The Association is engaging the international design community as it aims to cultivate a broader worldwide audience.
By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

The NKBA is headed to Milan next week to visit Salone del Mobile, Europe’s leading interior design show, and its biennial EuroCucina exhibition, the leading showcase for high-end kitchens on the continent.

The effort builds on the successful introduction last year of the NKBA and KBIS Global Launch Pad initiative. The association is presenting two events to connect with segments of the international kitchen and bath community.

“This is part of our drive to strengthen awareness of the NKBA among some of the most important buyers, brands and media in international design,” said Suzie Williford, Executive Vice President of Industry Relations and Chief Strategy Officer for the association. “As we network with these executives, we hope to encourage an exchange of ideas that could be beneficial to our membership, and help develop business opportunities that are advantageous to both our markets.

“Many of the biggest European brands already exhibit at KBIS, North America’s largest kitchen and bath expo,” she added, “but for those who may not be as familiar with the show, we hope to entice them to come to KBIS to develop a business presence in North America. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce the European design community at large to KBIS and invite them to come join us in Las Vegas next year.”

EuroCucina features 111 high-end kitchen and home technology brands and takes place April 17-19 at the Milan Fairgrounds. NKBA will present “Global Launch Pad at EuroCucina” on April 18 from 5 to 6 p.m., at the Team 7 booth in Hall 11. Join Williford; NKBA’s CEO, Bill Darcy, and 2018 Chairman of the Board, Lorenzo Marquez, and Brian Pagel, Senior Vice President of Emerald Expositions, which produces the NKBA-owned Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, for cocktails and light bites to mingle and learn about the association and the show.

On April 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., NKBA presents “Americans in Milan” at The Diner by David Rockwell, an off-site venue designed especially for Milan Design Week to celebrate the iconic American eatery, marking the 25th anniversary of Surface magazine. NKBA is partnering with venue host Cosentino and catering sponsor Liebherr for a hospitality event to discuss business connections and forge new relationships. Join the NKBA team at Ventura Centrale, 15 Via Ferrante Aporti, for cocktails and nibbles.

“The world has become so much smaller, with the rapid evolution of technology and instantaneous global communication,” Williford said. “This opportunity to promote awareness of the NKBA on an international scale is a great way to build connections with companies around the world, show them how to leverage the buying power of the vibrant North American market, as well as expose our members to new ideas that they can explore as they build their own businesses.”