television personality, designer, fabricator, media producer, and educator.
Currently, Devers is the Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of Clever with Amy Devers, an award-winning independent podcast that features candid conversations with the visionaries, culture-makers, and creative forces that shape our world and inform our society.
She is also the Founder and Principal of Devers Endeavors, a media studio and consultancy specializing in design-related storytelling, creative strategy, and strategic partnerships. Devers Endeavors produces podcasts, videos, and live programming, including Clever with Amy Devers, Clever Confidential, and Emerging Designers Spotlight Live, a live talent showcase produced in collaboration with ICFF.
At RISD, Devers teaches in the Furniture Design department and works with Academic and Creative Partnerships as a Development Producer & Creative Strategist. An active member of the global design community, Devers is also a frequent keynote speaker, moderator, design juror, and guest critic.
In her past work, Devers gained recognition on television, contributing to Emmy-winning programming and hosting several series focused on international design, architecture, original furniture design & build, home improvement, culture, and food, on networks such as DIY, Ovation, A&E, TLC, OWN and PBS.
Devers earned her BA in Furniture Design from SDSU, her MFA in Furniture Design from RISD, and has an extensive background as an independent designer/fabricator of furniture, interiors, and fine art.
James Woods
With more than 25-years of experience in real estate, finance and hospitality, James' career has been focused on the ownership, development and management of complicated, operationally insensitive assets. He is currently focused on investments in investing in real estate, hospitality assets, and related businesses.
Most recently, James was as senior member of the executive team at WeWork Capital Advisors (WeCap), an SEC-registered real estate investment manager with approximately $3 billion of assets under management at its peak. While at WeCap, James had responsibility for investing in real estate on behalf of the company and its investors in WeCap-managed vehicles, asset management of a diverse portfolio of office, retail and land/redevelopment assets, and portfolio management with a focus on macro-level risk mitigation. Prior to the formation of WeCap, James was responsible for the development and expansion of WeWork's short-term, serviced residential offering, WeLive.
James has been an investor and operator of a diversified group of properties and properties across most asset classes and many markets. Prior to joining WeWork in January 2017, James spent nearly five years as President and COO of Dayglo Ventures, a private-equity backed company focused primarily on out-of-home live entertainment and hospitality. James was prior a senior partner in Dallas-based real estate private equity firm, Hayman Woods, where he focused on investments in residential and lifestyle properties as well as in the hospitality sector through its affiliate, Keen Partners.
A graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business, Woods began his career as a member of the acquisitions team at DLJ Merchant Banking's real estate fund, DLJ RECP. In 2002, he joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he managed the creation and launch of both the Aloft and Element brands and prior was charged with the expansion of the W hotels, including the brand's expansion into branded residential.
Mark Friesen
PrincipalBeyer Brown & Associates
Mark Friesen is Principal and Co-Owner of Beyer Brown & Associates, a firm that has helped define and advance hospitality procurement across North America and internationally for more than four decades.
Mark is widely recognized for his ability to navigate the evolving complexities of hospitality development—bringing clarity, structure, and strategic direction to an increasingly fragmented and fast-moving industry. His leadership has shaped how procurement integrates with design, ownership, and brand standards, ensuring alignment across stakeholders while maintaining discipline around execution, cost, and timelines.
With oversight of billions in FF&E purchasing, Mark has developed a reputation for anticipating challenges before they emerge and guiding teams through them with precision and consistency. He has played a key role in elevating procurement from a transactional function to a strategic pillar within hotel development—driving better outcomes through process, accountability, and long-term thinking.
At Beyer Brown, Mark has fostered a culture grounded in service and partnership—principles that continue to define the firm’s role as a trusted leader in the industry. His perspective is informed by decades of experience across market cycles, enabling him to provide steady, pragmatic leadership in both stable and rapidly changing environments.
Damien Perrot
Global Chief Design, Technical Services and Innovation Officer - Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy brandsAfter graduating from Vatel Hospitality School, Damien Perrot joined Accor in 1998 as IT Project manager for the Wagon-Lits Company. He was then appointed Project manager in the Procurement Department.
From 2000 to 2012, he successfully occupied various positions within the Hotels Equipment Services: asIT Project leader first, then as Department Director before being appointed Design & Technical Services Communication Director in 2009. In 2013, he joined the ibis Family teams as Technical Vice-President for Europe.
From 2014 to 2022, Damien led the Group Global Design department and from 2021 the Innovation Lab as well. As of January 2023, he oversees the Global Design, Technical Services and Innovation for Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor.
Damien’s major challenge today is to define and deploy the Design and Innovation strategy for the Premium, Midscale & Economy brands. He also ensures to reinforce the brand equity and brand identity, bringing his team and the group strategy beyond hospitality traditional borders in terms of design, technical services and innovation. Always respecting operational obligations, the department Damien leads is increasingly looking for creativity to build experiences and arouse emotions, while also increasing the performance for our investors.
