HD Expo Preview: 2026 Hosted Buyers

HD Expo + Conference's Hosted Buyer Program delivers an elevated, highly curated experience for hospitality design decision-makers.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

HD Expo + Conference's Hosted Buyer Program is tailored for high-volume project managers, designers, architects, purchasers, and brand leaders with purchasing authority. The program, relaunched in an expanded format in 2025, brings together influential professionals for purposeful engagement throughout the three-day trade show. Four Hosted Buyer ambassadors share their experiences and what they're looking forward to at the 2026 event.

Why it matters

The HD Expo Hosted Buyer Program provides a curated experience for top hospitality design decision-makers, allowing them to efficiently connect with suppliers and discover the latest industry trends and innovations. This helps drive business and shape the future of hospitality design.

The details

The Hosted Buyer Program at HD Expo + Conference is designed to deliver an elevated, highly curated experience for decision-makers shaping the future of hospitality. The program, relaunched in an expanded format in 2025, brings together influential professionals for purposeful engagement throughout the three-day trade show. Approximately 200 participants, including project managers, designers, architects, purchasers, and brand leaders with purchasing authority, will attend the 2026 event.

  • HD Expo + Conference 2026 will take place in May.
  • The Hosted Buyer Program was relaunched in an expanded format in 2025.

The players

María Adelaida Herrera

Cofounder of Studio Crearq.

Miguel León Borda

Cofounder of Studio Crearq.

Jessica Black

Director of purchasing at Firmdale Hotels.

Ricardo Moreno

Senior designer/project manager at Clear on Black.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My biggest takeaway was how strongly hospitality is moving toward immersive, emotionally intelligent environments. It's no longer just about aesthetics or materials, it's about narrative, experience, and adaptability.”

— Miguel León Borda, Cofounder, Studio Crearq

“There are truly no limits to creativity in hospitality, as long as you have a deep understanding of suppliers, materials, and technical specifications—exactly the kind of knowledge you gain at HD Expo.”

— María Adelaida Herrera, Cofounder, Studio Crearq

“First and foremost, I was struck by how friendly and welcoming the show felt—it created a genuinely positive environment for engagement and meaningful conversation.”

— Jessica Black, Director of purchasing, Firmdale Hotels

“I liked having an HD Expo [experience that was] edited in terms of how many vendors there are. It made the show much more walkable and meaningful.”

— Ricardo Moreno, Senior designer/project manager, Clear on Black

What’s next

Registration for HD Expo + Conference 2026 is now open.

The takeaway

The HD Expo Hosted Buyer Program provides a curated, high-value experience for top hospitality design decision-makers, allowing them to efficiently connect with suppliers and discover the latest industry trends and innovations that will shape the future of the hospitality industry.