Heather Ciszczon brings over 25 years of hospitality leadership to CoralTree Hospitality, where she directs design and development across a diverse national portfolio. Her expertise spans adaptive reuse, technical services, brand alignment, and complex project delivery. A champion of placemaking and cross-functional collaboration, Heather ensures vision translates seamlessly into execution.

Mark Eacott leads global design across Ennismore’s hotel and branded residential portfolio, shaping the creative direction of one of the industry’s most dynamic hospitality platforms. With experience spanning London, New York, and Shanghai, his career includes work with leading firms and brands such as Philippe Starck’s YOO, Soho House, OMA, and Hirsch Bedner Associates. Since joining Ennismore in 2018 following Accor’s acquisition of sbe, Eacott has brought deep expertise across legacy lifestyle brands including SLS, Mondrian, HYDE, and Delano, driving product innovation and brand-led design worldwide.

Paolo Ferrari is the founder of Studio Paolo Ferrari, the Toronto-based practice named Boutique Design’s 2025 Designer of the Year. Known for immersive, enduring environments that balance artistry and functionality, his work spans hospitality, retail, and residential projects worldwide. With collaborations including Accor, Raffles, Four Seasons, Auberge Collection, 1 Hotels, and LVMH, Ferrari brings a refined, human-centered lens to luxury design across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Alison Medina is a strategic storyteller at the intersection of design, media, and events. As Vice President and Brand Director for Hospitality Design and HD Expo, she guides the growth and long-term relevance of the platform. With two decades shaping industry conversations — from editorial leadership to C-suite communications at EY — Alison brings clarity, perspective, and future-focused thinking to the design community.

Lori Mukoyama is a principal and global hospitality leader known for shaping experience-driven environments across hospitality, retail, and mixed-use projects worldwide. With more than two decades of design leadership, she works with brands including Hyatt, Marriott, Ayala Land, and Sterling Bay to create spaces that balance operational strategy with guest experience. Her work also extends beyond traditional hospitality, applying a hospitality lens to retail and fitness brands such as Studio Three, Radio Flyer, and Sam Edelman. Mukoyama is an active industry voice and mentor, frequently speaking on topics including experiential design and generative AI.

Susan Nugraha leads design and development for Tao Group Hospitality, guiding the creative vision behind some of the world’s most recognizable nightlife and dining destinations. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she began her career at Rockwell Group, contributing to high-profile projects including Tao Downtown, Vandal New York, Moxy Times Square, and Omnia Las Vegas. Since joining Tao Group in 2017, Nugraha has overseen more than 30 venue openings across global markets including New York, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Singapore. Her work has earned industry recognition including Hospitality Design magazine’s “Wave of the Future.”

Julie Purpura believes beautiful spaces must also perform. As founder of Avenir, she creates immersive hospitality environments grounded in both creative vision and financial clarity. With deep expertise in construction, materials, and brand standards, Julie guides owners toward strategic decisions that protect investment while elevating the guest experience.

Krystel Sam designs with intention. An award-winning hospitality designer and brand strategist, she leads global brand narratives and prototype strategy at Hilton, shaping the evolution of its full-service portfolio and future concepts. Known for high-impact environments that strengthen brand connection, her philosophy is simple: great design doesn’t shout — it makes you feel.

David Shove-Brown leads with curiosity and rigor. As Partner at //3877, he oversees architecture and interior design projects across hospitality, retail, residential, and healthcare sectors in the U.S. and Europe. An award-winning architect, educator, and frequent lecturer, David brings both academic depth and practical insight to every conversation about design’s responsibility and impact.

With more than 15 years shaping global hospitality experiences, Louie Sison blends strategy with storytelling. As a Studio Design Leader at Curioso, he guides teams across Chicago and Mérida to create immersive hotels, residences, and restaurants that resonate at every touchpoint. A Boutique 18 honoree, Louie is equally passionate about cultivating the next generation of design talent.

Larry Traxler has spent more than 30 years shaping the emotional landscape of global hospitality. Most recently Global Head of Architecture & Design at Hilton, he helped guide the brand’s creative evolution as its portfolio expanded dramatically across continents. His work spans ultra-luxury resorts, adaptive reuse, and even next-generation space habitat design — always grounded in storytelling, place, and human connection.