KBIS NeXT Stage Schedule

The KBIS NeXT Stage, sponsored by HomeAdvisor, is a hive of activity throughout the entire show, with thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions and awards announcements. Be sure to stop by in the North/South building to see what everyone’s buzzing about.

Here’s the schedule.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

10:30 – 11 a.m.: Fire and Ice: Nancy Fire and Vanilla Ice Talk Trends, Taboos, and Talent

Nancy Fire, founder and design director, Design Works Intl and HGTV Home, gives a sneak peek into 2019 design trends and throws questions at Vanilla Ice, rock star home improvement expert about design – what’s smart, what isn’t and how he approaches kitchen, bath and outdoor living design challenges. A short meet and greet will take place immediately following the discussion. The audience will be invited to participate in a Q&A session with Nancy and Ice.

Moderator: Nancy Fire, founder and design director, Design Works Intl and HGTV Home

11:30 a.m. — 12 noon: Announcing the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2018

The NKBA’s exclusive Thirty Under 30 program continues to capture the voice of the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals. The NKBA Thirty Under 30 program is designed to celebrate the future rock stars of kitchen and bath. Meet the newly inducted Class of 2018 at the KBISNeXT Stage. These individuals possess the creativity, passion and brilliance of our next generation of kitchen and bath experts. The group will present concepts and ideas on “Appliances of the Future” at the KBISNeXT Stage on Wednesday, January 10, 2p.m.

Host: Elle H-Millard, industry relations manager, NKBA

12 noon – 1 p.m.: Design Bites, Kitchen Day

DesignBites gives exhibitors the opportunity to “speed date” with industry VIPs, introducing each brand’s most innovative new products. A total of 14 exhibitors over two days will be selected to conduct a three-minute presentation followed by a two-minute question and answer session. Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s “Stone House Revival” and HGTV’s “Ellen’s Design Challenge,” will host day one and get the crowd of industry VIPs and media energized to see the newest kitchen innovations of 2018.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Secrets of Smart (Tech) Remodeling

This panel will discuss ways in which the mass-market adoption of smart home technology is impacting home remodeling, with a focus on kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Dan DiClerico, home expert and smart home strategist at HomeAdvisor, will lead a panel of experts from the installation, design, and manufacturing sides of the smart home industry. Among the questions they’ll consider:

What smart home technologies are consumers most interested in now, and what are the hottest trends emerging?
How can designers and home technology professionals collaborate effectively?
What are some strategies for upselling smart technology on a remodel?
What are the pitfalls to avoid when integrating smart technology into a remodeling project?

Moderator: Dan DiClerico, smart home expert, HomeAdvisor

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Innovative Showroom Awards Panel and Ceremony

The Innovative Showroom Awards acknowledge existing showrooms in the kitchen and bath space that do an outstanding job of engagement, creating an unforgettable experience and educating customers. The program, sponsored by American Standard, DXV, and GROHE — the brands that comprise LIXIL Water Technology Americas — culminates with the awards ceremony announcing the 2018 winners. Recipients are selected by the Innovative Showroom Awards advisor board, a group of six leaders from various industries and design backgrounds, who firmly believe in the importance of the showroom experience to the kitchen and bath industry.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: The Globalization of Kitchen Design

How does globalization affect the future of kitchen design? As business is rapidly operating on an international scale and looking beyond borders to develop new markets, what areas of the world will see the most change as future trends come to fruition? Join an international panel that will explore differences, similarities, and how the kitchen will play a role in social development and change. An important, forward-thinking discussion for those looking to buy/sell/design internationally.

Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.: The Good Home

How to integrate wellness and environmental solutions into a home from the ground up. Examples for this can be anything from fitness to work spaces, ergonomic kitchens and baths, kitchens that support recycling and healthy living. Panelists will include an expert who can speak to relevant research in those areas, plus a designer, manufacturer and/or product designers.

Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media

12 noon – 1 p.m.: Design Bites, Bath Day

DesignBites returns for Day Two of KBIS with Kevin O’Connor, host of This Old House and Ask This Old House. O’Connor will host seven participating bath brands as they introduce their 2017 innovations.

2 – 3 p.m.: NKBA ThirtyUnder30 Presentations

The NKBA is adding a fun element to this year’s proceedings. Prior to KBIS 2018, the newly inducted ThirtyUnder30 honorees were assigned into six groups of five, with each team collaborating on a “Product of the Future.” Teams will present their creations on the KBISNeXT stage. These are sure to be eye-opening presentations showcasing what these rising young professionals view as important developments in the space, what’s missing and what can be improved.

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.: Best of KBIS Awards

As the kitchen and bath industry’s most prestigious awards, the Best of KBIS awards recognize the most innovative new products of the year that debut at the show. Meredith Corporation magazine brands Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Traditional Home and Dream Kitchens & Baths will once again sponsor the Best of KBIS awards. The process of selecting each year’s winners is done by a board of industry expert judges, with awards presented on Day Two of KBIS.

Thursday, Jan. 11

10 – 11 a.m.: Designing Kitchens and Baths for Airbnb’s

Ever have a client ask about redesigning or remodeling their principal residence specifically to rent as an Airbnb, but also to maintain as their principal residence? Baby Boomers are finding the market less-than-desirable to sell their primary residences, while Millennials are looking for flexibility while also trying to find ways to buy and keep a primary residence. The solution: redesign their homes to be easily transformed into income-generating property at the flick of a switch or turn of a lock. Hear from designers who have discovered a unique niche remodeling and designing principal residences with an emphasis on the most heavily used spaces, the kitchen and bath, specifically for short- and long-term renting, while also keeping the integrity of the property intact.

Moderator: Jaime Derringer, Founder, Design Milk

11:15 a.m. – 12 noon: K+B Design for Alzheimer’s

Designing for a household where someone has dementia can be easier when you know the solutions to solve their day-to-day frustrations. Design and specific products can reduce stress and increase the likelihood of staying at home longer. We’ll talk about the colors, materials, products, and innovations that can truly help your clients as they navigate the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Moderator: Theresa Clement, Co-host of MyFixItUpLife, Licensed Contractor, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Certified Color Consultant, and Designer