CELEBRATING SUMMER'S IMMINENT ARRIVAL – THE CITY'S DESIGN SCENE IGNITES

With Memorial Day around the corner, marking the unofficial kickoff to summer, we find ourselves in the heart of NYC's most vibrant month for design. The city is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for innovative showcases, NYCxDesign (see Aspire Design Tour@NYCxDesign schedule), and ICFF International. But hold onto your hats because that's just the start! Our chapter has a lineup of extraordinary events planned for May.

Our Gold Sponsor, Sub-Zero, sets the stage for NYCxDesign Week by hosting our May chapter meeting. Led by Deb Martin, Managing Editor of aspire design and home and Editor-in-Chief of Design NYC, a distinguished panel featuring Sergio Mercado, Nancy Fire, Felicitas Oefelein, and Toni Sabatino will share their invaluable insights into international design trends. Drawing from their experiences at recent trade fairs in Paris, Milan, and the USA, this promises to be an enlightening evening graciously hosted by Sub-Zero.

The respected ICFF International Trade Fair takes center stage during NYCxDesign, offering a pivotal moment for industry professionals. At ICFF, our chapter is producing the inaugural NKBA Manhattan INSPIRE Awards sponsored by aspire design and home Magazine, led by our esteemed NKBA Programs co-chair, Diana Mosher. For those yet to register, Pam McNally, NKBA’s SVP of Marketing, has generously provided a complimentary code for entry. While registering, take note of Pam’s two presentations scheduled at ICFF on the 21st.

EXPERIENCE DAY, AN EARLY JUNE CHAPTER MEETING

On May 23rd, as NYCxDesign comes to a close, our early June chapter meeting offers a day filled with design-centric events generously supported by three of our outstanding Silver sponsors. Starting with a luxury bus journey from the A&D Building to AJ Madison’s Brooklyn Showroom, attendees can network with notable designers and trade representatives during the Keynote CEU luncheon panel. We will glean emerging trends, accompanied by craft cocktail pairings. Afterward, attendees can explore the Brooklyn Makers Fair right within the showroom. The day ends at the A&D Building, where Cambria & True Residential will host the closing ceremony for NYCxDesign in the True showroom. It's a day that offers education and fun with valuable CEU credit!

FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER:

This month’s member spotlight is on Anna Blinova from VIGO, our 30 Under 30 Manhattan-NYC member. Congratulations, Anna, on this well-deserved recognition! Welcome to the prestigious NKBA club—we're excited for you and your career.

Our valued partner, Greg Barrett from Savant Systems, our Gold Sponsor, presents at the NKBA | KBIS Design + Business Webinar series on May 14th. Make sure to mark your calendars and register for his session on "Dynamic Lighting Flexibility in Kitchens."

Additionally, let's take a moment to appreciate Toni Sabatino's reflections on her recent trip to Italy and EuroCucina at Salone del Mobile. She'll also share some of her favorite finds and insights during the May 16th Sub-Zero panel alongside our Felicitas Oefelein. Be sure to catch it and read her reflections by NKBA’s Elisa Fernández-Arias. Lastly, stay updated with news from our sponsors: Cambria, Franz Viegener, Hastings, and Sub-Zero. Plus, indulge in nostalgia with the latest throwback to June 2012 in NKBA Anecdotal.

REFLECTIONS

We were thrilled to observe Earth Day at our esteemed Gold Sponsor, Dacor's showroom, on April 18th. It was an enriching experience accompanied by delectable food and signature drinks. Be sure to check out the video and photos and read the recap. Additionally, our Silver Sponsor, JennAir, generously treated 40 fortunate NKBA-NYC members to a delightful breakfast and a tour of the 49th KIPS BAY Decorator Showhouse, which remains open until May 28th.

Mark your calendars now to prepare for many engaging events and experiences. Take a moment to scroll through the newsletter, explore the various opportunities, and register.

Remember our Membership & Programs team introduces a new non-member meeting fee policy, while the committees encourage members to invite guests for FREE. Membership Drive meetings stay FEE-FREE for industry professionals, ensuring inclusivity. Don't forget to check out our NKBA Manhattan-NYC YouTube Channel for engaging videos—like, comment, and share your support!

Warm regards,

Charlé-John, President, NKBA-NYC Chapter