Conference Program

The schedule of content, in partnership with NEWH, has been curated with a unique focus on the South and LATAM region’s hotel, resort, and private island destination market. Take a look at the full program and speaker line-up below.

Tuesday 3 June

12.15pm - 1.00pm

Sustainable Design Summit: Reducing the mid-life waste crisis

This session continues the conversation on how to reduce waste in refurbishments developing from previous Sustainable Design Summit working groups. Speakers will provide recent updates on circularity projects, sharing their experiences and insights into the ‘how’ when it comes to circularity - and demonstrating the all-important ‘why’ which backs the business case. 

  • Comprehensive refits at 10 – 15 years include replacing carpets and thousands of loose furniture items
  • AIDA Evolution: closed-loop carpet initiatives demonstrate full circularity in action
  • Breaking down barriers in furniture donations
  • Bringing circularity on board vessels for true sustainability outcomes 
  • Reducing the mid-life waste crisis can also meet the business case
  • Beyond the demolition plan: how to make reduction and recycling a seamless process in hotel refurbishments

Speakers

Marc Spingler
Director Hotel Maintenance Dry Docks & Refit, AIDA Cruises
Stefan Bez
CEO, Oceancircle
Cristina Stefani
Marketing & Communication Strategist, Aquafil Group
2.45pm - 3.15pm

Leaders Debate: What’s the value brands are bringing to different regions across southern states and CALA?

Hotel interior projects must infuse local culture and storytelling to create authentic guest experiences that both inspire and educate. Featuring upper midscale to luxury products from Marriott, Grupo Posadas and Choice hotels, our esteemed panel will explore the key elements which resonate deeply with guests, and build connection with the local community.

 

Location: HRDS Lounge

Speakers

Cuauhtémoc Martínez Audiffred
Head of Openings and Hospitality Design, Grupo Posadas
Gamal El Fakih Rodriguez
Vice President of Operations (Luxury), Caribbean and Latin America , Marriott International
Kavitha Iyer
Vice President of Architecture and Design, Choice Hotels
Kimberly Jackson
Managing Director, AvroKO
4.00pm - 4.30pm

Conversions: Uniting diverse visions to elevate design

Project scope, quality and brand standards are all important for leveraging conversions in properties which are levelling up. Integrating the different perspectives and motivations of the owner, designer, architect, corporate operations and the brand is mission critical. Discover key strategies for defining the right scope to elevate and optimise design, ensuring net new unit growth in southern states and CALA.

 

Location: HRDS Lounge

Speakers

Alex Mai
Regional Vice President, Development, Latin America & Caribbean, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Meghann Day
Partner, HBA
Vito Lotta
Founder | Strategic Hospitality Advisor, LOTTA Hospitality Design LLC
Bruce Goff
Renovation Manager, Premium Brands Americas Design and Construction, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Wednesday 4 June

10.45am - 11.15am

Designing for well-being: Wellness, connection, & the future of experiential hospitality

Join leading designers and hospitality experts as they explore how to craft spaces that foster holistic well-being, connection to nature, and multi-sensory rejuvenation. From fitness and wellness to F&B innovations, this panel will examine the evolving role of materials, FF&E choices, and spatial design in shaping guest experiences that inspire vitality and a profound sense of emotional connection - defining the next era of hospitality.

 

Location: HRDS Lounge

 

Speakers

Jessica Shea
VP Wellness, Retail & Leisure Operations, Hilton
Ana Ramirez
Co-Founder, Ancestral Handmade Hotels and Principal, KALA Design Group
Sarah Hartman
VP Interior Design, Sandals Hotels & Resorts
Paul Bishop
Founder, Bishop Design
Nate Siehr
Principal, The Big Key Group
11.45am - 12.30pm

Shared horizons: Thinking across hospitality design disciplines

Land-based and cruise designers come together in conversations about key areas they can learn from each other. This session asks - how does each sector approach storytelling, authenticity and sense of place. And in the spirit of collaboration - where are the opportunities for working together, bringing different expertise to cross-fertilise designs?

 

Location: HRDS Lounge

Speakers

Tatiana Sheveleva
Partner & Co-Owner - Chapi Chapo Design, Owner - CHAPI DESIGN
Javier Calle
Founding Partner, Studio DADO
Ana Maria Girtu
Director Cruise Hotel Operations, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Sabine Grimes
Founder & Principal, Unison Group Inc.