The deadline for submissions is extended through May 24. By Loren Kessell

In as dynamic an industry as kitchen and bath design, continuing education is critical for growing one’s business. The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers its Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference during the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

NKBA is accepting submissions through Thursday from industry experts to share their knowledge on a wide range of topics. It’s a great way to gain exposure for the speaker and his or her company, as well as build brand awareness.

“The Voices sessions are always a highlight for me at KBIS,” John Morgan, owner of Morgan Pinnacle LLC, said. “I enjoy them so much that as I fly home from KBIS, I’m already thinking of ideas for Voices the following year.”

Morgan presents varied topics, but they always center around making the work day more productive and successful. He teaches about building a better business, problem solving, and giving clients a “wow factor.” This year, he taught a course called “Knock the Socks Off Clients: Rendering and Presentation Techniques.”

“The industry needs more experienced professionals to share their knowledge,” Morgan said. “The K&B segment of remodeling is growing rapidly, and as more and more people seek to join our ranks, we need shared expertise to raise the overall level of professionalism.”

Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD, manager of Tewksbury Kitchens & Baths, agreed that speaking during VFTI is vital for making business connections and increasing credibility.

“This is another professional growth opportunity provided by the NKBA that is challenging to get elsewhere,” Stapperfenne said. “Your confidence is boosted, presentation skills are honed, and you continue to stay relevant in an ever-changing field.”

Stapperfenne is a long-time NKBA member who served as a president of the Association and a chapter officer for the Northern New Jersey chapter. She presented two sessions at KBIS 2018: “Communication and Body Language” and “Lighting and Color for Living in Place.”

“For my business, the biggest reward is gaining connections,” Morgan said. “It always amazes me how many people in the room reach out to me afterwards and communicate with me after the session ends.”

Liesbet Trappenburg, owner of Windmill Worldwide, also found success through VFTI. She taught a program titled, “Your 4-Word Business Plan: Rediscover Your Inspiration & Reinvent Your Business.”

“Because attendance at VFTI sessions is voluntary, your audience self-selects and as a speaker I’m thrilled with a pre-selected group of people who are interested in my topics and ready to learn and implement new ideas,” Trappenburg said.

The learning does not end at KBIS. Morgan, Stapperfenne, and Trappenburg present on the local level, since NKBA chapters utilize VFTI speakers for their CEU programming.

“My topic, living in place, is a hot one for chapters everywhere,” Stapperfenne said. “I love connecting with chapter members in their own environment.”

“I’ve been blessed to have repeat attendees in my seminars over the years who tell me that my programs have helped them to change and improve not only their work lives, but also their personal lives,” Trappenburg said. “Knowing that I have contributed in a meaningful, useful way to someone’s life has been the most gratifying part of my speaker experience at VFTI.”

Speakers receive a 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, all valued at over $400. But ultimately, being a VFTI speaker reaps benefits all year long.

“I get personal satisfaction from helping others, and in turn, I receive advice to better the results for my clients,” Morgan said. “I believe that if you and I can walk away with just one great idea that makes us better at what we do, then the hour was a huge success!”

To learn more and submit a proposal to become a VFTI speaker, click here.