The Design Talks summit at No Vacancy 2025, being held on 17–18 September at ICC Sydney, offers a strategic platform for architects, interior designers, project leaders, and hospitality executives to explore the evolving landscape of hotel and commercial interiors. It represents more than aesthetic inspiration; it addresses how design strategically shapes guest experience, brand positioning, sustainability, and revenue.
Over two days, the programme stages a compelling blend of keynote presentations, panel discussions, expert roundtables, and case studies. On the first day, attendees can engage with sessions like “The design of storytelling: Weaving history into modern hospitality,” which demonstrates how design can embed heritage into experiential guest environments. Equally, the session “How to make daggy cool” offers an exploration of creative authenticity, making the ordinary compelling in a way that resonates with modern travellers. “Turning guest wellbeing into brand value” highlights opportunities to convert design-led wellness into competitive advantage.
Day two presents a richer sweep of strategic insight. Highlights include “2,000 plants & biophilic luxury: How 1 Hotel Melbourne’s green design drives revenue,” a real-world case demonstrating the direct financial dividends of nature-inspired interiors. In “Bringing the X Factor to your property,” the focus shifts to signature design elements, from feng shui to bold décor, that create distinct, memorable environments. Attendees can also consider “CPD session: Designing for restoration and ‘No Vacancy’ rooms,” which blends continuing professional development with applied design strategies. Further sessions, such as “Regenerative tourism: Designing hotels that give back to nature,” and “The wellness premium: How nature-infused design commands higher room rates,” reinforce sustainability as a revenue driver.
The summit also features the “Ask me anything: Roundtables with design experts,” offering direct access to leading professionals in disciplines ranging from architecture and styling to wellness-focused branding and photography. These interactive formats enable attendees to pose challenges, compare notes, and gather focused guidance.
Design Talks is positioned at the intersection of creativity and commerce. It extends the conversation beyond visual appeal, delving into how design can influence purchasing behaviour, enhance guest satisfaction, and underpin strategic differentiation. Whether through biophilic installations or culturally resonant storytelling, every session includes practical takeaways aimed at hospitality operators, developers, and designers alike.
The Design Talks summit offers a compelling two-day journey through future-focused design thinking in hospitality. It equips professionals with both intellectual insight and actionable strategies to transform properties into experiences that resonate and deliver long-term value. For those driving design innovation in the hospitality sector, No Vacancy 2025’s Design Talks is a must attend.
Register here.
