In all, more than 40 seminars are scheduled, addressing sustainability, design, technology, sales and marketing, human resources and more. Educational sessions begin on Saturday, November 8, with the Hospitality Leadership Forum, a full-day conference for senior hospitality managers. A complete list of programs is available at ihmrs.com.

The keynote speaker at the Hospitality Leadership Forum will be Doris Kearns Goodwin, noted historian and author of “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” Goodwin will offer a candid examination of politics and successful leadership strategies, based on history’s most compelling personalities. With stories and insight from the successes and failures of U.S. Presidents Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, Goodwin will offer timeless lessons that can be applied to business as well as politics. Her presentation will focus on the individual qualities that define a great leader. Hospitality Leadership Forum tickets are US$129 and are available at ihmrs.com.

The industry buzzword continues to be green, and IH/M&RS will feature a keynote presentation by former U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO Christine Ervin. Breakout seminars will address the latest environmental trends and issues facing the industry. Additionally, the return of the Green Restaurant Association Pavilion and eco-friendly Editors’ Choice Awards will call attention to must-see products on the show floor.

The show’s signature honors event, the Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, will honor outstanding designers in the categories of casual dining restaurants, fine dining restaurants, lounges and bars, hotels, guestrooms, suites, lobbies and spas. Highlighting the 28th annual Gold Key Awards will be the presentation of the Designer of the Year Award by sponsors Interior Design and HOTELS magazines, as well as the Icon of Industry Award, presented this year to Roger Milliken by NEWH Inc., the Hospitality Industry Network. Gold Key winners and finalists will be honored during a breakfast ceremony at Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York City on Monday, November 10. The event serves as a scholarship fundraiser for NEWH. Tickets are US$75 and may be purchased at ihmrs.com/goldkey.

Destination Design returns for a third consecutive year to feature a dedicated educational track, including new resources within the Luxury Product Collection and networking with top designers at the Gold Key Awards. IH/M&RS will also serve as a meeting venue for two new special-interest groups recently formed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Under 30 Gateway and Women in Lodging. Both groups will convene during the show and will present focused seminars.

The 13th annual Editors’ Choice Awards will spotlight the best new products in the areas of décor, essentials, luxury, restaurant and technology, as well as eco-friendly equivalents to each of these categories. In addition, the Kenneth F. Hine Best of Show Award will spotlight the top new product on the exhibition floor. Editors from leading trade publications will select winners based on innovative design, industry need, creative use of material and development or use of new technology. Winners will be announced during opening ceremonies on Sunday, November 9.

Advance registration for IH/M&RS is now open. A discounted registration fee of US$30 is available through October 9; on October 10, the fee increases to US$50. Lodging and foodservice professionals can register online at ihmrs.com, where they can also review educational opportunities, special events, participating exhibitors, lodging information and more. For additional information or to register by phone, call +1-800-272-7469.

Direct comments to: adam.kirby@reedbusiness.com