LAS VEGAS— The 2014 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show has been receiving a ton of buzz since last year’s big announcement about the co-location of KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS). Now that the big event is finally here, there appears to be plenty that’s buzz-worthy going on. From a dramatically expanded educational program that encompasses more than 100 session (more than half of which carry continuing educational credits) to the 1,500+ exhibitors across both shows to wealth of products on display, the newly combined shows have definitely given new life to KBIS – and perhaps to the kitchen and bath industry at large.
Indeed, while attendance had fallen off in recent years due to economic stresses, attendance at this year’s event is expected to top 70,000. That means kitchen and bath dealers and designers will not only have the chance to check out a vast array of new products and educational sessions, but they will also find a wealth of networking opportunities – both within the kitchen and bath arena, as well as with a diverse array of allied professionals, including builders, remodelers, architects, interior designers, decorative plumbing and lighting specialists and more.
THE SHOW FLOOR
With two combined shows, attendees will have enhanced opportunities to view a wider array of products than ever before, with a single admission pass providing entry to both shows.
The two shows will be spread over 600,000 square feet of space, with a wide array of products on display ranging from cabinetry, appliances, countertops and sinks/faucets to bath fixtures and fittings, storage, Universal Design products, lighting, flooring, kitchen and bath accessories, software and so much more.
In addition to products and services on display, there will be numerous product demonstrations, celebrity guests, booth presentations, new technology and product prototypes and live cooking demonstrations. HGTV will also be holding live auditions on site for design professionals who might dream of hosting their own show.
This year, the show floor will be open for three full days, allowing attendees to maximize their time, with show hours running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 4, 5 and 6.
THREE LEARNING PROGRAMS
This year’s expansive educational program is broken down into three learning programs, according to the NKBA. These include:
- Voices From the Industry Sessions – For the first time at KBIS, 54 out of the 85 sessions (an increase from 60 in 2013) will offer continuing education units (CEU’s). These hour-long informational sessions are part of the 11 conference blocks at KBIS. Presentations will be led by industry peers covering a variety of current topics and trends. They will follow four of the NKBA’s Learning Paths: Design & Inspiration, Focus on the Customer, Business Management and Sales & Marketing.
- NKBA Courses – There will be 12 courses offered both pre-show and during KBIS. Both CEUs and NKBA education hours will be offered. Courses will range from two to four hours and are taught by top educators and instructors. Six of the NKB’s Learning Path will be covered in these courses: Sales & Marketing, Design & Inspiration, Adapt & Innovate, Focus on the Customer, Talent Management and Communication.
- Featured Speakers – Three keynote speakers, one for each day at KBIS, will focus on important business-related topics relevant to the industry. Sessions are one hour long.
On Tuesday, February 4th, the first keynote presentation will take place, addressing the topic of leadership. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Michael Roberto, Trustee Professor of Management at Bryant University will present, “Making the Tough Call: Decisive Leadership.”
Wednesday’s State of the Industry presentation will be given by Francisco "Paco" Martinez-Cosentino from The Cosentino Group from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m, while the final presentation, held Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will spotlight NKBA’s “30 under 30” winners. The “30 under 30” program was launched in 2013, and continues to recognize young, up-and-coming kitchen and bath professionals who have a big vision for the future. At the show, these young designers are tasked with seeking out some of the most innovative trends, technologies, business models and sustainable business practices, and sharing them with KBIS attendees during the presentation.
NETWORKING
Of course, some of the most exciting opportunities happening at KBIS don’t happen on the show floor, or even at the conference sessions. Rather, the show offers a vast array of networking opportunities that take place at after-hours (or before-hours) parties, events, dinners, breakfast meetings and more. There are events geared for kitchen and bath dealers and designers, reps, manufacturers, bloggers and more, and each offers its own unique perspective. From the NKBA’s Wednesday night big BASH party and the KBDN “Insights & Opportunities: The Latest Research o Kitchen Remodeling Trends & How Suppliers Can Leverage Them” breakfast, to the Innovation Booth Awards, BlogTour Champagne & Cupcakes tweet-up and numerous manufacturer-sponsored events, there are endless opportunities to meet and share insights with people from all facets of the industry.
As always, KBIS attendees are encouraged to stop by and visit with the staff of Kitchen & Bath Design News, sister publication Qualified Remodeler and our portal site, www.ForResidentialPros.com at booth #N627.
For those unable to attend KBIS, Kitchen & Bath Design News will be reporting live from the show on the ForResidentialPros.com Web site with blogs, news and insights, along with product enewsletters showcasing some of the hottest products on display.