David Kepron
Retail Studio Principal, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Inc.
David Kepron is a globally recognized retail and hospitality design leader whose multidisciplinary career spans architecture, brand experience, education, authorship, and art. He was inducted into the Retail Design Institute’s Legion of Honor in 2024 for his exceptional contributions to advancing the practice of retail experience design.
Before joining Little as Retail Studio Principal, David served as Vice President of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International, where he reimagined guest room and lobby concepts for brands such as Westin, Aloft, Element, and Residence Inn, and helped define the design strategy for Moxy and other premium hotel brands. His expertise lies at the intersection of culture, technology, and design, creating spaces that resonate emotionally, perform operationally, and drive loyalty.
David is the founder of NXTLVL Experience Design, a consultancy exploring customer engagement through social anthropology, neuroscience, and digital transformation. A sought-after international speaker, podcast host, and educator, he has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Drexel University while serving on industry boards for PAVE, the George Mason Center for Retail Transformation, and Concordia University’s Next Generation Cities Institute.
With a career devoted to shaping authentic and empathetic brand environments worldwide, David continues to influence the global dialogue on the future of design, customer experience, and innovation.
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Wednesday May 6
Blurred Lines: Where Retail and Hospitality Converge
As customer expectations begin to blur industry lines, the most compelling experiences are no longer purely retail or purely hospitality, but a blend of the two. This session will explore how brands can merge the best of both worlds to create memorable, seamless environments that resonate with today’s consumers. Discover how hospitality principles can elevate retail engagement, and how retail innovation can reinvigorate hospitality. Through practical insights and real-world thinking, learn why the future belongs to brands that embrace convergence, share-worthy moments and storytelling - no matter the setting.
Takeaways:
- Learn how hospitality can elevate retail experiences
- Discover ways retail innovation enhances hospitality
- Explore strategies for seamless, shareable environments