D.B. Kim Designs Brand-New Hospitality Show

Coinciding with Las Vegas Market residential furnishings show, the inaugural event will be located within exhibition pavilions located on the 57-acre World Market Center campus.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 10/8/2009

The World Market Center in Las Vegas has tapped legendary hospitality designer and Interior Design blogger D.B. Kim to design the show floor and general environment of INSPIREDESIGN, the brand-new hospitality and healthcare show now readying for its maiden run on February 1-3.

Intended as a platform to connect designers and specifiers of hospitality and healthcare projects with manufacturers and suppliers, the show will be located within exhibition pavilions on the WMC's 57-acre campus. With the enlistment of Kim, it secures the talents of a man credited with helping to define the modern business-hotel aesthetic, largely through his groundbreaking designs for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide brands W, Westin, and Sheraton.


Designer D.B. Kim

"My goal for the concept of the INSPIREDESIGN pavilion will be nothing more than, like the root of the show's title, to inspire," says Kim. "If we can tap into the imagination of creative professionals, then not only can we have an inspirational platform for sharing ideas, but also provide a more suitable environment for both buyers and sellers."

Show director Gerald Seibel adds, "We feel truly fortunate and honored that D.B. Kim has agreed to direct the design of the show aesthetic, from the attitude and environment of the show floor to helping us realize and provide a truly inspirational platform for the industry."


A shot from D.B. Kim's installation for the Swarovski Crystal Palace in 2007.

The pavilions that will house INSPIREDESIGN are adjacent to the WMC's three permanent showroom buildings, totaling 5 million square feet, where the Las Vegas Market residential home furnishings show will run concurrently. Organizers estimate that 63 of these permanent exhibitors are either already involved with, or interested in selling to, the hospitality market. So, crossover traffic is anticipated as INSPIREDESIGN attendees also visit Buildings A, B and C, while designers attending the Las Vegas market also explore the pavilions. The two shows will also share transportation services and discounted hotel accommodations.

In addition to serving as official media partner, Interior Design will also sponsor an Excellence in Design competition in conjunction with the show.