February 2026 Mardi Gras Magic: A Collaborative Celebration with Reece & Industry Partners

What happens when Reece teams up with NKBA, ASID, IDS, NARI, and the Fort Worth Builders Association? A Mardi Gras celebration for the books! More than 200 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening filled with festive flair, fantastic food, and incredible industry camaraderie. From the moment attendees arrived, they were immersed in true Mardi Gras spirit — beads draped around necks, masks and boas adding flair, and king cake bringing a sweet taste of New Orleans tradition. NKBA elevated the celebration with fun swag and a lively step-and-repeat backdrop, keeping the cameras flashing all night long. The photo moments alone captured the energy and excitement of the evening! With a crowd reminiscent of the real Mardi Gras, the event was more than a party — it was a vibrant celebration of collaboration within our design and building community. Industry professionals came together to connect, celebrate, and strengthen relationships in a setting that perfectly blended business and fun. Here’s to partnerships that bring people together — and to many more celebrations ahead!

February 2026 Design Competition Confidence, KABA Launch, and February Fun

Our February NKBA event, graciously hosted by Sardone McClain, was the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and professional growth! The evening kicked off with an incredible spread of Mexican cuisine — delicious tacos, chips, and all the fixings — paired with a wide array of beverages for everyone to enjoy. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, a sweet treat was served to top off the festive atmosphere. Following the festivities, we had the pleasure of welcoming Stacy McCarthy, National Speaker and Principal of Stacy McCarthy Design. She delivered an engaging and insightful CEU presentation: Design Competition Ready: Best Practices for Design Competition Confidence. Attendees walked away with valuable strategies and practical tips for entering and excelling in design competitions. One of our favorite takeaways? The design criteria are just the bare minimum — going above and beyond is what truly sets submissions apart! To celebrate the month of February and show our appreciation for our wonderful members, each attendee created a beautiful heart-shaped bouquet of flowers to take home — a thoughtful and creative way to share the love. It was an evening filled with connection, learning, and plenty of fun. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made the night such a success!

February 2026 Texas North Plains NKBA Shines at KBIS 2026 in Orlando

The Texas North Plains Chapter of the NKBA was proud to be part of the excitement at KBIS 2026, held in Orlando alongside the International Builders’ Show (IBS). This year’s show did not disappoint! KBIS kicked off in style with Nationals hosting the highly anticipated awards programs on Monday night. Winners were selected by award-winning judges — including two CMKBDs from our very own Texas North Plains Chapter. We were especially thrilled to celebrate a CMKBD from the South Plains who walked away with more than $50,000 in prize winnings for her award-winning project. What an incredible achievement for our region! We also had the honor of celebrating our chapter’s very own Thirty Under 30 inductee, Hayden Bolin of Tracy’s Custom Homes. Being recognized at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are so proud to see one of our own making such an impact in the industry. Throughout the show, our chapter members explored the expansive exhibits to discover the latest innovations and emerging trends in kitchen and bath design. From cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials to bold finishes and functional design solutions, KBIS delivered inspiration at every turn. Don’t miss our March chapter meeting, where we’ll recap everything we saw at KBIS — top trends, favorite finds, and key takeaways you can bring into your own projects. It’s going to be a great one!

