Virgin has a reputation for approaching industries as outsiders and adding a customer-focused pizzazz to anything it touches. Signs the company may move into the hotel industry could lead to interesting developments.

Live updates from "transform: design differently," taking place July 13-14, at the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort in Park City, Utah. The HWN event is focused on universal and socially responsible design that puts the traveler at the center of every project.

Raise your hand--who has had it up to here with less-than-exciting general sessions and panels at industry events? It's okay, you can admit it; I definitely feel that way sometimes. That's why it's so energizing when I encounter a speaker who has something to say, something I haven't heard before, something I can apply to my job in the short term and over the long run. For that reason, we try to push the envelope a little with our Hotel Design events ...

Take advantage of low labor and material costs, faster access to inventory and timeless trends now, designers say.

transform: design differently will take place July 13-14, 2010, at the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort in Park City, Utah. This invitation-only event will focus on universal and socially responsible design that puts the traveler at the center of every project.

As this newsletter goes out we are all busy at HD Expo, meeting friends, doing business, noticing trends and exploring all the new products coming to market. I am inspired by it all and I know you are too. It's especially inspiring to see more of you out and about at shows, regional events and seminars. That tells me the industry is gearing up for a much more healthy and optimistic summer this year! Speaking of summer ...

The Hotel Design event, taking place July 13-14, will focus on universal and socially responsible design that puts the traveler at the center of every project.

The third annual HotelWorld Network Hospitality & Design Award program deadline is approaching fast. Be recognized for your most creative and outstanding design for hotels/motels, resorts, spas and luxury cruise ships. Submit your project by May 7.

Design Miami/Basel, a forum for international design, will change the name of its annual Designers of the Future Award to W Hotels Designers of the Future Award.

Based on participant feedback, this year's HOTEC Design event at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Fla., will have a slightly modified format.