HOSTED BUYER PROGRAM
The HD Expo Hosted Buyer Program is designed to create an elevated and curated experience for hospitality design leaders shaping the industry’s most exciting projects. Through exclusive networking opportunities, personalized introductions, and meaningful business connections, participants gain unparalleled access to the people, products, and ideas driving hospitality forward. Selected participants will enjoy a complimentary Full Conference Pass with a VIP schedule, exclusive event access, a three-night hotel stay, up to $500 in domestic airfare reimbursement (up to $1,000 for international attendees), personalized concierge support, and a range of VIP benefits throughout their HD Expo experience.
Applications are now open!
Deadline: January 1st 2027
Who qualifies for the HD hosted buyer program?
That’s a great question. Here’s what we’re looking for in our hosted buyer candidates:
- Qualified buyers: If you’re a designer, architect, purchaser or brand leader with purchasing influence or design decision-making authority, then you’ve checked the first box!
- Experience: Applicants should hold a managerial-level position or higher. While six years of experience is preferred, professionals with over three years of relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.(If you have less experience, check out our New Design Professionals program!)
- Time and schedule commitment: To ensure all participants receive the full value of the Hosted Buyer experience, selected buyers are required to attend the Hosted Buyer schedule from Monday evening through Thursday afternoon. This includes participation in exclusive networking events, 8 sponsor booth tours, and 6 pre-scheduled meetings. An example schedule can be found below to help you understand the time commitment involved.
Selected Hosted Buyers Receive:
LODGING
A three-night stay within the HD Expo + Conference block
TRANSPORTATION
Airfare reimbursement (up to $500 domestic, $1000 international)
EXPERIENCE PASS
Expo hall, CEU sessions, and Party by the Pool access
VIP PERKS
Special lounges, F+B gift cards, reserved seating and more!
…plus a few other surprises along the way!
Hear from our Past Buyers:
What a privilege it was to be invited to participate in this incredible event. From the delicious meals to the stunning venues, the well-organized booth tours, and the focused one-on-one meetings with suppliers, every moment felt purposeful and valuable. The agenda was thoughtfully crafted and executed with impressive attention to detail. The booth tours were a highlight for me—suppliers took the time to walk through every item, something you rarely get during a typical trade show. I discovered products and suppliers that align perfectly with my current projects, and I also had the chance to connect with industry peers I look forward to collaborating with. The week flew by, and I’m truly grateful for the experience
If you get the chance, I’d definitely recommend attending the HD Expo through the Hosted Buyer Program. It was a great experience—I connected with people from across the U.S. and even internationally, many of whom work in areas of design that are totally different from mine. We had some really insightful conversations about tech trends, shared ideas and advice, and talked through some of the challenges we’re all facing in the industry. I didn’t expect to build such strong connections, but I met some amazing people I know I’ll stay in touch with moving forward.
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2026 Schedule Example
Monday, May 4, 2026
| 1:00pm-5:00pm | Afternoon Arrivals |
| 6:00pm-8:00pm | Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception |
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
| 8:00am - 8:50 am | Group Breakfast and Pre-Tour Brief |
| 9:00am - 9:30 am | 1st Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 9:40am - 10:10 am | 2nd Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 10:10am - 12:30am | Free Floor Time + Scheduled Meetings(via Match App) |
| 1:15pm - 1:30 pm | Afternoon Regroup and Coffee |
| 1:40pm - 2:10 pm | 3rd Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 2:20pm-2:50pm | 4th Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 3:00pm-5:00pm | Free Floor Time + Scheduled Meetings(via Match App) |
| 7:30pm | TBC - Optional - Sponsor Hosted Dinners or Free Time |
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
| 8:30am-8:50am | Day 2 Welcome Regroup and Coffee |
| 9:00am-9:30am | 5th Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 9:40am-10:10am | 6th Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 10:10am-12:30pm | Free Floor Time + Scheduled Meetings(via Match App) |
| 12:30pm-1:30pm | Hosted Buyer Lunch and Regroup |
| 1:40pm-2:10pm | 7th Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 2:20pm-2:50pm | 8th Sponsor Booth Tour |
| 3:00pm-5:00pm | Free Floor Time + Scheduled Meetings(via Match App) |
| 5:30pm-8:00pm | Drenched In Design (Formally Party By The Pool) |
| 8:00pm | TBC - Optional - Sponsor Hosted Dinners or Free Time |
Thursday, May 7, 2026
| 9:30am-10:30am | Show Floor Activity + Free Time |
| 10:30am-12:00pm | Farewell Brunch |
| 12:00pm-3:00pm | Free Time on the Floor |
| 3:00 pm | Departures |
*Hosted buyers are expected to arrive in time for the welcome reception and stay through 1pm on Thursday
Questions about your application or the HD hosted buyer program?
Contact Alice Bailey, please allow 24 working hours for a response.
Questions about sponsoring the HD hosted buyer program?
Contact Keeli Schmidt, please allow 24 working hours for a response.