The collaboration represents an important opportunity to connect the two professional organizations. By Dianne M. Pogoda
Striving to stay on the industry’s leading edge, the NKBA has recognized the importance of integrating home technology in the kitchen/bath space and collaboration with a complementary professional organization, and is participating in the CEDIA Expo, Sept. 4 to 8 at the San Diego Convention Center.
NKBA is exhibiting at the expo (booth #1640) and is sponsoring Design Connection lunches on Sept. 6 and 7. Additionally, NKBA will be sharing highlights of its latest exclusive market research on kitchen technology at the show — for instance, among consumers who consider themselves “frequent technology users,” 90% find smart appliances to be “extremely/very appealing,” and 82% say the same about “tech solutions that make meal prep easier/more enjoyable.”
NKBA has endorsed CEDIA’s Design Connection Pavilion, an area at the expo designed to showcase kitchen and bath brands using connected technology in their products.
“Having an area on the show floor dedicated to technology and design integration will spark needed conversations between the two professional groups,” says Suzie Williford, NKBA’s Executive Vice President of Industry Relations & Chief Strategy Officer. “Kitchen and bath designers are hungry for products that will move the needle on technology integration in intelligently built environments.”
As technology becomes more integrated with every aspect of our lives and environments, it’s increasingly imperative to keep up with the rapid pace of change. As kitchen and bath designers and remodelers, NKBA members need the knowledge and understanding of how these changes are affecting design, appliances, lighting, fixtures, plumbing and other areas of home technology. Especially important is the symbiotic relationship between K&B designers and tech integrators, creating an elevated electronics experience in a beautiful, sophisticated and functional space for clients. It’s a win-win for professionals in both organizations.
The CEDIA Expo expects to draw more than 20,000 home tech pros and 500+ exhibitors showing their leading-edge connected technology products. In addition to the expo, the show will offer networking opportunities; CEDIA certification and training; 110 educational sessions including product news and training; business plans and strategies for sales, marketing, finance, human resources and client relations; specific engineering, wireless, electronics and performance technologies; integration and installation for the whole home, and more.
The opportunity is ripe for connecting with this growing area of home technology; Don’t let this market slip away. Visit cediaexpo.com for more information and to register, and be sure to stop by NKBA’s booth #1640 at the San Diego Convention Center.
