Applications to present at the KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry Conference open on March 17.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
You’re the best at what you do, and we want to pick your brain.
The Voices of the Industry Conference, one of the most popular and valuable features of KBIS, will accept proposals for 2019 sessions for eight weeks, from March 17 to May 17. It’s your opportunity to share your expertise on topics of interest to the kitchen and bath industry, catering to a wide array of professionals, from designers, architects, craftspeople and remodelers to manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, educators and business executives. It provides invaluable exposure for you, your company and brand to an engaged audience, and it’s also a great way to give back to the industry at large.
Year after year, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the topics, specific sessions and instructors, and each year, NKBA strives to make the sessions even better.
At KBIS 2018, NKBA offered 80 classes over the three days of the show — filling all of the available presentation slots — and many of the sessions sold out. Similar volume is anticipated at KBIS 2019, to be held in Las Vegas Feb. 19-21, 2019.
Course content must fall into one of the following five themes:
- Grow Your Business: Build relationships and offer product or service solutions that meet customers’ needs. Analyze and prioritize sales activities to increase market share, grow current accounts and develop new customers.
- Kitchen & Bath Specialty Training: This comprises specialized areas such as plumbing, lighting, cabinetry and appliances.
- Design: Find creative design solutions to space challenges. Design and plan safe and effective kitchens and bathrooms based on current industry standards and clients’ current and potential future needs.
- Management: Achieve positive business results by intelligently managing resources. Control risk by aligning finance, organizational structure and marketing initiatives to reach business goals.
- Customer Service – Deliver exceptional customer service; Build internal and external mechanisms to continuously improve the customer experience.
Presentation methods may vary, and in past years have included:
- Case Study: Presentation of research conducted on specific situations of relevance to our industry, showing a relationship between two or more independent factors.
- Informational: Knowledge presented by an industry expert.
- Innovation/Trend: Breakthrough approaches and solutions within the kitchen and bath industry.
- Research: Any other form of study that leads to new findings in the field.
- Interactive Lab: Engage attendees with a hands-on learning experience.
All sessions chosen to be part of VFTI will be automatically approved for 0.1 NKBA CEU credit. The sessions must total 60 minutes, including 10 to 15 minutes for questions and answers. Presenters must ensure that the courses meet NKBA standards for a CEU-worthy session, including at least 3 topics on relevant content. No more than two submissions will be selected from employees from the same company.
For the first time at KBIS 2019, NKBA will offer a special VFTI session directed specifically at students enrolled in training programs for careers in the kitchen and bath industry. This may be conducted as an interactive lab or presentation-style. NKBA is soliciting themes and instructors for this session, which should be introductory in nature, touching on areas of interest to aspiring professionals. The same deadlines apply as for the general VFTI sessions. Students will have access to this special course at no charge.
It’s a great opportunity to get your brand in front of the industry leaders of tomorrow!
VFTI Conference speakers will receive one complimentary VIP registration package, which includes a show floor pass, VFTI Full Conference pass, entry to the Opening Keynote, a pass to the Design Competition Awards & Opening Party and a Bash ticket — that’s a total value of more than $400. (One presenter package will be granted for a session, even if there are multiple presenters.)
To submit a proposal, visit NKBA.org, for requirements, application and submission guidelines.
Questions? Email VFTI@nkba.org.
