In South Beach, a Chic Trade Show

Special software allows attendees and exhibitors to connect before the show starts.

Staff -- Interior Design, 8/11/2006

The HDBoutique exposition and conference returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Beach September 18-19. Over the past several years, HDBoutique, the sister show of Hospitality Design Expo and HD Asia, has nearly doubled in size.

This fall, the exposition floor, lined with festive cabanas, will cover approximately 88,000 square feet and will host an anticipated 600 exhibitors and 3,500 attendees. Fifteen continuing education sessions will be offered, as well as workshops. Most of the educational sessions will offer Spanish-language translations. Seminars will cover topics such as hospitality development in Cuba, lifestyle issues, large-scale Caribbean resorts, and meditation rooms. A special off-site workshop, HOT: Hotel of Tomorrow, will offer a think tank focused on what direction the industry is headed towards over the next 20 years.

Proprietary software, called HD Connect, allows exhibitors and attendees promote their companies and products and connect online prior to the show. Attendees can also use HD Connect to chart a walking map for easy show navigation.

The expo's after-hours networking event, Party By the Palms, will also return to the Raleigh hotel. The Wave of the Future award reception, recognizing new talent, will be held on the show floor.

To attend, pre-register by August 31 or register on-site ($35 fee).