The 2026 Forecast: Boutique Design Trends Shaping the Future

06 Oct 2025
Innovation Stage
Luxury , Vision/Strategy , Design , Experiences , Trends , Sustainability

What’s shaping the next era of boutique hospitality? This future-focused panel brings together hotel visionaries, design disruptors, and brand strategists to decode the trends that will define 2026 and endure beyond it. Building on insights from his popular Trends Tour around the show floor, Hamish Kilburn digs deeper to uncover what’s truly connecting with modern travellers, teams, and communities. From AI-enhanced personalisation to regenerative design, this is your backstage pass to what’s next and what’s not worth the budget. Expect bold opinions, tactical foresight, and a candid discussion on how to futureproof not just aesthetics, but the full guest experience.

Moderator
Hamish Kilburn
Hamish Kilburn, Owner & Director - Kilburn Communications
Panelist
Kate Mooney
Kate Mooney, Founder - OCCA
Leanne Armstrong
Leanne Armstrong, Founder - Black Ivy Design
Mike Baxter
Mike Baxter, Founder - House of Gods