Emerald, the parent company of Hospitality Design (HD), and a leading developer of dynamic live events and integrated, leading market platforms, announces the promotion of Rachel Long to Brand Leader of HD Expo + Conference and HD’s various networking and awards events, including HD Summit, HD NextGen Forum, HD Awards, HD Platinum Circle, and Hospitality Design Group CitySCENE events.
Long has been an integral part of HD’s history, spending 25 years with the brand as an editor and as part of the HD Expo + Conference launch team before joining the leadership team of Interior Design magazine and Material Bank for a decade. She rejoined Emerald as VP Content of the Design Group in 2019 and has been the driving force behind the content of HD Expo + Conference and the brand’s think tank-focused events, sourcing speakers and key attendees.
“Rachel has been vital in the evolution of the HD brand,” said Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President, Design Group, Emerald. “Her new role will allow us to continue to advance the HD Expo + Conference as best in class while continuing to produce exceptional networking events to elevate the HD brand under the Hospitality Design Group umbrella.”
“With her incredible knowledge of the industry, having Rachel as the steward of HD will help us grow and evolve the tradeshow and events so they become best in class, while also maintaining their unique experiences and offerings,” said Gannon Brousseau, Executive Vice President, Design Group, Emerald.
“Trade fairs and strategic events are where the people from the pages of our digital and print publications come to network and expand their careers and knowledge. Rachel will ensure the HD brand continues to be a major connector for the hospitality design industry,” added Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Editor in Chief of Hospitality Design, and Senior Vice President, Design Group, Emerald.
“Given the phenomenal global rise of hospitality and the experience economy, I am excited for the opportunity to serve the owners, brands, manufacturers, and creative teams who make great hospitality design the norm, rather than the exception,” said Long. “It is an honor and a privilege for me to help grow a legacy brand and share state-of-the-art design innovation with the hospitality industry.”
Registration is now open for HD Expo + Conference, which takes place May 2-4, 2023, at the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas.
For a full calendar of HD events, click here.