The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is the premier trade expo serving the kitchen and bath space, and the best place to network with the thought leaders shaping the industry today and tomorrow.

The show takes place in Orlando, Jan. 9 to 11 with opening-night festivities on Jan. 8.

Sure, it’s about the most innovative products and technologies serving this $147 billion business — more than 600 vendors in 400,000 square feet of space — but it’s also about enhancing your professional development, networking with the highest level of designers in this thriving segment, and making the connections that will make your business bustle.

The courses and seminars alone make KBIS worth the trip. With a robust 80 educational sessions in the Voices from the Industry Conference, attendees will hear from experts on topics including Design; Growing Your Business; Customer Service; Specialty Training and Management. These courses carry Continuing Education Units, which help members achieve and maintain certification. Additionally, 16 exhibitors are hosting sessions in their booths, focused on specialized use and installation of their newest products and technologies.

Designer certification is a key component of NKBA’s member opportunities, and KBIS offers courses to help prepare for the exams for Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) and Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) — which are taken on the spot, following the prep sessions. Certified designers have greater credibility and the potential to earn more money and attract more business than non-certified designers.

From interior designers to product designers, architects to industrial engineers and skilled tradespeople, KBIS provides tremendous networking opportunities. In a world dominated by electronic communication, face-to-face conversation is irreplaceable in forging business relationships. Whether at more structured programs — like the educational and exhibitor-hosted sessions, KBIS’ keynote address with Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen, State of the Association and State of the Industry panel discussion — or at parties and social gatherings, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with pros in all segments of the business.

A few special events to check out during the week’s packed agenda:

  • Champagne & Cupcakes, the unofficial show kickoff (9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9), in which social media influencers, designers and media gather to celebrate the beginning of KBIS 2018;
  • State of the Association address, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m., in which NKBA CEO Bill Darcy details the association’s continuing transformation, achievements of the past year and goals for the 12 months ahead;
  • The State of the Industry panel discussion, immediately following the State of the Association. Moderated by Fox News anchor Melissa Francis with thought leaders from key segments of the industry, this engaging session will help discern the direction of the economy, plot business strategies and gauge possible consumer spending patterns for the year ahead;
  • Fireside chats in The Backyard, where we’ll livestream conversations of interest to the rapidly growing field of outdoor kitchens and beautifully designed living spaces;
  • The opening night Design Competition and Industry Awards, followed by a dinner and party, on Monday Jan. 8;
  • The Bash, a spirited celebration of a successful show at legendary Orlando nightclub Mango’s Tropical Café on Wednesday night.

If you can’t make it to Orlando, you can still engage with the show. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and check out our terrific new mobile-first website for real-time reports from the show floor.

And remember, NKBA = KBIS 365 days a year — membership is the best way to engage with the industry, keep on top of proprietary market research and design trends, and take advantage of all the benefits the association offers.

Visit www.kbis.com for more details and to register. To stay connected with the NKBA, please visit NKBA.org or ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheNKBA.

Up your game and build your business at KBIS! See you in Orlando!

 

KBIS = PRODUCT     •     KBIS = PEOPLE     •     KBIS = NETWORKING     •     NKBA = KBIS 365