If they don't know you and trust you, they won't specify you.
Right now, the luxury hotel designers and architects who call the shots on the five star hotel projects you want in on are making decisions. Some of those decisions might be around what to have for lunch. And whether to have a cake or not. But, when it comes to sitting down with their design teams to bring luxury hotel projects to life, these Principals and practice leaders have a clear goal: to deliver for their client. On spec, on time, on budget AND with a wow factor. And they absolutely cannot do this alone. It’s a coordinated effort, with each and every member of the in-house team bringing their experience and skillset to the table.
Included in these conversations around that studio table are those manufacturers who have made the right impression with at least one of these luxury hotel designers to be on their minds there and then. Some have been trusted suppliers for years. Others may be new in the mix. But what they all enjoy is a level of trust from within these major A&D firms. Trust that they share similar values, similar design sensibilities and, above all, that they will deliver. And that trust can only come through the relationship they have with the person they know from that particular manufacturer - and that means you.
50 of the most influential luxury hotel designers and architects in North America.
On June 19th 2025, 55 such manufacturers sent their most qualified representatives to the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida. They sent them on the strength of who would be there to meet them: 50 of the most influential five-star hotel interior designers and architects in North America. Because experience has taught these manufacturers that the time, expense and constant hustle in trying to get the attention of any one of these luxury hotel project 'influencers’ makes the prospect of 50 of them in one place for three whole days and nights a no-brainer.
Here's a small sample of the confirmed list of Principal-level architects and luxury hotel designers who were there:
Manny Dominguez, Principal, Cooper Carry
Deniz Sibilia, Director of Project Management, Americas, Kerzner International
Miriam Torres, Founding Partner, Parker-Torres Design
Robert Fischel, Regional Hospitality Design Leader, Gensler
Valerie Harrison, Design Director, Auro Hotels
Irena Savakova, Vice President, Global Design Principal, Leo A Daly
Now study the firms and job titles. Enough said? BOND’s uncompromisingly strict selection criteria means that every single architect and luxury hotel designer that’s invited must:
- Be at Principal-level or above
- Work nationally in scope
- Evidence a portfolio of live, confirmed luxury hospitality projects.
That’s how BOND delivers an unmatched event experience and the best ROI in the luxury hotel design event space.
The people with the projects and the authority to influence (and protect) spec. were there.
So, the people with the projects and the authority to influence (and protect) spec. were there. This was an outstanding start. But it’s the quality of access and time shared that allowed any collaborative potential to naturally present itself.
Luxury hotel project business, like any other business where many parts and people need to work together, is built firmly on relationships and this truth is at the heart of any BOND event.
At BOND, not only is the number and quality of attendees guaranteed, the quality of access you get is likewise unmatched in the luxury hotel design event space, with all attending manufacturers sharing the same level of exposure and opportunity with nobody being overshadowed by the bigger brands with bigger budgets. At Five Star, If you work hard and smart, you can talk to all the decision makers here. What’s more, you’ll find them more relaxed and open than anywhere else so conversations can get very interesting surprisingly quickly…
Pre-Event Tour
This year, the networking started rolling with an exclusive Pre-Event Tour of The Baker Museum. Known for its striking architecture and thoughtful design, The Baker Museum made an unforgettable backdrop for our delegates to explore world-class collections of American modernism and Mexican art, plus the new open-air sculpture trail.
Conversations started in the hotel lobby as big-name designers and manufacturers mingled before taking their place on the bus.
(See article: Scared of big-name architects and designers?)
Only advice here would be to take a genuine interest and curiosity in who you may end up sitting beside because, likely as not, it could be one of the most influential luxury hotel designers in the country.
Back at the hotel there’s an air of anticipation as everybody is now onsite and it’s countdown to the Welcome Dinner where all attendees will come together for the first time.
And so, the rising stars and established big-hitters in North American luxury hotel design gather on Ritz-Carlton’s Center Court for an evening of fine food and drink. It’s a gently sophisticated vibe but, rest assured, these seasoned professionals know how to relax and soon get down to the very real business of getting to know each other on a more personal level over a few cold ones.
Be curious. Let them talk. The openings will come.
Breakfast is its usual hurried affair but with some very welcome smiles and nods from some of last night’s faces then it’s off to find the seminar room for the one about the role of art in elevating luxury hospitality design. It’s the perfect soft landing into what can feel like an intimidating prospect of finally getting 1-on-1 with those luxury hotel designers your company has been chasing forever.
And it arrives. You’ve been staring at the photo and profile on the very helpful BOND app for ages and this stuff’s about to get real as you enter the meetings room, already alive with conversation as you head for the numbered table of the top guy from HBA.
Breathe. Say hello. Ask some questions. Who is this guy? What’s he working on? How’s it going? This is not about nailing your sales pitch in 15 minutes. BE curious. Let them talk. The openings will come.
Three Precious Days – Make them count
Getting your first morning of meetings behind you feels good. Really good. And as you head for lunch you quickly realise that you’re not the only one who’s feeling a lot more relaxed than they did first thing this morning. People are here to do business, for sure but around that there is an air of mischief and fun as old friends greet each other and you get your first sense of the community that is built around a BOND event. These are busy hotel design pro’s who relish this rare chance to catch up with each other away from the office. There are real friendships amongst the group that have formed over years of being in the same industry and from working together. This stuff can’t be rushed. You have already planted some seeds and things are starting to open up. Patience. Be yourself. The business will come.
And it’s back to the seminar room for the one you really wanted to catch about designing for mental health in the era of climate change. A reassuring and inspiring perspective on the big picture stuff, you feel humbled as you re-enter the meetings room for an afternoon of getting to know a bunch of North America’s most influential and helpful luxury hotel project people.
