Conference & Design Talks

Ideas that shape hospitality design

Free sessions across two theatres, led by the architects, designers and operators behind Australia's hotels, resorts and restaurants.

2 Conference theatres

50 Speakers

9 Conference themes

Free To attend every session

Why attend

Fresh thinking for your next project

Hospitality Design Live brings the design community together to explore the opportunities and challenges facing hotels, resorts, restaurants and accommodation projects. From interior concepts and refurbishment to FF&E and guest experience, every session is built to be useful the moment you get back to the studio.

The latest hospitality design trends
New materials, products and solutions
Real project case studies
Sessions you choose to suit your work
Time with architects, designers and peers

The programme

Conference themes

Design and interiors

The creative thinking behind guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants and shared spaces that balance beauty with function.

Sustainable design

Responsible materials, circular principles and practical ways to reduce the footprint of refurbishments and new builds.

Smart spaces

How connected technology, automation and intelligent lighting are changing the way guests use physical spaces.

Development and refurbishment

The decisions behind projects that perform over time, from early concepts to budgets and delivery.

FF&E and specification

How designers, procurement teams and suppliers work together to meet creative and commercial goals.

Boutique and lifestyle

Creating a strong sense of place and interiors that set boutique and lifestyle properties apart.

Brand and guest experience

How arrival, spatial planning, finishes and lighting communicate a brand's personality.

Back of house

Smarter layouts and equipment choices for commercial kitchens, service areas and hospitality workplaces.

The future of design

Emerging trends, shifting guest expectations and the ideas shaping the next generation of hospitality spaces.

Main stage

Design Talks

Where the people shaping hotel design meet the people building it. Architects, interior designers and project leaders take the stage to share the strategies, case studies and decisions behind the region's most talked about hospitality spaces.

Expect keynotes, panels and deep dives into flagship refurbishments, boutique new builds, sustainability and what comes next for guest facing spaces.

From the Design Talks stage at NoVacancy 2026