We can’t believe it’s over! Is it too soon to say that we’re already thinking of next year? After all, we’ve set the dates (mark 3 – 4 June in your calendar). But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look back at all the things we loved at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo in 2024.
Here are our five highlights:
One: Starting fresh with rooftop yoga…
…or Rise ‘n’ Run. As much as attending or exhibiting at a trade show can breathe new life into our projects and professional development, it can take it out of our bodies. That’s why we love starting Day Two with something to reinvigorate our wellness. On Friday 7 June, over at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, delegates saluted the sun – literally – for rooftop yoga. Meanwhile, down on the beach, a group of CSI runners set the pace along Miami South Beach.
We greeted the day with a sunrise run…… or rooftop yoga
Two: The Sustainable Design Summit Working Group Breakfast
This session was incredibly well-subscribed, with delegates going straight on the waitlist from several weeks out – and we’re not surprised. Only the second Working Group of the new Sustainable Design Summit format, and the first in-person session, the topic inspired participation from delegates from across the hospitality design sectors. Designers, suppliers and stakeholders from the cruise ship interiors design community and hotel design industry met to discuss Refurbishments: A circularity state of mind. The conversation was led by speakers including Korina Stark; Circular Spring, Kim Bjorge Hofslundsengen; Hurtigruten, Giacomo Villa; Manifattura Testori and Cristina Stefani; Aquafil.
Three: Our hand-picked networking opportunities
I loved the opportunity to participate in Speed Networking. It’s one of the things that, to me, gives most of the value to the event. Nicola Olivieri Vessel and Yacht Designer, Allstars Engineering Group
Our speed networking sessions are wildly popular with buyers and suppliers alike. What’s our secret to getting such strong buy-in from buyers for these networking opportunities? It’s simple – we have the suppliers they are looking for! Our audience team are in year-round conversation with the designers and cruise lines working in the cruise ship interiors design industry, learning what projects they’re working on, what products they’re looking for and what introductions they are seeking. In the run up to the show, we are working round the clock to place the attending buyers and designers on the speed networking sessions that will benefit them most.
I’ve absolutely loved CSI. Andriali Contract were a highlight, their collection is brilliant. I’ve been made to feel very welcome and I’ll be back next year! Olli Forbom Procurement Director, Shipbuilding Completion Oy
Four: HRDS
This year was the second year that CSI was co-located with Hotel and Resort Design South. This gave everyone an amazing opportunity for cross-industry knowledge sharing during the scheduled content, and the chance to see materials and products that they wouldn’t usually encounter. The HRDS Product Showcase looked amazing and was filled with the materials that designers are clamoring to work with. From 100% recycled and recyclable material from the Good Plastic Company to sustainable finishes from the Columbian company ELEM.NTS Group, eco-friendly design was front and center. Plus, at co-hosted conferences such as Next-gen hospitality, expert speakers from land-based hospitality and cruise ship interiors dug into the question headlining both industry’s agendas: what does the future guest desire?
Five: This year’s content line-up
I haven’t missed a CSI since 2017. To me it’s always a milestone in our industry. This is the one event that all of the key people are in the same place for. Brendan Harris Director of Project Management Services, Foreship LLC
Do you learn better when you have a full stomach? So do we! That’s why we invited Celebrity Cruises to share their insight into the social trends and next-gen technology that’s shaping onboard entertainment over lunch. We also partnered with NEWH for a fascinating Lunch & Learn featuring Beth Reitzel-Grdon, Manager, FF&E, Hotels, Universal Creative. If you are an obsessive note taker and prefer to have your hands free while soaking up knowledge, we scheduled content for you too. Redefining entertainment at sea and Universal design both took place on the second day of CSI. Two very different topics but both, in their own way, all about creating a world of possibility for guests.
… Plus everything else we loved
We could never simply stick to five things we loved about CSI. Here, in no particular order, is everything else that is still making us smile: Kvadrat’s flower crafts, booth parties, our first ever Showstoppers Drinks Reception, the impulsive competitions in the Attractions & Entertainment Zone, Meet the Brands, awarding Dansk Wilton most sustainable booth, and so much more…
Thank you to everyone in the cruise ship interiors community for making CSI this year – and every year – such a special occasion.
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
