HD Expo 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) is the leading trade event for the hospitality design industry, bringing together 10,000 interior designers, architects, hotel owners, and design professionals at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. From custom furniture and lighting to sustainable materials and FF&E solutions, HD Expo showcases the products and ideas that shape hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues around the world.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
Badge pickup is at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center registration desk. Pre-registered attendees use self-service kiosks. Registration opens the day before the expo. Education sessions and tours begin before the show floor opens.
Schedule
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) Show Floor Hours
The HD Conference education sessions begin on Sunday. Hotel and venue design tours run throughout the week. Wednesday is a half day.
Transportation
How to Get to HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)
Parking
Use the Mandalay Bay parking garage. Self-parking is available on a first-come basis. During major shows, arrive early as the garage fills by mid-morning.
Public Transit / Monorail
A free tram connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur. From Excalibur you can walk to the MGM Grand monorail station for service up the Strip. The tram runs every 3–7 minutes.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated area at the Mandalay Bay main entrance on Las Vegas Blvd.
Walking from the Strip
Mandalay Bay sits at the south end of the Strip. It is a 20–25 minute walk to central Strip hotels. The free tram to Luxor and Excalibur helps, and from there you can connect to the monorail.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)
- Mandalay Bay restaurants — Aureole, Border Grill, Rivea, Citizens Kitchen
- Delano Las Vegas — connected to Mandalay Bay with Della's Kitchen and Skyfall Lounge
- Luxor restaurants — 5-minute walk via the free tram
- Excalibur food court — budget-friendly, accessible via free tram
Insider Tips
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) Tips for First-Timers
- The hotel design tours are a unique HD Expo feature. Get behind-the-scenes looks at recently completed hotel projects on the Strip.
- Wear stylish but comfortable shoes. This is a design event — presentation matters, but you will be walking the show floor all day.
- Bring a portfolio or tablet with your work if you are looking for new projects or partnerships.
- The Product Design Awards showcase highlights the year's most innovative hospitality products. Do not skip it.
- Network at the evening events. The hospitality design community is tight-knit and collaborations often start at HD Expo.
- April weather in Vegas is pleasant. Enjoy the walk around the Mandalay Bay pool area during lunch.
After the Show
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
The hospitality design community is creative, social, and appreciates great spaces. Vegas is the ultimate playground for people who design hotels and nightclubs for a living. The after-hours scene during HD Expo includes sponsor events, design community dinners, and the opportunity to experience the Strip venues from a designer's perspective.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
At MGM Grand, one tram stop from Mandalay Bay. The design of Hakkasan itself is a case study in nightclub architecture. Bring your critical eye.
Marquee Nightclub
Nightclub
At The Cosmopolitan. The multi-level layout and design details make Marquee a favorite for designers.
OMNIA Nightclub
Nightclub
The kinetic chandelier alone is worth the visit for anyone in the design industry. An engineering and design marvel.
Tao Nightclub
Nightclub / Lounge
The Asian-inspired interior design at Tao is iconic. Great for a design-focused group outing.
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) — FAQ
Where is HD Expo 2026?
HD Expo + Conference 2026 is at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
What are the HD Expo 2026 dates?
HD Expo runs Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Conference sessions begin Sunday.
Is HD Expo open to the public?
HD Expo is primarily for hospitality design professionals — designers, architects, hoteliers, and FF&E specifiers. Industry credentials may be required.
What should I wear to HD Expo?
Smart casual to creative professional. This is a design event — people dress well. Comfortable but stylish shoes recommended.
Are there design tours at HD Expo?
Yes. HD Expo offers curated hotel and venue design tours that take you behind the scenes at recently completed projects on the Strip. Register in advance as they fill up.
What is the best way to get from Mandalay Bay to nightclubs on the Strip during HD Expo week?
The free Mandalay Bay tram connects to Luxor and Excalibur in 3–5 minutes — from Excalibur you can walk through New York-New York and Park MGM to Hakkasan at MGM Grand in about 15 minutes on a fully air-conditioned indoor route. For OMNIA at Caesars or Marquee at The Cosmopolitan, rideshare from Mandalay Bay takes 10–14 minutes and typically costs $10–18 depending on surge pricing. The Mandalay Bay–to–LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau route runs about 16–20 minutes north up the Strip by rideshare. For HD Expo groups who prefer to stay in the convention compound, Foundation Room on the 43rd floor of Mandalay Bay is the premium lounge option with no transit required — panoramic Strip views and cocktail-hour volume rather than nightclub noise, which many design professionals prefer for industry networking.
Which Las Vegas nightclubs are most relevant to hospitality and interior designers attending HD Expo?
Las Vegas nightclubs are case studies in applied hospitality design, making them genuinely relevant to the HD Expo professional community beyond simple entertainment. Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand was designed by international architecture firm Inca Interiors and remains one of the most referenced examples of luxury nightclub design globally — five levels with distinct material palettes and lighting schemes across each room. OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace is notable for its 22-foot kinetic chandelier, a collaboration between the Hakkasan Group and engineering firm Electrosonic, synchronized to the DJ's music in real time. Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan uses a four-room indoor-outdoor format with an exposed structural grid and a library room that references the property's literary design concept. TAO Nightclub at The Venetian is the most-cited example of Asian-influenced nightclub interior in the United States, having maintained its design identity since its 2005 opening. Free guest list registration through NoCoverVegas covers cover charges at all four venues — submit group names 48 hours in advance during HD Expo week in April.
Related Pages
Explore More
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)
Convention overview, dates, and details
HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) Nightlife
Best nightclubs and after-parties for attendees
Wynn & Encore
Nightlife and hotel guide for HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) attendees
The Cosmopolitan
Nightlife and hotel guide for HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) attendees
Caesars Palace
Nightlife and hotel guide for HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) attendees
All Hotels
Browse every Las Vegas hotel with nightlife access
Pool Parties & Dayclubs
Free guest list to every Vegas pool party and dayclub
After the Show
Top Las Vegas Nightclubs for HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) Attendees
XS Nightclub
Wynn Las Vegas
OMNIA Nightclub
Caesars Palace
Hakkasan
MGM Grand
Marquee Nightclub
The Cosmopolitan
TAO Nightclub
The Venetian
Zouk Nightclub
Resorts World
Drai's Nightclub
Vanderpump Hotel
LIV Nightclub
Fontainebleau
Gentlemen's Clubs
Las Vegas Strip Clubs During HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)
All options below offer free guest list entry and complimentary transportation from your hotel — no cover, no minimums.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Crazy Horse III
Treasures
Hustler Club
Spearmint Rhino
Peppermint Hippo
Kings of Hustler
Palomino Club
Little Darlings
Deja Vu Showgirls
Dayclubs & Pool Parties
Pool Parties During HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)
Convention sessions typically wrap by 5 PM — the perfect window for a pool party. Dayclubs operate March through October with free guest list entry.
See all pool parties →Las Vegas Conventions
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Nightclubs
Pool Parties
Free Guest List for HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design) Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + free guest list entry at your hotel during HD Expo + Conference (Hospitality Design)