In a special edition of NKBA Live, NKBA and Emerald executives shared important information about the expo, taking place live, Feb. 8 to 10, in Orlando. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

With KBIS 2022 just a few months away, NKBA EVP and CSO Suzie Williford hosted a special episode of NKBA Live to update viewers with some key show updates, health and safety protocols and the latest with exhibitors. This was the first in a series of three KBIS webinars detailing aspects of the upcoming show, with the next two NKBA Live webcasts slated for Oct. 28 and Dec. 2. The series is generously sponsored by Monogram.

Joining Williford from show-production partner Emerald were Brain Pagel, Emerald’s EVP, and KBIS Show Director Jason McGraw. They discussed some of the changes attendees can expect with this edition, as well as the many show features that are familiar favorites and will be returning.

Among the new elements:

  • Many of the 80+ sessions that are part of the Voices from the Industry Conference will be available on-demand after the show to those who purchase a VFTI pass.
  • There will be many more live-streamed sessions and events, including the State of the Association and State of the Industry presentations, sessions on the KBIS NeXT Stage and NKBA’s Design + Industry Awards.
  • Health and safety are the top priority, and Pagel said the show is following CDC guidelines and has implemented a detailed policy. Click to view the KBIS Health & Safety Plan. Masks will be required for non-vaccinated individuals and are highly recommended for vaccinated attendees and exhibitors, he added. The policies will evolve as needed and Emerald will update the industry regularly as needed.

Pagel said Emerald has put on 20 live events 2021, half of them since mid-summer. The company has learned to adapt to local jurisdictions. Engagement has been “off the charts,” he said, and the shows have been drawing highly qualified and highly focused buyers.

NKBA Members’ Free KBIS 2022 Registration Extended through Oct. 15. Register Now >

McGraw reported that many leading brands will be returning to KBIS 2022, citing Kohler; Samsung; SKS; GE’s Café, Monogram and Profile brands; Miele; BSH Appliances; Delta Faucet; Electrolux; Moen; Toto, and Elkay among them. In all, more than 425 brands will showcase their latest products at KBIS — many with all-new displays.

“There’s a pent-up demand to meet face-to-face,” he said, “and to see and touch these new innovations. We have a new launch-pad area with new-to-market exhibitors, we have new smart-home kiosks to showcase the latest smart-home products, and we’re putting a greater emphasis on luxury products with the ICFF pavilion.”

There are also outdoor-living and wellness pavilions, NKBA’s Global Connect and German pavilions, and many other focused zones throughout the show.

For more information and to view this episode on-demand, click here.