The Man Behind the Practice: One-on-One with Marcel Wanders

The economics of hospitality development today demand faster-than-ever project delivery to offset rising construction costs, expensive borrowed capital, and deferred operating revenue. Traditional sequential project delivery methods are increasingly unable to meet the speed and flexibility required in today’s market. Featuring perspectives from ownership, procurement, design, and manufacturing, this panel explores accelerated project delivery strategies that challenge the conventional procurement and execution model to compress timelines by months rather than weeks. Panelists will discuss how overlapping procurement, design, fabrication, and decision-making workflows can accelerate delivery while maintaining design intent, operational alignment, and guest experience objectives. Through real-world case studies, including recently completed hospitality projects, the conversation will examine when these strategies are most effective, the measurable impacts they can create, and the operational and financial risks they may introduce. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how collaborative, fast-track delivery methodologies are reshaping hospitality development — and how teams can implement them successfully in their own projects.

In this candid fireside chat, Marcel Wanders sits down with Alissa Ponchione, Editor-in-Chief of Boutique Design, to discuss the man behind the practice—from his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons that shaped him to the projects he is most proud of and his vision for the future. He’ll share his passion for creative freedom, his resistance to following trends, and his hopes for the next generation of designers, offering his perspective on building a creative life and practice on your own terms.

Sponsored by Polywood

Wellness is redefining what luxury feels like. Join designer and TV personality Galey Alix, entrepreneur and wellness advocate Dale Moss, and hospitality innovator Kane Sarhan for a conversation on how thoughtful design, sensory experiences and human connection are reshaping hospitality. Moderated by POLYWOOD EVP Megan Pierson, the panel will explore how spaces can do more than look beautiful. They can change how people feel, connect and experience a destination.