With imaginative installations, thought-provoking conference sessions and captivating new collections from European innovators, the 2016 Sleep event on 22 and 23 November at London’s Business Design Centre delves into the science behind hospitality design. This year’s theme, The Science of Tribes, sees Sleep partner with social scientists from Germany’s SINUS-Institute to examine how diverse populations throughout the world can be grouped through shared values, tastes and attitudes – and how this insight deepens our understanding of hotel guests’ needs.

Tribal Tendencies: Sleep Set and Sleep Bar

The most internationally focused Sleep yet, bright creative stars from around the globe will put the theories to the test in the annual Sleep Set competition to design and build guestroom concepts. Mitsui Designtec from Japan and WOW Architects of Singapore will join the London-based teams from Aukett Swanke, Gensler and Studio PROOF to each create a guestroom for a different ‘tribe’. Following an introductory presentation by SINUS, visitors can hear the designers explain their findings before the judges during the second conference day. The winner will be announced at lunchtime from the installations located next to the Sleep Bar, designed afresh each show by a celebrated creative talent. With its concept conceived to further consider The Science of Tribes, interior design and branding agency Superfutures has big shoes to fill in 2016 since one winning and two shortlisted Sleep Bars have been honoured three years running in the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

A Cosmopolitan Conference

The conference also reflects a global perspective on hospitality design, with legend Adam Tihany joining Rick Meadows, President of Seabourn and Cunard North America; and Christian Schönrock of Costa Group, to discuss innovative cruise ship concepts. Art curators Sune Nordgren of Nordic Hotels & Resorts and Alex Toledano of LA-based Visto Images will reveal how imaginative applications of artistry can strengthen brand narrative. The capacity for good design to support body and mind not only in spas, but all built environments, will be explored by Sue Harmsworth, CEO of ESPA; award-winning designer Clodagh; Kevin Underwood, Principal at HKS and Aiden Walker, author of ‘Ecology of the Soul’.

For more information about the free-to-attend Sleep Conference, Sleep Set, Exhibition and how to register, visit www.thesleepevent.com