HD Expo and the Value of Tradeshows

In the world of hospitality design and construction, success is built on connections—connections to the right products, the right people, and the right solutions. As FF&E procurement agents, we rely on first-hand experiences to make informed decisions. That’s why being physically present on the tradeshow floor is not just beneficial—it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to stay informed and inspired is by attending industry tradeshows, and one of the main events our team attends each year is HD Expo in Las Vegas.

HD Expo, one of the premier hospitality design tradeshows, provides an opportunity for procurement agents like us to engage with the latest industry advancements. It’s one of the best places where industry vendors and partners gather, we get to meet new people and be introduced to new products. The event is not only a showcase of products but also a hub for educational sessions, keynote presentations, and panel discussions featuring thought leaders in hospitality design and construction. Attending this event ensures that we stay ahead of industry trends, gain valuable knowledge, and bring back insights that elevate the projects we manage.

Each year, we bring a large group of our team out to HD Expo, and they spend their time on the show floor, talking with vendors, learning about new products, and discussing possible solutions that would fit in current and future projects. We talked with our team and asked them what their biggest takeaways are from attending HD Expo.

The Power of Seeing, Touching, and Experiencing Products

Tradeshows like HD Expo bring together the best in the industry, showcasing everything from case goods, seating, and fabrics to window treatments, plumbing fixtures, and flooring solutions. There is also a representation of OS&E suppliers as well. For us, walking the show floor is more than just browsing; it’s about discovering the latest innovations in real-time, feeling the quality of materials, and understanding the craftsmanship behind each product. No digital presentation or sample swatch can compare to the impact of seeing a full installation or sitting in a chair designed for long-term comfort and durability. This hands-on exposure is invaluable when making informed recommendations that align with a project’s vision and budget.

“Whenever I attend a tradeshow I am always on the hunt for new vendors in the big categories – casegoods, seating, lighting and mirrors. Especially if they manufacture domestically. Seeing their product in person is always helpful. Of course seeing the vendors I do a lot of business with is very important, putting faces to names helps foster good relationships! Since I work from home I most look forward to connecting with vendors, reps and my colleagues; but as a former designer I can’t help but get excited over new products and designs.”

Finding the Perfect Fit for Our Projects

Each project we manage comes with unique design goals, operational needs, and budget constraints, and tradeshows provide the perfect environment to explore new possibilities. While we may begin with a set list of preferred vendors, tradeshows introduce us to emerging companies, innovative materials, and creative design solutions that we may not have encountered otherwise. When products are showcased in a booth, it allows us to see how they come together in a real-world setting.

This hands-on approach enables us to evaluate how a piece will fit within a specific aesthetic or how a new supplier might be the missing link for a project’s success. This enables us to broaden our sourcing options and discover something new, whether it’s a groundbreaking sustainable material or a newly launched furniture line that meets both durability and style requirements.

“When walking the show, I’m looking for new vendors that may be a good fit for current and future projects, vendor competitor insights – what vendors offer vs what others don’t, networking opportunities – connecting with ownership groups, design, and vendors alike. Building and maintaining relationships is so important in our industry. What I look forward to most is the connection. Seeing the vendors in person offers the ability to ask questions directly, which often gives a much clearer understanding of product, process, etc.”

Strengthening Relationships Through Face-to-Face Connections

Beyond the products, the show floor is where relationships are built. Many of the vendors exhibiting are partners we collaborate with on a regular basis, and meeting in person allows us to strengthen those connections, discuss project needs in depth, and collaborate on innovative solutions.

“An essential part of running a successful project is maintaining and building relationships with clients, vendors, designers, and other stake holders invested in the project. Attending tradeshows gives me the opportunity to nourish those relationships and make meaningful connections. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone you’ve worked on a project with for the last year (sometimes longer) for the first time. Additionally, meeting with vendors in person opens the dialogue outside of just an individual project. It allows you to gain valuable knowledge about various aspects of the Hospitality industry such as trends, new products/technologies, vendor contacts for escalation of issues, and so much more.”

Establishing rapport with suppliers fosters better communication, trust, and ultimately, more successful project outcomes. Additionally, networking with industry peers opens doors to new collaborations and insights into market trends. Tradeshows like HD Expo create the space for those valuable conversations that lead to better partnerships and, ultimately, better project outcomes.

The Impact of a Well-Designed Booth Experience

Companies who invest in a dynamic booth presence at HD Expo give procurement teams like ours the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways. A well-designed booth is more than a display—it’s a chance for us to immerse ourselves in the brand’s offerings, learn about new product lines, and visualize how their solutions can fit into our projects. The ability to interact directly with manufacturers in a curated setting elevates our decision-making process and ensures we are sourcing the very best for our clients.

“When attending HD Expo, my main goal is to meet new vendors that we have not worked with on past projects. I look forward to networking with everyone in the industry and meeting vendors, clients, designers in person for the first time. I also enjoy the creativity that the vendors put into their booths, sometimes even showcasing product from a past project you’ve completed together.“

Sometimes that’s simply having some physical examples of product lines, fabric samples, and furniture to sit and feel in person, but other times there are large collaborative spaces created. For HD Expo, there are several activation spaces, that provide a chance for several vendors to collaborate and make one unique custom space, and that space is then used for meetings, panels, discussions, and a place to gather.

Why Being There Matters

The tradeshow floor is where business happens. It’s where we discover the next must-have product, solidify key supplier relationships, and gain insights that give our projects a competitive edge. If we weren’t there, we would miss the opportunity to truly understand what’s available and how it can be applied to our work. That’s one of the many reasons why we bring so many from our team to these events. We fully believe in the importance in these events, they only truly happen a few times a year. We invest so much of our team’s time in walking the show floor because it is that important. HD Expo provides that critical platform, bringing hospitality professionals together in a way that benefits the entire industry.

“When attending a tradeshow, I most look forward to the opportunity to meet a vendor face to face, to put a face with the name of someone that I have been communicating with recently or in the past. This always proves to be helpful in creating/building a strong relationship, with the direct contact and with the vendor’s company itself, that is beneficial to everyone from that point on, both in terms of procurement and customer service perspectives.”

Will We See You at HD Expo?

For an FF&E procurement agent, attending tradeshows is more than just a business trip—it’s an essential investment in the success of our projects. The ability to walk the show floor, step into booths, and engage with industry leaders first-hand ensures we are making the best decisions for our clients and their projects. HD Expo is more than an event; it’s a vital resource for discovering, connecting, and driving the hospitality industry forward. By supporting those who exhibit, we ensure that we continue to have access to the products and partnerships that shape the future of hospitality design.

As we continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients, our presence at these industry gatherings ensures that we remain at the forefront of hospitality procurement, ready to bring the best solutions to every project we touch.

Will we see you at HD Exp o? If you’re exhibiting on the showroom floor, we’d love to stop by! If you haven’t reserved your spot yet, we would love to see you there. Visit the HD Expo website here to register.