Ian Schrager and Debbie Millman Join Skift Design Awards Event

In just a few days, we’ll assemble our growing Skift team and 1,000+ of the travel industry’s best professionals for the sixth annual Skift Global Forum in New York City.

Today we’re excited to announce our keynote speaker Ian Schrager, founder of Ian Schrager Company, who will share his perspective and insights on the future role of design in hospitality and travel, in a one-to-one interview with Debbie Millman, founder and host of Design Matters, one of the world’s first and longest-running podcasts on design.

Only a Few Seats Remain – Claim Your Spot

Schrager is no stranger to the merger of art and commerce, and much of his success has been a product of putting people and culture at the center of his designs.

Schrager co-founded the iconic Studio 54 night club in New York City in 1977, and seven years later, in 1984, he opened the Morgans Hotel, which sparked the boutique hotel movement and a new era of hotels driven by design, culture, nightlife, food, and beverage.

Since Morgans Hotel, Schrager has worked with Marriott to launch the Edition brand of luxury hotels all around the world, as well as his own brand of hotels, called Public.

What to Expect

Schrager and Millman will shed light on the ways in which we can use design and culture to improve travel, hospitality, and tourism. Following this discussion, we will announce the winners of the Skift Design Awards and celebrate their work during our opening reception.

This is all happening on Tuesday, September 17th, so join us 36 floors above Central Park at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, where you’ll meet and engage with senior leaders and fellow changemakers in the travel industry.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a special evening featuring cocktails, a variety of delicious food, and plenty of time for networking.

Learn more about the inaugural Skift Design Awards, the nominees, judges and our manifesto for design in travel here.

Register for the Reception and Ian Schrager’s Talk Here

Space for the opening event is limited. Only the first 400 registered attendees to RSVP will be guaranteed entry.

Because only registered attendees can join, we have to level with you — there are only a few seats still available at Skift Global Forum. Don’t miss out!

We are able to put on an excellent Skift Global Forum thanks to our sponsors including Accor, Accenture, Salesforce, Brand USA, Sojern, Visit Costa Rica, American Express Travel, and AIG Travel.