John Edelman
President, North & South America, Creative DirectorHaworth Lifestyle, Heller Furniture
John Edelman is a globally recognized executive with over 30 years of experience in C-Suite and ownership positions across the design industry. Spending 14 years at Edelman Leather, including six as President & CEO, his leadership approach has consistently been defined by principles of authenticity and “doing well by doing good”. He re-envisioned the company and soon established his family’s namesake brand into a global trademark by expanding into four luxury lifestyle categories before facilitating its sale to Knoll, Inc in 2007. In 2010, he purchased Design Within Reach and revitalized the retailer into the world leader in authentic modern design by eliminating knockoffs, repairing vendor relationships, re-training sales teams, adding trade and contract divisions, expanding Product Development, and opening new DWR Studios. In 2014, Herman Miller, Inc. purchased DWR and Edelman stayed on as CEO of both DWR and Herman Miller Consumer Group before departing in 2019. In 2022, Edelman purchased and became CEO & President of Heller, while simultaneously sitting on the Chilewich Board of Directors, as well as the Executive Chairman of Crypton Fabrics. Edelman served on the Board of Trustees for DIFFA and currently serves on the Board of Design Leadership Network, is on the Board of Trustees at the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) and is currently the President of Be Original Americas. In May 2022, Edelman was awarded an honorary doctorate from NYSID and in 2023, received the Larry Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award from NYSID.
CLAUDE AMAR
Managing DirectorThe Hardy Group Int.
Claude Amar joined The Hardy Group in 2002 as Managing Director of a joint venture between The Hardy Group and The Square Group, based in Paris, and is responsible for The Hardy Group’s international operations and development. Amar earned his Baccalaureate in Mathematics with honors from the University of Nice, France and a PhD in Architecture from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Amar’s vast professional experience includes 15 years with the IH Group, working as the Director of Development, responsible for projects and developments in Europe and Asia, notably the Meridien Hotels and Resorts in Saigon and Hanoi, Vietnam. From 1990-2000, IH Group was the majority shareholder (65%) of AmanResorts and spearheaded the company’s expansion alongside its President, Adrian Zecha. In addition, during this time Amar was responsible for the design, project management, construction and construction financing of L’Ermitage, Beverly Hills, CA, a $66 million renovation. Amar has also worked as Managing Director and General Manager of the Kaufmann Group and Pel Europ, both international trading houses; as the Director of Architecture for the 5-star hotel chain, Nova Park International of Paris and Zurich; as Technical Director with Sodefra, Paris, a financial and industrial group specializing in international hotel development; as Project Manager for William B. Tabler Architects in New York City and as Project Leader at Ivan Katarincek Architects, Paris. Amar is a mediator, certified by the IMI (International Mediation Institute) and accredited in France and, as such, has expertise in dispute resolution.
John hardy
Chairman and FounderThe Hardy Group
John R. Hardy founded The Hardy Group in 1992. Prior to the formation of The Hardy Group, he was the Group Vice President of Architecture and Construction for Interstate Hotels Corporation. During his tenure, Hardy was instrumental as a principal in the development, design and construction of 14 first-class full-service hotels and the renovation of various types of hotels nationally. Hardy was also a principal in the architectural firm of Golemon & Rolfe Associates, Inc., Houston, and was associated early in his career with William B. Tabler Architects, New York City.
Hardy is a 1973 graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and received a Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College in New York City in 1976. He is a Registered Architect in multiple states, and a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the Project Management Institute, the American Institute of Architects, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association, and the Urban Land Institute. Hardy has been a guest lecturer at Cornell University Hotel School, the University of Illinois, the Savannah College of Art and Design, the UCLA Investment Conference, the Hotel Investment Conference, the Lodging Conference, the New Americas Lodging Investment Summit, the HD Summit, HD Expo and HD Boutique conferences and various other industry conferences.Hardy has also been published and quoted in industry-related articles in the national, regional, and local media.
simon turner
Managing DirectorAlpha Lodging Partners
Simon Turner has held diverse leadership roles covering numerous facets of the hotel sector including senior executive and board oversight of public and private hospitality enterprises. He has extensive global strategic and transactional experience related to complex property assets, brands, and operating businesses. His experience has also included advisory assignments, asset management, capital-raising, loan restructuring, M&A, and expert witness testimony. His current advisory activities include providing investment and strategic advisory services to a broad spectrum of hospitality sector companies and investors. He has also invested in and is an advisor to early stage companies in the hotel technology and alternative/experiential lodging space. He was previously President, Global Development for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. His prior experience includes: Principal, Hotel Capital Advisers, Inc., a hotel investment advisory firm overseeing both hotel brands (Four Seasons and Fairmont) and property investments in North America and Europe; hotel sector investment banker at Salomon Brothers based in both New York and London; Manager, Pannell Kerr Forster, an international hotel and tourism consulting firm; and Operations Analyst in Saudi Arabia for Gustar Hoteliers, a Swiss-based hotel management and marketing company.He previously served on the boards of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: FS), Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and ClubCorp Holdings (NYSE:MYCC). Turner was an elected Trustee of the Urban Land Institute and past member of the Real Estate Roundtable. He is currently a board member of Carey Watermark Investors I, a non-traded lodging REIT, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor at NYU’s hospitality program.
