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Suite Simplicity presented its “Simply Fun” room, bringing inspiring concepts to hospitality professionals.

South Florida was the epicenter for movers and shakers in the hospitality industry as buyers and sellers connected at the Hospitality Design Boutique Exposition & Conference (HD Boutique) September 17-18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. More than 4,000 registered attendees, including design firms, hotel owners, purchasers, architects and restaurateurs conducted business and interacted with more than 700 of the most innovative and influential heavyweights in hospitality design.

Global Views made a strong showing at HD Boutique with such products as the Skyscraper Table with black painted glass.

HD Boutique began with the second Green Day Conference on September 16. Green Day was filled with the latest consumer research, future design trends, a luncheon, and an interactive afternoon session, providing industry professionals with an open forum for exchanging challenges, solutions, and best green practices.

In addition to discovering the latest products and trends in the marketplace, attendees were also able to attend an array of conference sessions, which was highlighted by a Keynote Conversation with Roger Thomas, executive vice president of Wynn Design and Development. Thomas, who is considered a legendary design innovator, discussed his thoughts on what matters most in design, as well as his perception on innovation, luxury and inspiration. He also shared stories behind the celebrated Wynn projects, including details on the new Encore property scheduled to open in Las Vegas in December.

Durkan announced its collaboration with celebrated designer Tracy Lee Stum and presented Sturn’s Mandalas Collection of flooring solutions for entryways and lobbies to corridors and guestrooms.

Fine Art Tapestries had things covered at HD Boutique with its Tapestry TV covers — motorized versions of the company’s best-selling wall decor, designed to cover flat screen TVs on walls or above fireplaces.

Five-star bedding collections were showcased by Eastern Accents, with such offerings as the Kiawah ensemble.

The Phillips Collection defined global style with its chic, nature-inspired Freeform Dining Table.

Other conference highlights during HD Boutique included: “The New Ag-e of Boutique Hotels” led by Theresa Fatino of SBE Entertainment Group; “Greening Restaurants: A Case Study” led by Kip Richardson of Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects; “Perfecting the Spa-Unique, Underground and Reinvented” led by David Bury of David Bury & Company; “Finding the Core: Essentials for Launching a Successful Restaurant Concept” led by Corey Nyman of Nyman Group and Peter Kasperski and Bernie Kantak of Spaghetti Western Productions; and “Guilt-Free Luxury: Yes, Sustainability and Luxury Can Coexist” led by Kajsa Krause and Elizabeth Sayner of Rockwell Group.

The hottest new design professionals were celebrated during HD Boutique at Wave of the Future, when eight young visionaries shared their projects, insight and energy through an interactive panel discussion. 2008 Wave of the Future honorees included: Matt Abramcyk of Smith and Mills/Beatrice Inn/Employees Only; Steve Brabson and Frank Medrano of Franklin Studios, Inc.; Alex Calderwood of Ace Hotel Group; Denise Corso of CorsoStaicoff; Stephanie Goto of Stephanie Goto; Leonard Lee of Wilson Associates; and Sean Tanner of Cagley & Tanner.

Presented here are product highlights from HD Boutique 2008. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for HD Expo 2009 — the premier event for hospitality professionals — May 14-16, 2009 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Visit www.hdexpo.com for details.

Sustainable products were in high demand at HD Boutique. One Green statement was the Mother of Pearl Collection of surfacing materials from Maya Romanoff, made with fast-renewing, ecologically harvested capiz shells.

Throws from Textillery Weavers complete this Seven Stars project. Textillery showcased its vast assortment of throw designs as well as an expanded Bamboo Collection.

David Francis Furniture showed some of its most popular contract pieces including the award-winning Manhattan Lounge Chair.