THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB IN HOSPITALITY
Sunday 27 March —
15:00
- 15:45
The Talks — Hall 7
Description
Members’ clubs have a unique position in the hospitality industry between the public and private spheres, demonstrating the importance of the community in the face of the global crisis. Those who join luxury membership clubs seek targeted connections with like-minded people who are passionate about the finer things in life. Despite the growing demand for digital services and engagement, virtual worlds only deepen customers' understanding of the value of real-life environments. In this talk, we will explore new concepts in the sector and how design transforms them into commercial success.
Participants
Linda BoronkayFounder - Linda Boronkay Design Studio
Liran WizmanFounder - Sircle Collection
Yoko ChoyModeration
Linda Boronkay
Founder - Linda Boronkay Design Studio
Renowned in the industry for her warmth and emotionally intelligent approach, Linda’s 13-year career has seen her work for an impressive roster of global clients. Before starting her own studio, Linda was Design Director of Soho House where she was responsible for Asia, Europe and the UK regions, overseeing a team of nearly one hundred people including architects, interior designers and a procurement team. She took overall design responsibility for members’ clubs, overseeing hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges, event and co-working spaces, bespoke furniture lines and home accessories. Previously Linda worked at leading architecture and design practices including Tom Dixon, Martin Brudnizki, Woods Bagot, and Tara Bernerd, collaborating on sites and destinations for Caprice Holdings, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Greenland Group, Morgans (now SBE), Nobu Global, Qantas, Starwood Capital and Virgin Hotels. Linda grew up in Hungary and her parents ignited her passion for design; her father is an architect and her mother, a passionate collector of arts and antiques, founded a Pulitzer winning design magazine. Linda trained to be a fashion designer in Paris before deciding on a career in interior design. Drawing daily inspiration from art, fashion, literature, music, cinema, architecture and craft, she aims to create projects that balance individuality and functionality, heritage and modernity, character and comfort. She is in demand as an industry commentator, speaker, design columnist and judge.
Liran Wizman
Founder - Sircle Collection
Amsterdam based Liran Wizman specialises in creating and curating lifestyle experiences melding design, hospitality and unique food and beverage concepts. He is the founder and owner of Sircle Collection, the hotel and development company that umbrellas several design-led lifestyle hotels, including Sir Hotels, Max Brown Hotels and the asset management for W Amsterdam. EHPC’s portfolio now stands at 13 hotels with several new properties set to open across Europe in the coming years. Influenced by his artist mother, businessman father and previous careers as a lawyer and economist, Wizman’s unique perspective has seen him segue from hotelier to lifestyle curator during 16 years in the industry. Using city spaces to express the coexistence between home and travel life within a local culture. Wizman says: “If I visit a city, I want to be where interesting people live. It is important to connect guests to the location they are visiting with excellent service that stays true to the culture and nuances of the city. I want to create hubs for both locals and travellers alike.” Liran Wizman has built a reputation for assembling a cast of interesting talents, bringing a feeling of design-led storytelling to all of his hotels and ventures. It was through his initial exposure in the hospitality world, which began in 2001 by founding Grand City Hotels Group (GCH), that he realised his passion for creating unique spaces. GCH has become one of the top hotel management companies in Europe and is currently the biggest hotel owner-operator group in Germany, with over 120 hotels and 25,000 rooms across Europe.