NEWH - Winter 2014 - 24

Q&A

Get to Know Stacy
Shoemaker Rauen

President of the New York chapter and editor-inchief of Hospitality Design magazine

How did you become involved in NEWH?
In 2010, after I moved back to New York from San Diego (where I
was working for Hospitality Design magazine remotely for three
years), my colleague at the time, Tara Mastrelli, recruited me.
She was very active in the chapter, and since Hospitality Design
was an NEWH corporate partner, I decided to join. The chapter
was in flux, and following Tara's lead, we-along with the other
board members-set out to try and improve our membership
by enticing more designers, architects, purchasers, and hotel
executives to join. We started monthly Toasty Tuesday events
at the newest and greatest hotels in New York complete with
property tours; an HD/NEWH Owners' Roundtable during the
NYU Investment Conference bringing together some of the
most prominent owners, operators, and brand executives; and
our largest fundraiser, Product Runway, held every other year
during IHMRS and BDNY. So far, the formula is working.
What has NEWH done for you personally and professionally? 
I've met and worked with many amazing people through NEWH,
and as a result, I have formed some really great friendships.
Professionally, I have been able to take what I do on a day-to-day
basis-bringing people together through various events-and
use it for a good cause. (Th is year we are giving out $30,000 in
scholarships.) It's also been wonderful to see the community
come together for the various fundraisers. At last year's Product
Runway event, I got chills as the fashions walked down the
runway. Obviously, I knew how talented the teams were but to
see how amazing the creations were and how much time they
put into crafting them was inspiring.
As president of the New York chapter, what have been some of the
highlights of 2014?
In June, our HD/NEWH Owners' Roundtable was once again
sold out. Now, we are working hard on fi nalizing the details of
our November 9th fundraiser. Since Product Runway is next
year, we decided to keep it simple, planning a great party at the
newly renovated W New York with a silent auction, photo booth,
and DJ to celebrate this year's scholarship recipients.
What's going on at Hospitality Design magazine?
Besides always trying to improve the magazine and publish
the best the industry has to offer, we recently launched a
new website as well as a few new and reimagined events. For
instance, NextGen Forum, a two-day event that mixes TED-like
and regular industry conference programming for the "next
24 www.newh.org

generation" of hospitality design leaders. Last year, for its 25th
anniversary, we moved our Platinum Circle Awards Gala from
Las Vegas during HD Expo to New York. It was a special evening
bringing together a who's who of the industry, and this year's
event on November 11th is shaping up to be the same. Next year,
we are transforming our HD Americas conference in Miami in
September to Design Americas. It will still have a focus on the
Latin America and Caribbean region, but, partnering with our
sister magazines design:retail, K+BB, and Contract , the show will
feature not only hospitality-focused products and programming
but also retail, residential, and commercial manufacturers and
panel sessions, set apart in pavilions on the show floor and
education tracks. It's a one-stop shop for all four disciplines.
What's your take on the pulse of the industry?
The magazine is having a great year thanks to our amazing
supporters and our events have been packed. In fact, we
just hosted 400 people at our CitySCENE: New York event.
I think it's a reflection of the positive growth the industry
is experiencing. Everyone I speak to seems to be very busy,
beautiful projects keep pouring in (so many that we can't publish
them all), and many fi rms are hiring. I get asked all the time if I
know of any talent looking to move, which is always a good sign.
Latest travel highlight?
In August, my husband and I went away for a quick babymoon to
the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, which is one of
the most picturesque resorts I have visited in quite some time.
And I took a vacation with my family to Kiawah Island, South
Carolina. We stayed in a massive house with a pool, just a bike
ride away from the sprawling beaches. It was a great, relaxing
way to end the summer, which went by way too fast.
Trend/movement you are paying attention to in the industry?
Too many to mention! The onslaught of food halls opening up
across the U.S. speaks not only to the idea that diners want a
different experience but also to the blurring of lines between
retail and F&B. We've also seen great design permeate not only
luxury properties but also mid-range hotels and fast casual
restaurants-apparently budgets don't hinder creative design
solutions. But probably the most covered/watched: the various
new lifestyle hotel brands launching (or expanding) to speak to
the sought-after Millennial generation and traveler mindset-
from citizenM and Tommie to options from Hilton and Best
Western.  ❙❘❚
http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Winter 2014

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