January 2026 Celebrating Excellence: January’s Certified Designer Luncheon

Our first gathering of the year was a dedicated celebration of the talent, dedication, and expertise within our Texas North Plains Chapter. Hosted by Kitchen Bath & Home, this exclusive luncheon brought together our community of certified designers for an afternoon of professional camaraderie and forward-thinking dialogue. The event wasn't just about looking back at our achievements, but about setting the stage for a successful 2026. A Feast for the Senses The atmosphere was as delightful as the company. We enjoyed: Gourmet Bites: Beautifully curated charcuterie lunches from Graze Craze, perfect for a sophisticated mid-day gathering. Sweet Success: A delicious assortment of "Bundtinis" from Nothing Bundt Cakes provided the perfect finishing touch to our meal. Shaping the Future The heart of the luncheon was an open-forum discussion. We moved beyond small talk to dive deep into the current state of our craft. Guided by pertinent industry questions, the group shared insights on: Current Market Trends: What we are collectively experiencing on the front lines of design in North Texas. Chapter Evolution: Candid feedback on what our members want to see from association meetings and programming in the coming months. Peer Support: Strengthening the bonds between our certified professionals to foster a more collaborative local industry. "There is a unique energy that happens when certified professionals get in one room. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about the technical standards and leadership that drive our industry forward." Thank You to Our Host A special thank you to Kitchen Bath & Home for providing the beautiful space and hosting this essential gathering. It was the perfect environment to celebrate the credentials that set our members apart.

December 2025 A Night of Glamour and Giving: NKBA Holiday Celebration

The holiday season officially kicked off in style, as our NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter gathered at The Jarrell Company for an unforgettable evening of "Speakeasy Glam." From the moment the doors opened at 5 PM, the atmosphere was electric. Our members and guests fully embraced the theme, bringing a touch of vintage sophistication and holiday cheer to Dallas. The Highlights Speakeasy Vibes: Guests enjoyed a curated selection of luscious specialty cocktails and delectable small bites, all set to the backdrop of festive live music. A Surprise Guest: Even Santa Claus took a break from his busy schedule to swing by! He spent the evening checking his list and spreading joy throughout the showroom. Industry Connection: It was wonderful to see our local design community come together to celebrate our collective successes over the past year. The Heart of the Event: Giving Back While the glitz and glamour made for a beautiful evening, the true highlight was our annual Silent Auction. We are thrilled to announce that the almost $6000 in funds raised were donated to Operation Finally Home. By participating in the auction, our members are helping provide mortgage-free homes to wounded military heroes and their families. We are incredibly proud of our chapter's commitment to making a lasting, meaningful impact on those who have served our country. Special Thanks A huge thank you to The Jarrell Company for hosting us in their stunning space, and to all our sponsors and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this "Speakeasy Glam" night a reality. Most importantly, thank you to our members. Your presence and generosity turned a holiday party into a powerful night of giving back. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the New Year!

November 2025 A Night of Sizzle and Skill: The NKBA Battle of the Chefs

The heat was on at the FBS Dallas showroom as the NKBA hosted its highly anticipated Battle of the Chefs. It was an evening defined by high-stakes creativity, incredible aromas, and the kind of friendly professional rivalry that keeps our industry vibrant. Two local culinary heavyweights, Chef Dan and Chef Johnny, went head-to-head in a live cook-off that pushed their skills to the limit. Attendees had a front-row seat to the action, witnessing firsthand how professional-grade kitchen design meets world-class culinary execution. The Verdict After a grueling round of cooking and plating, the judges faced the difficult task of scoring the dishes based on flavor, presentation, and technique. While both chefs delivered masterclass performances, Chef Dan ultimately claimed the title of Battle of the Chefs Champion! The Expert Panel A huge thank you to our distinguished panel of judges who lent their expertise and discerning palates to the evening: Andrew Risinger, CMKBD – Kitchen Bath and Home & NKBA Chapter President Victor Raynes – Nicole Anthony Designs Faye Nielsen – The Nielsen Collection Kelli Parker, CKD, CBD – Elite Remodeling Carrell Stahala – FBS Showroom Manager Event Highlights The Showdown: Watching Chef Dan and Chef Johnny navigate the kitchen with precision and speed. The Atmosphere: A packed house at FBS Dallas filled with designers, industry partners, and food enthusiasts. The Inspiration: Seeing the latest kitchen technology put to the ultimate test in a real-world competitive environment. We want to thank everyone who joined us for making this night of "flavor and fun" such a resounding success. Events like these remind us that the heart of every great home is a kitchen built for performance.

