How to Make the Most of KBIS 2019
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) hits Las Vegas from Feb. 19-21 as North America’s largest trade show focused solely on all aspects of kitchen and bath design. Over 31,000 attendees are expected this year with more than 600 exhibitors showing off their latest innovative designs. This show brings stakeholders and industry leaders together to the Las Vegas Convention Center to share, connect, and network.
Let’s explore everything you should expect from this year’s event.
Opening Party
KBIS starts with a celebration on Monday evening. At this event, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will announce the winners of the 2019 Professional Design Competition. The night will also honor student designers and industry award winners.
Opening Day Highlights
On Tuesday, the week kicks off with a welcome from comedian Dana Carvey. Other highlights of Tuesday include the NKBA Thirty Under 30 Class of 2019, which is a group of young professionals under 30 years old that are making a name for themselves in the kitchen and bath industry.
At noon on Tuesday, the NKBA Certified Designers Luncheon will be held, hosted by Ellen Cheever, an influential, award-winning designer. End the day with KBIS Uncorked at the Signature Kitchen Suite for a wine tasting and panel conversation about all things wine.
Day Two Must-Sees
The second day of KBIS kicks off with a state of the association/industry conversation. First the CEO of NKBA, Bill Darcy, will offer words on the state of the association. Then a panel will offer candid insights on the industry as a whole. Melissa Francis of Fox News will moderate. Panels speakers are:
- Markus Miele, Executive Director and Co-Proprietor, Miele Group
- Kevin Murphy, CEO, Ferguson Enterprises
- Nick Fink, President, Global Plumbing Group at Fortune Brands
- Mark Stoever, CEO, 2020 Technologies
The KBIS Keynote starts at 1:30 p.m. local time with Cindy Allen as a moderator for a panel of design stars Laura Bohn, Adam Rolston, and Alison Damonte. Get ready for a fun, lively talk about where the future of kitchen and bath design is headed.
Wednesday ends with “The Bash,” a night of festivities and excitement. It is a perfect chance to network and enjoy Vegas nightlife.
Final Day Festivities
On Thursday, get some professional advice from Thad Wittenburg, President at Kitchen and Bath Global Partners, at the Shark Breakfast. Those who attend will learn how to become a strategic partner with customers. The event closes that night with a concert featuring the Goo Goo Dolls.
Salon by KBIS
This new feature at KBIS 2019 is boutique-style tent spaced located outside the exhibit hall. These spaces have exclusive, high-design brands curated by Modenus and Design Milk. The spot includes the Talk Lounge, the Lightovation Lounge—showcasing experts in illumination—, and a virtual reality experience. Attendees should also look out for the #DMMTalks, which has three days of programming on topics such as the design business, current events, and industry initiatives.
View the schedule here.
KBIS Think
This new program is all about user-generated content. This allows attendees to be part of the content created at the event. All attendees have to do is join the conversation and create a topic versus traditional panel or speaker formats.
Here is how to get involved.
Sessions Dedicated to Your Passions
The list of sessions and workshops is massive. There are multiple tracks depending on people’s specialty or niche. One of the best ways to navigate the show is to download the KBIS 2019 app. It has the floor plan, exhibitor list, new products, show specials, and more.
This exciting week is the premier event for the kitchen and bath industry. Those in attendance should come away inspired, informed, and ready to head back to the office next week with fresh ideas.
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