Design Talks 2025

HostMilano and the Design Talks: the future of hospitality

From October 17 to 21, HostMilano shines a spotlight on the world of hospitality. The biennial, world-leading trade fair is an incubator to discuss case histories, trends, and future developments. POLI.design contributes to the event with seven talks, seven training seminars dedicated to architects and professionals. Don’t miss them at at Fiera Milano Rho (pavillon 11, stand U47 and Z52).
Seats are limited (60 per talk). Registration is free and grants an invitation code to access HostMilano 2025. Professionals attending can also receive professional training credits from the Order of Architects of Milan (CFPs have been requested from the CNAPPC).
From the principles and best practices of the “new tourism” to the dialogue between wellness and hospitality, the relationship between UX, innovative technologies and guest experience, sustainability, sensory design, and the Italian approach to hospitality: below are the themes explored in the different panels.
To download the Design Talks brochure, CLICK HERE.

The Design Talks: themes and speakers

Hospitality and welcoming: heading to a new tourism

Friday 17/10/2025 | 2:30–5:00 pm

Language: Italian

An overview of hospitality in its various forms and dimensions, with a focus on associations and networks that play a relevant role at both national and international level. Insights into “new hospitality” and “new tourism.” Francesco Scullica (Scientific Director – Specializing Master in Interior Design), together with Cinzia Pagni (Architect and POLI.design Lecturer) and Alberto Zanetta (Architect and POLI.design Lecturer), will introduce the six following talks.

Moderator: Francesco Scullica

Speakers:

• Anna Barbara, Professor and President of POLI.design
• Francesco Zurlo, Dean of the School of Design – Politecnico di Milano
• Maurizio Naro, President – Federalberghi Milano
• Lorenzo Pascucci, Founder & CEO – Contract District Group
• Mauro Santinato, President – Teamwork
• Enrico Cleva, President – NEWH Milan Chapter
• Gabriella Del Signore, CEO – Ghénos Communication / Tricolore Design Hub
• Giorgio Bianchi, PKF Italia
• Stefano Cesario, Foster & Partners
• Marco Giglio, Vice President – BCGX
• Roberta Mutti, Architect and Journalist

REGISTER HERE!

Wellness & Wellbeing in Hospitality Design

Saturday 18/10/2025 | 11:30 am–2:00 pm

Language: Italian

Wellbeing as a “global” frontier in the design of hospitality spaces: trends and future scenarios in relation to different space–service systems and an international audience. A perspective that combines multiple points of view.

Moderator: Alberto Zanetta

Speakers:

• Federica Almondo, Nutritionist
• Stefano Cattaneo, Myrtha Wellness
• Daniela D’Errico, Technogym
• Gian Paolo Venier, Otto Studio
• Davide Chiesa, Journalist

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Technology & User Experience for the new Hospitality

Saturday 18/10/2025 | 2:30 am–5:00 pm

Language: Italian

Technology as the foundation of typological, spatial, and service transformations in hospitality and accommodation facilities, with solutions increasingly within the reach of even smaller businesses. A multidisciplinary discussion to understand how interaction and engagement generated by technology impact the guest experience.

Moderator: Alberto Zanetta

Speakers:

• Venanzio Arquilla, Associate Professor of Design – Politecnico di Milano
• Emilio Lonardo, Designer
• Alberto Ravenna, Hotel Consultant and Trainer
• Andrea Rossi, Studio A-fact
• Davide Chiesa, Journalist

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Sustainability in hospitality: the change of perspective

Sunday 19/10/2025 | 2:30–5:00 pm

Language: Italian

An in-depth look at the dimensions of sustainability and comfort in hospitality spaces, from dining to lodging. A focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability, with reference to acoustic, thermal, lighting, and air quality comfort. Tangible and intangible measures will be highlighted, with strong impact on both spaces and people. Through case studies, the talk will present strategies that are simple to apply yet highly effective.

Moderator: Francesco Scullica

Speakers:

• Stefania Campestri, Project Manager & Founder – Mywhat
• Giorgio Caporaso, Architect and Designer
• Elena Elgani, Architect and Researcher – Politecnico di Milano
• Alessandro Grazzi, Gruppo Saviola
• Silvia Risari, Serge Ferrari
• Francesca Russo, Journalist

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Senses and Hospitality: the Role of Design

Monday 20/10/2025 | 11:30 am–2:00 pm

Language: Italian

An overview of the relationship between sensory design and hospitality spaces, including tourist accommodations and HoReCa, exploring a design approach that goes beyond the “visual” in shaping decisions on spaces, materials, furnishings, and services. A focus on the multisensory approach to design and space management, to enhance guests’ deep perception and experience.

Moderator: Cinzia Pagni

Speakers:

• Filippo Berto, Berto Salotti
• Giulio Ceppi, Architect and Designer
• Lorenzo Palmeri, Architect and Adjunct Lecturer – Politecnico di Milano
• Anna Calvanese, Journalist

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The Italian approach in the hospitality of the future

Monday 20/10/2025 | 2:30–5:00 pm

Language: Italian

The Italian approach to the design of hospitality structures and its ability to address the needs of “new hospitality” and “new tourism” in national and international contexts. Case studies that show how Italian design remains a benchmark for quality choices across scales—from architecture to interior design to communication and experience design.

Moderator: Francesco Scullica

Speakers:

• Armando Bruno, Studio Marco Piva
• Chris Miller, Design Group Italia
• Maurizio Lai, Architect and Designer
• Andreas Profanter, NOA
• Francesca Acerboni, Journalist

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New typologies and new formats for hospitality in relation to major events and changes of landscape

Tuesday 21/10/2025 | 11:30 am–2:00 pm

Language: Italian

Customer experience at the center of new hospitality formats: industry operators must be aware of this and work with consultants and designers capable of anticipating the needs and expectations of an increasingly demanding and informed public. A panorama of case studies and strategies to achieve these goals and improve the performance of hospitality facilities, from hotels to restaurants.

Moderator: Cinzia Pagni

Speakers:

• Cristian Catania, Lombardini22
• Sara Digiesi, BWH Hotel Italia
• Marco Donati, Storagemilano
• Sara Prontera, Nicolaus Spa
• André Straja, GaS Studio
• Laura Verdi, Journalist

REGISTER HERE!