Design Trends and Innovation at the Heart of Independent Hotel Show 2024

The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, returns to Olympia London on 15-16 October to bring together the independent hotelier and interior design community for two busy days of networking, product discovery and learning about the latest industry trends.

Independent Hotel Show Event Manager Glenn Wallace comments: “One of our key aims for the Independent Hotel Show is to curate an immersive, design-led trade show which provides an elevate experience for visiting hoteliers, and an opportunity for our design partners to demonstrate their talents by bringing the show’s features to life.”

Design partners for 2024 include Design Command, Fibi Interiors, Luke Edwards Interior Design, Anya Brakha Interiors, studio ATARA, Amit Dixit Design, OMO Interiors and Spacebrand.

Fido Fawo, Founder of Fibi Interiors and designed of the show’s Members Suite, says: “When the Independent Hotel Show calls, you answer! It’s such an honour to be a part of this year’s show. Fibi Interiors have been huge fans of the show for several years now so being a part of such an impactful event is a defining moment.”

Sarah Dudley, Founder and Creative Director at Spacebrand, the studio behind the show’s Dining Room and Hotel Business Stage, adds: “Spacebrand are excited to become design partners supporting the Independent Hotel Show 2024 with our designs for both the Hotel Business Stage and the Dining Room.”

“Spacebrand are committed to helping hoteliers transform their businesses, by being part of this show we hope to provide an experience that will inspire them to bridge the gap between design feasibility and product viability and help the event to drive the hospitality sector forwards.”

Discussing his design for the show’s Sales Lounge, Luke Edwards of Luke Edwards Interior Design says: “It could simply be boiled down to a few words, flexibility, sustainability, nature, peaceful, and luxurious comfort – but they don’t do justice to the deeper context.”

“I wanted the Sales Lounge space to ultimately be multi-functional and more than just a space at the event for conducting meetings. I wanted it to have the feeling that it could easily be the interior of a hotel lobby but with the flexibility of three spaces; being able to hold private meetings, have more open small group work areas, and also providing a luxuriously comfortable space to relax.”

Design Command Founder Clare McDonald, the studio behind this year’s Innovation Stage design, says: “As a growing design firm, we value building strong relationships and learning from a diverse range of hospitality businesses. Independent hotels often have unique perspectives and are passionate about creating distinct guest experiences, which aligns with our approach to design.”

“For us, connecting with independent hotels is a chance to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and continue building our network. We’re excited to establish meaningful connections and explore how we can support these hotels in creating spaces that reflect their individuality and vision.”

Trends and innovations in design are also an important part of the show’s seminar programme, this year reflecting on the show’s theme of ‘Beyond the hustle and bustle’.

Melanie Rozencwajg, Founder & CEO of DataThinkLab and Nathalie Rozencwajg, Founder & Director at NAME architecture, will be taking to the show’s Innovation Stage, sponsored by Mews and designed by Design Command, for the session ‘Escaping the hustle and bustle through intelligent design solutions’.

Melanie comments: “As a data analyst, I’m excited to explore what online reviews reveal about ‘escapism’ from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. These reviews provide unique insights into how people experience escapism in the hotel landscape.”

“Our session is crucial because hotels and brands are just beginning to fully grasp the power of analysing customer reviews to enhance their offerings. Guest feedback is invaluable, and online reviews offer rich data that helps us deeply understand guest experiences and desires, especially around key trends like escapism. With today’s digital tools, we can better meet guest needs and create personalized experiences, making this the ideal time to leverage these insights.”

Meanwhile, the session ‘Namaste: The importance of designing for wellness and escaping the hustle and bustle’ will be examining the growth and lasting impact of wellness on hospitality design, plus how the trend might evolve in future years.

Moderator Vanessa Brady, CEO of The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) will be joined onstage by Josh Chadwick, General Manager of The Tawny, Beverley Bayes, Director at Sparc Studio, Ben Harper, CEO of Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place Hotels, SeaSpace Hotels and Beach Retreats, and Neil Fairplay, Director at Sparc Studio.

To find out more about everything happening at the Independent Hotel Show 2024, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.