LARRY TRAXLER
SVP Global Head - Architecture & DesignHilton Hotels
Over the last 14 years, Larry and his talented team of global design professionals have worked closely with developers, owners, operators, architects, and designers to ensure that the brand ethos and unique style of Hilton’s nearly 7,600 properties around the world are attained. They also actively spearhead the design strategy and rollout for Hilton’s newest brand launches and innovative partnerships.
Larry and his team lead Hilton’s partnership with Voyager Space, a global leader in exploration, positioning Hilton as the official hotel partner of Starlab, Voyager’s planned free-flying commercial space station. The partnership demonstrates Hilton’s industry-leading expertise in creative and efficient design solutions, showing both astronauts and space tourists that it matters where you stay.
Prior to joining Hilton in 2009, Larry was Vice President, Design & Architecture at Hyatt Hotels. With more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience, his international design expertise spans from early career positions with Jordan Mozer & Associates to his role in Singapore as Design & Managing Director for world-renowned Hirsch Bedner Associates. Throughout Larry’s career, he has also held design leadership positions at award-winning studios and hoteliers, including Wilson Associates and Ian Schrager Hotels.
Larry holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.
STACY SHOEMAKER RAUEN
Co-FounderStay and Gather
As a design editor for more than 20 years, Stacy Shoemaker Rauen has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly across all facets of hospitality. This expert brand builder and passionate community connector was formerly the driving force behind Hospitality Design magazine, its website, podcast, and events.
She is a master curator, from finding the right content to bringing together the right mix of people and layering in all the right details. As a result, she has made countless memorable experiences, told thousands of stories, moderated hundreds of panels, emceed numerous awards shows and YouTube walkthroughs, helped launch careers, and created immeasurable ROI for hundreds of companies.
Recently, she co-founded Stay and Gather, an experiences and media company created for the people who design, produce, and shape hospitality spaces. Our memorable events—from intimate dinners to larger experiential gatherings—spark new ideas, help build businesses, and form lasting relationships. Launching soon, our digital media platform will celebrate the stories behind great spaces and people—highlighting the creators, process, results, and ideas that make them noteworthy. Through Joy of Design Consulting, she collaborates with hospitality and design brands to craft meaningful stories, thoughtful strategies, and inspired experiences that connect with people—and elevate every detail of the brand journey.
She is a noted speaker at industry events, and as an avid tracker of trends, places, projects, and people, and has been quoted in various respected media outlets including CNBC and the Washington Post. She also holds two degrees from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism
Daniel Dobin
ChairmanValley Forge Fabrics
Daniel Dobin is a Co-Founder and Chairman of Valley Forge Fabrics, the largest decorative fabric supplier to the Hospitality industry worldwide. Valley Forge was founded in 1977, is headquartered in South Florida and as an industry leader prides itself on its agility, speed and adaptability, as well as continually being on the forefront of technical innovation and sustainability for over forty years.
Dan has been an integral part of several influential industry innovations and most significantly, he has ensured that Valley Forge takes accountability from start to finish so they can continue to impact the happiness of travelers for many years to come.
Dan has mentored many people throughout his career and is respected as a fun, warm, and supportive leader who always makes time for the development of others. Dan is also an active philanthropist for local, national, and international charities.
isaac kubryk
CEOGlobal Allies
Isaac Kubryk has designed, engineered, and produced 491 different chairs (Task, Stacking, Dining, and Lounge), 822 different tables (made of Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Stone, and more), 763 home accessories of all types, 17 Trash Cans, and 2 outdoor coolers. He has manufactured and sourced product from the United States, Mexico, China, The Philippines, Vietnam, and more. He holds nearly 100 design patents and has shipped over shipped over 4 million products to 48 countries. He remains convinced that a chair can always be more comfortable, a table can always be more durable, and that the hardest products to get right are the simplest designs.
JOSH OWEN
President, Vignelli Distinguished Professor and DirectorJosh Owen LLC | Vignelli Center for Design Studies at RIT
Josh Owen is the Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and the Director of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies at RIT. Prior to his current role, Owen was Director of the Industrial Design Department in which he continues to teach his popular course known as the Metaproject. Owen is also the president of his eponymous design studio, Josh Owen LLC. His professional projects are produced by major manufacturers and have won many awards. Owen's work is included in the permanent design collections of the Centre Georges Pompidou (FR), the Chicago Athenaeum (USA), the Corning Museum of Glass (USA), the Denver Art Museum (USA), the Design Museum Brussels (BE), the Museum of American Jewish History (USA), the Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal (CA), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA) the Red Dot Design Museum (DE) and the Taiwan Design Museum (TP). His students' works have won awards, been exhibited and featured in international publications and critical venues and have been put into mass production prior to graduation. Owen's professional work has been featured in major exhibitions, numerous books on design and is regularly included in critical design discourse. He is the author of the book, Lenses for Design.