Designing spaces that make people feel
A conversation with Kate Walsh, Chief Business Officer, Hello! Destination Management
Kate Walsh reveals how Hello! Destination Management is bringing its Design Matters philosophy to life at IMEX America, from the new House of Hello! experience and award-winning Resilience Room to the small, personalized moments that leave a lasting impression.
Hello! Destination Management has a busy IMEX America ahead. Before we dive into the details, what are you bringing to the show this year?
This year we’ve designed three very different spaces across the show. There’s the House of Hello!, our booth experience bringing our brand personality and belief that Design Matters to life; Urban Oasis, the Resilience Room, where attendees can pause, recharge and re-engage, and the Calm Cocoon in the Hosted Buyer Lounge, a wellness-focused environment inspired by transformation and restoration.
We’re also bringing some playful creativity to the House of Hello! through our resident activation artist, Sweet Printer. We can’t reveal everything just yet, but think disco-inspired keychains, sugar art, personalized keyboard fidgets and other unexpected moments designed to spark conversation and delight.
The Resilience Room at last year’s IMEX America won two ILEA Esprit Awards. What went into creating the space, and what made it such a success?
It began with Cameron Rust of Hello!, the creative force behind the concept. Cameron has been challenging our industry to think differently about the role environments play in human well-being long before wellness became a trend. His ability to translate research, biophilic design, sensory experiences and human-centered thinking into something both practical and beautiful is what made the Resilience Room so compelling.
Trade shows are incredible, but they can be overwhelming. We wanted to offer a place where people could regulate, restore and reset without stepping away from the event entirely. The goal was never to create an exclusive VIP experience, but an accessible and welcoming space for every attendee.
It was an honor to be recognized by the Esprit Awards, yet the greatest validation was seeing every seat and nook occupied and hearing that it helped people bring their best selves back to the show floor.
The Resilience Room is returning this year. What can visitors expect?
This year’s Resilience Room, Urban Oasis, builds on everything we learned from the original concept while taking the experience to a new level.
Visitors can expect a highly immersive environment inspired by nature and guided by the principles of Calm Technology. Throughout the space, they’ll find living greenery, natural textures, ambient soundscapes, restorative seating, educational programming, wellness experiences and emerging technologies designed to support mental and physical well-being.
One of the most exciting evolutions is the breadth of experiences, from recovery-focused activations to wellness technologies that allow attendees to explore different pathways to resilience.
Tell us more about the idea behind House of Hello!...
The House of Hello! is our answer to the question: What if a booth felt less like an exhibit and more like an invitation?
Inspired by the intellectual salons of the Renaissance and the warmth of residential design, we’ve created a space where ideas, creativity, hospitality and connection can naturally unfold.
Visitors will discover thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, unexpected details, immersive storytelling and plenty of opportunities to engage with our team. The space reflects our belief that belonging is the new luxury and that people connect best in environments that are both inspiring and approachable.
You’re also speaking on the panel What Attendees Really Want. Can you give us a taster of the ideas you’ll be bringing to the conversation?
I’m thrilled to join Amanda Armstrong of Encore, Claire Lester of Maritz and Cameron Rust of Hello! for this important conversation. We each bring a different perspective, from production and attendee insights to destination management and experience design.
We’ll share real-world examples of attendee research informing design decisions, from personalized experiences built around participants’ memories and interests to environments created to encourage conversation, networking and belonging.
Often, the biggest opportunities come from rethinking the spaces, assets and partnerships they already have and finding ways to make them work harder and serve multiple purposes.
What is one change planners could make that might have a bigger impact than they realize?
Start asking, “How do we want people to feel?” before asking, “What do we want people to do?” That simple shift can change everything. It influences how spaces are designed, networking opportunities are structured and content is delivered, and ultimately how attendees experience the event.
The most memorable moments are rarely the most expensive ones. They’re the moments that make people feel connected, welcomed, understood or inspired.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to at IMEX America this year, both on the show floor and in Las Vegas?
The people. For me, IMEX has always been about more than meetings, booths and education sessions. I’m also excited to see how our industry continues to evolve. Every year, IMEX becomes a showcase not only of where meetings and events are today, but where they’re headed next.
Kate Walsh at IMEX America
Hello! DMC booth F801
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