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February 2-4, 2027 | Las Vegas, NV

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The Space Between: Where Hospitality Meets Home – Exploring the Rise of Resi-Mercial Design

Panel

60-Minute Panel Discussion Outline

Opening Remarks (5 Minutes)

Moderator Welcome

  • Define Resi-Mercial design and why it matters today.
  • Introduce panelists and their expertise.
  • Frame the discussion around one central question:

"Why are people increasingly expecting commercial spaces to feel more like home?"

Segment 1: The Forces Driving Resi-Mercial Design (10 Minutes)

Discussion Topics:

  • Hospitality influencing every commercial sector.
  • The importance of emotional connection, comfort and well-being.
  • The growing desire for personalized experiences.

Sample Moderator Questions:

  1. What societal and environmental shifts have accelerated the Resi-Mercial movement?
  2. Why has hospitality become the model for so many commercial environments?
  3. How have consumer expectations fundamentally changed over the last five years?

Segment 2: Where Resi-Mercial Design is Making the Biggest Impact (15 Minutes)

Discussion Topics:

  • Business & Industry
  • Hospitality
  • Senior Living / Healthcare / MedSpas
  • Resorts
  • Retail
  • Stadiums and Entertainment Venues

Sample Moderator Questions:

  1. Which market segment is innovating the fastest?
  2. What projects have surprised you with their embrace of Resi-Mercial principles?
  3. Which features are becoming "must-haves" across industries?

Audience Poll:

"Which segment will be most transformed by Resi-Mercial Design over the next five years?"

Segment 3: Designing for Experience (15 Minutes)

Discussion Topics:

  • Luxury aesthetics
  • Personalization and customization
  • Wellness and emotional engagement
  • Technology integration
  • The rise of self-service and guest autonomy

Sample Moderator Questions:

  1. How do you design spaces that feel residential while maintaining commercial functionality?
  2. What design elements create the strongest emotional connection?
  3. How important is personalization in today's environments?
  4. Are we entering an era where experience outweighs efficiency?

Segment 4: Practical Considerations & Challenges (10 Minutes)

Discussion Topics:

  • Power and infrastructure requirements
  • Space limitations
  • Regulatory considerations
  • NSF and code compliance
  • Where Resi-Mercial works and where it doesn't.

Sample Moderator Questions:

  1. What are the most common mistakes designers make?
  2. How do you know when residential products are appropriate and when commercial solutions are required?
  3. What conversations need to happen earlier in the design process?

Looking Ahead: The Future of Resi-Mercial Design (5 Minutes)

Lightning Round

Sample to Ask each panelist:

  • What is one trend that will define Resi-Mercial over the next five years?
  • What space or industry is poised for disruption?
  • One word to describe the future of design.

Audience Q&A (10 Minutes)

Suggested questions from audience. 

  • How are clients measuring ROI on experience-driven spaces?
  • What amenities are becoming non-negotiable?
  • How do you balance aesthetics with operational realities?
  • What role will AI and smart technology play in future Resi-Mercial environments?

Closing Statement for the Moderator

"The future of design isn't about choosing between residential and commercial, it's about thoughtfully blending the best of both. As people seek comfort, connection and meaningful experiences in every environment, Resi-Mercial design is redefining how we dine, work, stay, heal, shop and gather. The spaces that succeed will be those that don't simply function, they make people feel at home."

Panelist Titles

  1. The Visionary / Moderator, Meghan E. Daro, CFSP – Future trends and market evolution
  2. The Residential Designer – Creating emotional and experiential spaces
  3. The Commercial Designer – Balancing experience with functionality and ROI
  4. The Innovator / Manufacturer – Technology, products and what's next

This panel format will create and energetic, conversational environment while allowing each thought leader to bring a unique perspective to the rapidly evolving Resi-Mercial segment.

Speakers

Meghan Daro
Meghan DaroPrincipal / CEO, Daro Haus Consulting

More Information

Capacity Unlimited:No
Learning Objectives:Participants will leave with actionable ideas and a deeper understanding of how Resi-Mercial design can enhance experiences, elevate brand perception and shape the future of design environments. 1. Define the principles of Resi-Mercial design and understand the market forces driving the convergence of residential and commercial environments. 2. Identify emerging applications and trends of Resi-Mercial design across hospitality, workplace, healthcare, senior living, retail, and entertainment sectors. 3. Recognize the key elements that create hospitality-inspired experiences, including comfort, personalization, wellness and emotional connection, and how they influence user engagement and satisfaction. 4. Evaluate practical design considerations including aesthetics, functionality, operational requirements, and code compliance when incorporating residential-inspired products and amenities into commercial spaces. 5. Apply insights from industry thought leaders to envision future opportunities and develop strategies for creating commercial environments that feel more welcoming, human-centered and experience-driven.
On-Demand:No
Option for On-Demand:Yes
Presentation Approach:An energetic panel of industry leaders discussing the trends driving Resi-Mercial, sharing successful project examples and exploring how designers can create spaces that are beautiful and functional.

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