As the premier event for the hotel design industry, HIX (Hotel Interiors Experience) has consistently set the standard for excellence. With each passing year, the event grows in scope and influence, attracting the best and brightest in commercial interiors. HIX 2023 was a resounding success, but HIX 2024 promises to raise the bar even higher. To give our members a sneak peek into what they can expect, we sat down with Joel Butler, Co-Founder of HIX, to discuss the exciting plans and enhancements for the upcoming event.
1. HIX 2023 was a successful event, in what ways will HIX 2024 exceed it?
"It was the best HIX yet. We’re now firmly back to pre-pandemic numbers, and the buzz for design events is at an all-time high. 2024 is going to be bigger and better; more installations, more exhibitors, and our entirely new Gallery Hall space with its own programme of activations and hospitality experiences."
2. HIX 2024 is on a Wednesday and Thursday, what will that mean for exhibitors and visitors?
"We’ve always enjoyed a busy day one, but post-pandemic, we noticed Fridays can be quieter as more and more people choose to work from home before the weekend. As such, it was sometimes a challenge to maintain the excitement of day one, but our new Wednesday and Thursday schedule means our guests and exhibitors will be able to enjoy a constant buzz across the show floor, acting as a communal meeting place for the entire hotel design industry."
3. What does HIX offer to our commercial interiors community that can't be found elsewhere?
"HIX is Europe’s leading hotel design event. Our focus is on the design community, along with their projects and products. It's a totally unique experience; an intimate, boutique event with a curated show floor featuring the best design brands. And it’s the only place to find the entire hotel supply chain under one roof. Our talks programme, meanwhile – guided by our theme ‘A Sense of Place’ – explores the latest hotel innovations with actionable advice from some of the industry’s leading lights, and a parallel programme of networking events and parties means CIUK members will be able to connect with studio heads and design decision-makers."
4. How are you ensuring that commercial interior designers, specifiers, and operators will visit this year's event?
"Our guest list keeps increasing year-on-year, and we expect this to continue in 2024, but making sure we have the right people in the room and inspiring them to stay longer than they intended is far more important than numbers. We’ll be telling the HIX 2024 story across socials, editorial, media partnerships and a focused marketing campaign, but more than anything we’ve found it’s the sense of community, the high calibre of exhibitors, and our focus on the big hotel design issues that keep old friends coming back and new ones signing up.
On top of our regular features, we’re also expanding our programme this year with a bigger installation series, an entirely new talks stage focusing on hotel development and investment, and a pair of hospitality pop-ups from members of the exhibitor community.
We’ve also found a big part of our draw is our theme - one unifying idea that informs the entire event, from the discussion topics on the HIX Talks stage and the design of our immersive installations to the soundtracks of our parties and the drinks served at the bar. This year’s theme – a sense of place – will explore how hotels can truly connect with their surroundings in a responsible, sustainable manner, both culturally and commercially; an issue that is coming to dominate the industry’s drawing boards as guests seek out authentic local experiences."
5. What should your exhibitors be most excited about for HIX 2024?
"In short, we’re working to ensure that HIX 2024 will be an essential experience for interior designers, architects, operators, and hoteliers. We’re also continuing to invest in content serving independent hoteliers while further expanding the presence of major hotel brands at the event, some of whom will be sending their entire design teams to HIX. Likewise, the addition of a new stream of investment talks illustrates the growing variety of our audience. I know we say this every year, but we're always confident when we say that this year's HIX is going to be the best yet."
Joel’s insights highlight the immense value and excitement surrounding HIX 2024. From a new schedule designed to maximize engagement to unique offerings that can’t be found elsewhere, HIX 2024 is poised to be a landmark event for the hotel design industry. Join us and experience first-hand the innovations and connections that will shape the future of commercial interiors.
HIX 2024 is taking place at the Business Design Centre on the 27th & 28th November.
For more information and to book a stand, click here.