HD Expo 2025 – Designing for the Experiential Guest
By Jared Powell, Interior Designer
This year’s HD Expo (2025) in Las Vegas made it clear: hospitality is entering a new era, one where experience trumps excess. A central theme dominating this year’s event was the growing trend of experiential guest design—a shift driven largely by younger generations who are redefining what it means to travel, stay, and engage.
Traditionally, Las Vegas has thrived on gambling and drinking. But as Millennials and Gen Z become the dominant consumer groups, their priorities are changing. These guests are far less interested in slot machines and cocktails, and far more inclined to seek out purpose-driven, authentic, and shareable moments. For them, travel is about connection, identity, and discovery—not indulgence.
Panelists and designers at HD Expo addressed how hoteliers are adapting, offering immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences that begin long before check-in. From pre-arrival storytelling and custom digital itineraries to in-room art installations and interactive workshops, the focus has shifted from passive amenities to active engagement. This trend not only satisfies the demand for personalization and novelty but also drives higher ADR (Average Daily Rate) and guest retention.
A standout panel explored how properties are blending design, culture, and technology to create environments that resonate with emotionally intelligent, socially conscious travelers. Localized materials, sensory elements, and curated programming help guests feel they are part of something distinctive and memorable—far removed from the generic.
In today’s algorithm-driven world, where social media often flattens culture, the desire for the unique is intensifying. HD Expo 2025 confirmed that successful hotels must offer more than a place to sleep—they must tell a story, create an experience, and make every moment feel unrepeatable. For the new generation of guests, that’s the ultimate luxury.