NEWH - April 2004 - (Page 26)

surviving HD… by: Pura Rojas, Powell Design Group HD Expo-Las Vegas, the Mecca for contract designers and purchasing agents, a yearly pilgrimage to gain knowledge and insight of the newest merchandise, trends and ideas, not to mention enjoy the company of our peers, competitors, suppliers and purveyors. During a few short days we are bombarded with stimuli in the form of offers, presentations, gossip and, of course, food! But how can we reap the benefits of this annual expedition? How can we overcome the looming image of so many booths, so little time and such tender feet? Preparation, discipline and follow through. So, why not confront the challenge as a design exercise, with you, the designer, as the client? After all, we are the most important asset we have, since our preparation and effectiveness influences every client and project we touch. I propose a secret plan of attack which parallels our design contract phases. This all too familiar format — SCOPE, PROGRAMMING, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, and ETC- which becomes innate after a while will help you get organized. Hopefully, after this exercise, while the euphoria still surrounds you the Monday after, you will recollect the details of the wonderful experience vividly. In the hopes that this becomes an annual practice - our mantra for successful shows – please feel free to contribute all your comments so that we can build upon it. Nothing here is new, nor is it so innovative, but sometimes the most obvious escapes us due to its very nature. THE GAME PLAN Client: You, the designer/attendee Scope: Making the most of HD Expo-Las Vegas Programming: Assess your needs. Is there a particular item, phase, style that seems to become an insurmountable challenge with each project —or at least gives you too many butterflies? HD Expo is an excellent opportunity for improving resources, reviewing the details of current resources will fine-tune the quest. Specifically, what is the current status of? Library of Catalogues- Your resources are obviously more that just what is physically in your library, but many times just flipping through a catalogue can ignite an idea/solution not previously considered. 26 Product Lines - A variety of product lines, from the commonplace to the extraordinary may, provide inspiration. Design Tools - Not just design implements, but sources that serve as tools. A vendor or manufacturer can offer more than his product line; a manufacturing viewpoint is invaluable for tight schedules and budgets. Innovative Techniques- Are you too settled in your design methodology? A habit or formula, although sometimes necessary, may result in stagnant or stale solutions. New perspectives stimulate new solutions; expose yourself to something new, Las Vegas has lots to offer. Design Development - Defining the Expo expedition and how it can enhance you Review the list of exhibitors & seminars and select which can meet the needs establishedEvaluate exhibitors: which will fill the gaps and may offer fresh ideas? Have an intern (if you have such a luxury) look through magazines and flag those that are new or have a new look. Once the list is made, look them up in the Internet, explore who they are beyond their single magazine ad. Seminars: It’s not only the topic; the moderator and panel are just as important in your choices. What is their background? What can they offer you? It’s an opportunity to interact with the gurus in our midst, and those who love what they do so much that their enthusiasm will transform you. Exposure to new stimuliThe exposure to Las Vegas restaurants, hotels, vignettes, and components of exhibitions or presentations can inspire and can catapult you into unexplored territories. Las Vegas is a hedonist’s paradise where projects can have fantastic budgets with unrealistic expectations, how did those designers find solutions? Contract Documents Itinerary and travel plansMake sure your flight itinerary is what you want and that your hotel accommodation meets your needs. Staying further away from the exhibit site may be more economical, but cab fare may make your stay more expensive in time and money. Keep all the promotional material from exhibitors in a file that you can take with you, during the flight you can review it and discover something you may have missed. That is if you are not total-

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2004

NEWH - April 2004
President’s Letter
Calendar of Events
Contents
From the Editor
Hospitality News
In Memory - Thomas R. Durkan, Sr.
Top Hotel Developers - John Q. Hammons
On the Road Again
HD Expo at a Glance
Surviving HD
Did You Know
Exclusive Lifestyle by Design
If It Were Easy
The Best of Time
Talk About Fast Track
What to Expect From the Vacation Ownership Industry
A Look Back in History
The New Direction for Timeshares in Europe
Confronting the Disabilities Myth
Furnishing Today’s Timeshare
Art - The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Showcase Projects
Design Education Today
Designer Profile: Esther Dunbar-Cullum
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
Top Awards
From Across the Pond
Spotlight On...
Tips on Specs
Window Treatments 101
Hot New Products
We Want Your Projects
Bios

NEWH - April 2004