More meetings with genuine decision makers in a single day than you would hope to have in months back in the real world
What a day! More meetings with genuine decision makers in a single day than you would hope to have in months back in the real world. Time for a catch up with things back home and a freshen up and change into something more comfortable as you look forward to another evening with what has turned out to be a genuinely interesting, extremely well-connected and helpful group of human beings. The fresh seafood and Champagne don’t hurt the vibe one bit. A few choice ‘foody’ shots and you doing that face for the folks back home. It’s a tough old business but somebody has to do it.
Breakfast brings more nods and smiles from familiar faces and you find yourself heading with some new buddies to the seminar room for the one about that essential ingredient called trust and how it is the very thing that is changing the landscape of value in the luxury hotel sector. Perfect.
And, as you find yourself walking back into the meetings room for the penultimate time this trip, you look around at the crowd that is so much more familiar than it felt 24 hours ago. What a difference a day makes. And then you catch the eye of that lovely woman from Hilton who you ended up swapping recipes with last night over a Margarita. This meeting already promises to be interesting…
Cards are exchanged as you try to swallow past the ball of excitement welling up in your belly
Lunch sees you carrying on a conversation where you left off in one of your meetings that morning and as you grab something delicious from the buffet, still talking, you find yourself sitting at a table which could only be described as a who’s who of luxury hotel design in North America today. And tomorrow.
The introductions keep coming and, to your delight, somebody has already mentioned you to somebody you don’t have a meeting scheduled with but who would like you to come to their office to meet the team. Cards are exchanged as you try to swallow past the ball of excitement welling in your belly. This does not happen every day.
Seminar room for the final time as you take your place in a row of now familiar faces for the one on the sound of luxury and how acoustics can bring another level to luxury experiences. Sound stuff!
And, before you know it, the announcement for the end of the final meeting of the day. Some are already beginning to pack things in boxes but the vibe is chilled, unhurried. Satisfied to your bones on how your hard work, preparation and networking flow has served you over the last few days, you start to reflect on one of the most productive and enjoyable few days of your career.
The Art Basel inspired Farewell Dinner brings a suitably vibrant and creative feel to the final night, with some delicious sushi and some visually ‘out there’ art-inspired dishes. More shots for back home and for someone on the office to put on your Insta. And, feeling a deep sense of wellbeing that only hard work and achievement can bring, it’s time to let your hair down as the live DJ and floating, interactive performers get the first few onto the dancefloor.
BOND Five Star USA 2026 is happening on June 18-21, 2026 at The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona. If you believe your products deserve their place in North America’s biggest and best luxury hotel projects but are struggling to get close to the people who can make it happen, we suggest you get in touch today.
Suppliers: How do you rate BOND Five Star USA overall? 4.8/5
"We love the BOND events because they provide the perfect balance of 1-on-1 meetings and networking with the highest profile designers and architects in North America – from our perspective it’s the best marketing tool we use as a business for the return on investment of 3 days away a couple of times a year"
Chris Doyle, President Commercial Operations, Haddonstone
“If there was just one event I could do to keep relevant and keep in front of today’s decision makers in the design community, it would be with BOND Events”
Dean Moilanen, Director of Architectural Services, Noble Group
What stood out as the single biggest highlight of the event?
"For me it was the amazing networking I had outside of my planned meetings."
Deborah Pena, Lefroy Brooks, Director of Sales
"The location and quality of people who attended."
Victoria Katharine Player President Simply Oak.™
How would you rate the customer service you received prior to the event? 4.8/5
"BOND really sets the bar and is consistently providing a very strong setting for meetings of high quality."
John Johnston Rocky Mountain Hardware International Sales Manager & Hospitality
How do you rate the management and coordination from the BOND Team onsite? 4.7/5
"The staff was very attentive and helpful on all levels."
Maresa Crouse (Fisher) Hanover Architectural Products Asst. Technical Sales Director Southeast Reg.
How do you rate the quality and variety of the Architects/Designers in attendance? 4.5/5
"The quality of the firms and the fact that principals were in attendance was key to my experience."
Deborah Pena, Lefroy Brooks, Director of Sales
"We did meet a lot of new people, and have high hopes!"
Beau Preston, Omnis, President
How likely are you to recommend BOND Five Star USA to your colleagues and peers? 92%
Architects/Designers: How do you rate BOND Five Star USA overall? 4.6/5
"It’s a fantastic event that supports networking and fosters project collaboration."
Gordon Lee, ForrestPerkins, Associate Principal
What stood out as the single biggest highlight of the event?
"The connections made. I can point to my experiences with BOND events that not only have introduced me to new and exciting products that very much align with the work that we are doing, but also have created real friendships through these connections."
Benton Grismer, The Beck Group, Associate Principal
How would you rate the customer service you received prior to the event? 4.7/5
"Just enough contact and clear messaging that always anticipated any questions I might have."
Neill Parker AIA Stonehill Taylor Principal
How do you rate the management and coordination from the BOND Team onsite? 4.8/5
"The team was always there and available - the consistency in checking in and made sure everything was running smoothly."
Shyista Ahmed, Dawson Design Associates, Lead Designer
How well has your BOND experience aligned with that of a premium brand? 4.6/5
"BOND is the best industry event I have attended. Thank you very much, BOND Team!"
Clement Pun Arcadis Principal, Practice Group Director, Living
"BOND’s leadership and executive team were present in the entire event. They provided their attention and time to the event, which showed that the event was the priority to them."
Stephanie Liu Associate Principal STONEHILL TAYLOR
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