Education

 

Hotec Design Education

The information you need to propel your business forward and fuel innovation.

At Hotec Design, we believe education is a crucial component to creating a worthwhile and truly beneficial experience for attendees. Most importantly, these sessions provide buyers, designers and suppliers with important insights for a more successful business; however, educational sessions also serve as great conversation starters during networking breaks, receptions and meals to facilitate authentic, quality connections. See below for details on our 2025 sessions.

2025 Sessions

Moderator: Allen Rolleri Panelists: Sharron Koch, Diane Cudworth, and Monika Nessbach

Designing in the Age of AI – Balancing Innovation with Human Insight

As artificial intelligence reshapes design processes and client experiences, how do we keep creativity, empathy, and the human element at the center? This session explores the intersection of technology and intuition—how to harness AI without losing the personal touch that defines great design.

Speaker: Anthony Robles | Inspiring NCAA Wrestling Champion, National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, and subject of the film Unstoppable

Unstoppable: A Story of Strength, Grit, and Greatness

Join Anthony Robles, inspiring NCAA Wrestling Champion, National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, and subject of the film, Unstoppable, as he shares his personal strategies for success: A limitless belief in self, unrelenting determination, and the motivation to do things no one ever thought possible.

Speaker: Daniel Lesser

U.S. Lodging Industry H1 2025: Navigating Volatility

With the global economy experiencing acute uncertainty, the hotel industry is facing uneven market performance, evolving guest expectations, and rising costs. While this current bout of unpredictability will pass eventually, this presentation will discuss the near and long-term risks and opportunities for the sector.  

Moderator: Chelsea Till Panelists: Shannon Kim, Antony Cestra, and Sandi Lesueur

Designing with Purpose: ESG’s Role in Shaping Strategy, Operations & the Guest Experience

As the hospitality industry evolves to meet the rising expectations around sustainability, wellness, and social responsibility, ESG initiatives are no longer optional—they are integral to business success and guest loyalty. This dynamic panel of industry leaders will explore how hotels are integrating ESG principles into the fabric of their design strategies, operational decisions, and brand narratives. Moderated by Chelsea Till of Lutron Electronics, the session will highlight innovative approaches and enduring practices that balance design, purpose, and performance—offering practical insights for creating spaces that meet today’s environmental and guest expectations.   

Moderator: Gail McCleese Panelists: Stéphanie Drake, David Holzapfel, and Cynthia Milow

Multisensory Design: How Lighting, Sight, Sound & Scent Influence Guests

Design is no longer just about what guests see—it’s about what they feel. This dynamic panel explores how multisensory elements like lighting, soundscapes, visual textures, and ambient scent work together to shape guest perception, mood, and memory. Industry leaders will share how they intentionally design environments that tap into all five senses to create more immersive, emotionally resonant hospitality experiences. From wellness spaces to lobby lounges, discover how sensory design is evolving and how it can elevate both brand identity and guest satisfaction.  

Want to attend hospitality design’s most anticipated event of the year?

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