HD Boutique got off to a rough start when the opening moderator had to apologize for the weather inside the Miami Beach convention center. The air conditioner was either not on, or not working. The exhibit hall, luckily, was cool and refreshing, which surely made the 440 exhibitors happy. There were 600 exhibitors last year and attendance fell from 5,000 to 3,500, but those declines are fairly typical compared to other industry events. Those in attendance were treated to some strong educational sessions, highlighted by the keynote conversation with esteemed architect and designer Jeffrey Beers. He said his inspiration often comes from traveling and seeing other cultures and art forms, as well as nature and the ocean, which were evident in his work at the renovated Fontainebleau Miami.