BRIT LIST 2018: Charles Leon confirmed as headline speaker

1024 566 Hamish Kilburn
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Hotel Designs has confirmed that architect and Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design, Charles Leon, will be a headline speaker at The Brit List 2018…

Architect and Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Charles Leon has been confirmed as a headline speaker for this year’s Brit List 2018, taking place on November 22 at BEAT London.

Image caption: Charles Leon

Leon, who will join editor of Hotel Designs Hamish Kilburn as one of the speakers on the evening, will speak to the audience about Britain’s position in international hotel design and hospitality post-Brexit. “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at The Brit List 2018. Two of the UK’s major contributions to why Britain holds its place as a major international hub has always been its quirky education system and its ability to send out into the world innovative thinkers, not just in design and the arts, but in science, technology and research too,” Leon said. “If we don’t teach people how to think, rather than what to think, our future is doomed – and I am excited to speak about this and the future of British hotel design and architecture on the night.”

In addition to being a guest speaker, Leon is also one of this year’s judges for the Brit List 2018. “With his ability to wear both an architecture an interior design hat, Charles is the perfect person to put this somewhat sensitive topic in the spotlight,” said editor of Hotel Designs Hamish Kilburn. “It is arguably now more important than ever to celebrate Britain’s influencers in international hotel design and we look forward to welcoming the industries leaders and visionaries on November 22 to celebrate Britain as a major international design hub.”

The announcement of Leon being confirmed as a guest speaker follows Rosewood London, HBA London, RPW Design, WATG, Wimberly Interiors, Gleneagles, EPR Architects, Bespoke Hotels and The Mandrake being among the brands that have confirmed their attendance to the event.

Event timings: 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.

6.30 p.m. Welcome drinks are served
7.00 p.m. Welcome speech from Hotel Designs Editor, Hamish Kilburn, to include unveiling of The Brit List 2018 winners
7.15 p.m. Canapés are served
7.15 p.m. Headline speaker Charles Leon addresses The Brit List 2018
7.30 p.m. Awards presentation commences
8.00 p.m. Headline speaker addresses The Brit List 2018
8.15 p.m. Celebrations and networking

In order to secure your place, click here to purchase tickets. 

To discuss the various sponsorship packages available, and to enquire for the full attendee list, please contact Katy Phillips on +44(0)1992 374050.

BRIT LIST 2018 Industry partner: British Institute of Interior Design

Hamish Kilburn / 16.10.2018

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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