The shows go on

I can’t be the only one so over that tired phrase “Tough Economic Times.” Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of abusing it. But TET these are, and I haven’t spoken with a designer or vendor who hasn’t been affected by the worldwide crisis. From the single-person shops to the large international firms, all are scrambling to hold on to existing business and secure new revenue sources. A determined attitude and dedicated work ethic are critical survival tools.

“It’s really a tough time for all of us,” says Lemor Moses, director of public relations for Hirsch Bedner Associates. “Most of our domestic work and casino projects have come to a standstill. Luckily, we are a truly international company, which enables us to persist. China is still strong, as is India and Southeast Asia. We still have over 150 projects in our books, but who knows how the next year will play out?

We’re staying optimistic and trying to diversify our project mix.”

Recession be damned, the shows go on. ALIS, HotelWorld, HD Expo, KBIS and NeoCon all tout in their marketing pitches the necessity to network and sell. I have a feeling this year’s show circuit will be one big nurture-fest. I look forward to the positive reinforcement and face-to-face contact with old friends and new prospects.

Facebook, LinkedIn, GoToMeeting and webinars are great tools for keeping tabs on associates and clients, but nothing beats old-fashioned pressing the flesh (or, in our industry, air kisses). Sure, slashing travel expenses is the new norm: shortening hotel stays, substituting a quick-service food joint for the upscale bistro, trading the $12 martini for a three-buck Bud. But business is forged on personal contact; so if you can swing it, go. I look forward to the camaraderie and socializing that goes hand-in-hand with these events.  And I know we could all use a few laughs (even if they are of a gallows-humor nature).

It’s encouraging to hear reports of those who continue to stay busy and profitable. In this issue, we feature two renowned designers with differing viewpoints but similar passions for design—Geoffrey Bradfield and Thom Filicia. South African-born Bradfield brings an international, refined and contemporary aesthetic to his mostly high-end projects that encompass private residences, jets and yachts. With The Equinox (page 10) he gives a Colonial-era dowager a youthful, yet elegant refresh.

Thom Filicia, of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” television fame, imbues his growing portfolio of hotel work (namely Starwood’s W brand) with a decidedly hip, breezy and playful vibe. Check out the results of his latest project, the W Atlanta-Buckhead, on page 26.