Hotelympia – Better by design
World-class, award-winning hospitality design will be at the heart of Hotelympia, along with previews of innovative new products and insights from some of the best in the business, says Lisa Jenkins
Design at Hotelympia, described as a show within a show, will boast a dedicated seminar programme and exhibitor line-up showcasing the very best in hospitality interior design. This year's show (28 April-1 May, ExCeL London) sees the return of the Hotelympia Design Award and the Design Lounge alongside a host of new initiatives.
THE DESIGN THEATRE The Design Theatre has been developed in partnership with the Society of British and International Design (SBID), the national representative to the European Council of Interior Design and Architecture. A line-up of speakers will take to the stage to debate hot topics and trends including design across the pond, cutting-edge lighting, kitchens, the new consumer and the evolution of new materials.
Vanessa Brady, president of the SBID, said the society was in full support of Hotelympia 2014. "The new dedicated space sends a signal to the industry that this is a show that takes design seriously. Our members are looking forward to finding inspiration from the exciting programme of events, speakers and initiatives."
HOTELYMPIA DESIGN AWARD
Devised to find the UK's best-designed new hotel, the Hotelympia Design Award was open to all operators and designers that have launched a hotel since January 2012, as a new build, a rebrand or a retrofit.
Entries were whittled down to three overall finalists, which will be featured on a display wall by the Design Stage for the duration of the show. The overall winner will be announced live on the main stage on 28 April in front of an audience of designers, hoteliers, investors and the press.
THE FINALISTS The London Edition (designed by Yabu Pushelberg and Ian Schrager) and ME by MeliÁ£ (designed by Foster+Partners) are joined by the Great Northern hotel (designed by Archer Humphryes Architects) as the three new city hotels considered to be outstanding examples of modern design excellence.
The judges also commended the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow for successfully creating
a "local product for the global traveller"; the Sands hotel in Margate, a "charming seafront boutique" at the forefront of Margate's regeneration, Dormy House hotel in the Cotswolds, 
with its individually designed rooms and exceptional new spa, and Qbic London City,
a hotel designed with "humour and great spirit".
Judge and Design at Hotelympia curator Stirling Johnstone said: "Design at Hotelympia will be the place to source the very latest products, glean vital inspiration and learn more about the trends setting the agenda. We're of course delighted to have the backing of the SBID - an incredibly important association that works tirelessly to serve its members. It's tremendously exciting to be working in partnership with them to bring the design fraternity a show that will live long in the memory."
Toby Wand, managing director at show organiser Fresh Montgomery said: "Hotelympia 2014 is set to unite the very best in tabletop and design, catering equipment, food and drink and technology, but this time 
in one purpose-built space. For almost 80 years, Hotelympia has retained its place as the biggest, most comprehensive trade show for the hospitality industry. This time, we are putting innovation and design 
at the heart of our offer, creating the most 
relevant and comprehensive visitor experience yet - a true hotbed of innovation."
FREE BUSINESS ADVICE
Hospitality consultants the Buell Group will offer free specialist advice to visitors throughout the show at the new Buell Business Advice Clinic.
Delegates can receive one-to-one specialist mentoring on the most vital components to running a successful hospitality business, including F&B concept development, organic growthand development, legal advice, and strategic business reviews.
TOPTABLE AND DESIGN EXHIBITORS AND INNOVATION AWARDS
Innovation awards
The Hotelympia Innovation Awards will provide tabletop and design exhibitors with a free high-profile platform for new product launches.
Six finalists in each category, including tabletop and design, food and drink, catering equipment and technology, will be required to pitch their products before a panel of Innovation Idols. Each product will be on display in a dedicated area throughout the show, offering visitors a preview of six innovative new products in the world of hospitality design.
Innovation Idols confirmed so far include Nick Sandler, creative chef for Pret A Manger, restaurateur, chef and 'Spice Man' Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Adam Marshall, chief executive of London-based pub and bar group Grand Union, and David Russell and David Bentley from catering consultancy the Russell Partnership.
Exhibitors A wide variety of tabletop manufacturers, designers and suppliers will also be exhibiting at the show, including:
3663 (stand 3958)
Amefa (stand 3168)
Artis (stand 3542)
Broggi (stand 3858)
Churchill Dining Out (stand 3642)
Contacto (stand 2867)
Continental Chef Supplies (stand 2742)
Dudson (stand 3258)
EveryWare Global (stand 3268)
Grayshott Pottery (stand 3464)
Merlin Buffet Systems (stand 3942)
Neville UK (stand 2954)
Nisbets (stands 2457 and 2657)
Oliver Harvey (stand 3985/a)
Steelite International (stand 3142)
•EveryWare Global will be running an offer to furnish one hospitality outlet (150 covers max) with a full set of its tableware, cutlery and glassware. The £15,000 giveaway is open to all Hotelympia visitors who go to its stand and sign up to its monthly newsletter.
•Reiko Kaneko, the British-Japanese designer (stand 3867) will present her range of ceramic tableware influenced by her early years growing up in Japan.
Reiko's range is about "the uniqueness of form, respect for the quality of material and the pure pleasure of presenting them on a table to showcase the food".
