Hospitality Design (HD), the premier media and events brand serving the hospitality design industry since 1979, has announced editorial leadership promotions, continuity across its events team, and a forward-looking growth strategy that underscores its commitment to storytelling, collaboration, and community-building.
The HD portfolio includes the flagship Hospitality Design magazine, the industry’s leading trade publication, and HD Expo + Conference, its marquee event. Together, these platforms connect, inform, and inspire design professionals, vendors, and partners. Building on this strong foundation, the latest leadership transitions reinforce HD’s legacy as a trusted resource while positioning the brand for continued growth and innovation in 2026 and beyond. As part of this evolution, HD announced a series of editorial promotions.
Alissa Ponchione has been promoted to editor in chief after 12 years with the brand, bringing deep industry relationships and institutional knowledge to guide Hospitality Design magazine’s next chapter. She will lead alongside a strengthened editorial team, including Caitlin St John as newly appointed managing editor, Stephanie Chen as senior editor, and Jonathan Marsland as creative director.
The September issue of Hospitality Design—Alissa’s first as editor in chief—sets the tone for this new chapter.
“Hospitality Design has always been defined by the relationships we’ve built, the voices we amplify, and the connections made at our events. That spirit will continue to shape everything we do,” says Ponchione. “I am honored to help guide this brand into its next chapter alongside our incredible team.”
In addition, on the events side for HD Expo + Conference, HD’s core events team—including Keisha Byrd, vice president, Hospitality Design Group; Tim Fearney, show director; and Keeli Schmidt, director of event sales—remains a seasoned and expert team, delivering a trusted and effective approach to client programs.
Looking ahead: Strategic growth in editorial and events
Hospitality Design magazine will strengthen its role as an industry authority in 2026 with the launch of a comprehensive State of the Industry Report, positioning the publication as a definitive source of sector intelligence. HD is also expanding its content strategy to serve as a platform for thought leadership, education, and innovation, with an increased focus on amplifying diverse voices and bold ideas to guide industry progress while honoring its storytelling tradition.
For HD Expo + Conference, the strategy focuses on expanding opportunities for connection, networking, and professional development. By Q1 2026, the Hosted Buyers program will grow by 150 percent and introduce a guaranteed appointment system designed to deliver confirmed ROI and stronger engagement.
Additionally, the New Design Professionals program progresses with new mentorship and first-timer initiatives to bridge generational gaps and connect rising talent with established leaders. Shaped by vendor and partner feedback, these enhancements ensure that as HD Expo + Conference scales, it preserves the relationship-driven spirit and community focus that have long defined the event.
In marking this new chapter, HD recognizes the contributions of its long-time publisher, Paul Bienkowski, who is retiring after 40 years with the brand. Paul’s leadership and partnership shaped HD’s reputation as a trusted industry cornerstone. He will oversee a seamless transition with his successor, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service to the hospitality design community.
Through these editorial promotions, events leadership and strategic growth initiatives, Hospitality Design reaffirms its dedication to amplifying visionary voices, celebrating human-centric design, and inspiring its dynamic community for decades to come.
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Hospitality Design (HD) and Boutique Design (BD) are the leading voices of the global hospitality design industry, connecting designers, architects, owners, operators, and brands through award-winning editorial content, digital platforms, and world-class events. Together, the two magazines, which are published 12 times per year, celebrate the creative vision shaping hotels, restaurants, resorts, wellness destinations, and beyond.
HD and BD also bring their editorial to life through an influential portfolio of events, from flagship tradeshows HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas and BDNY at the Javits Center, to intimate networking forums, award programs, and leadership summits.