October 2025 Kitchen and Bath Month CEU Day, Tablescapes and KABA Awards

13th Annual NKBA Texas North Plains Kitchen & Bath Month Event + KABA Awards What a killer day from start to finish! The celebration began with two amazing CEU sessions — one diving deep into lighting design and another on how to diversify your design business — with a wonderful lunch between sessions that gave everyone a chance to connect, recharge, and get inspired. As evening fell, the fun turned frightfully fabulous with our “Scream” theme, channeling the charm of old scary movies. Nearly 200 attendees gathered at the stunning Sub-Zero Showroom to celebrate design, creativity, and community. Guests enjoyed fantastic food inspired by famous film moments, explored Designer Personal Choice Boards, admired creative tablescapes, and cheered for this year’s Kitchen and Bath Award winners. The showroom’s transformation set the perfect eerie-but-elegant backdrop — and the only thing scary was how good the designs were! Entertainment by Goga was once again amazing, and our raffles kept the excitement going all night long. Between the laughter, applause, and a few playful screams, it’s safe to say everyone had a spooktacular time. Huge thanks to Sub-Zero for hosting us in their incredible showroom, and to all our designers, sponsors, and guests who made the 13th Annual NKBA Texas North Plains Kitchen & Bath Month Event and KABA Awards one to remember. Until next year… stay inspired (and maybe keep the lights on)!

September 2025 Student Symposium

The two-day Interior Design Symposium, presented in partnership with ASID, offered students an immersive look into the heart of Dallas’s design scene. Participants explored the Dallas Design District and the Dallas World Trade Center, gaining firsthand exposure to premier showrooms and industry resources. Throughout the event, multiple panel conversations with prominent designers provided invaluable insights on launching and growing a successful design career. From practical advice on internships and networking to candid discussions about creativity and business strategy, the symposium connected aspiring designers with the people and places shaping the future of the profession. A heartfelt thank-you goes to ASID for their incredible partnership and support in making this transformative event possible.

August 2025 Trivia Night

A Night of Learning, Laughter, and Light Bulbs Our recent trivia night, hosted at the stunning Kichler showroom, was an absolute success! The evening was a perfect mix of professional development, friendly competition, and community building. The night began with two engaging CEUs (Continuing Education Units). We dove into the "Fundamentals of Lighting" with the experts from Kichler, followed by an insightful "Lead Generation Blueprint for Interior Designers" led by Prototype. Both sessions were held in Kichler's fantastic classroom, and the information was immediately applicable to our work. Afterward, it was time to put our knowledge to the test. Our very own Programs Chair, Samantha Vogt, created a challenging and entertaining trivia game with 50 questions. The questions covered everything from the CEU presentations to a fun mix of pop culture, and it wasn't just about getting the right answer—speed was key! The energy in the room was electric as teams battled it out for bragging rights. The fun didn't stop there. Kichler graciously treated everyone to a delicious dinner, giving us all a chance to relax, network, and connect. It was a wonderful way to cap off a fantastic evening of learning and camaraderie. A big thank you to Kichler for hosting us in their beautiful showroom and for the wonderful dinner. And a special shout-out to Samantha Vogt for organizing such a memorable and fun event!

July 2025 Sponsorship Appreciation Event

An Evening of Wits and Gratitude: Honoring Our NKBA Sponsors - The NKBA Council recently hosted a special event to celebrate and thank the incredible sponsors who make our work possible. This wasn't your typical dinner; it was a night of competitive fun and camaraderie, proving that our sponsors are not only generous but also have a serious knack for game shows. The night kicked off at Game Show Battle Rooms, where four teams stepped up to two different stages. It was a true battle of wits and strategy as teams duked it out in fast-paced rounds, vying for the top spot. The energy was electric, filled with laughter, friendly taunts, and a whole lot of cheering. Following the epic showdown, the celebration continued at Sidecar Social. Over dinner and spirits, we had the chance to relax and connect. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the successful partnerships and shared goals that bind our community together. To all our sponsors, your support is invaluable. The NKBA Council is genuinely grateful for your continued partnership and dedication. We hope you had as much fun as we did and felt every bit of our appreciation.

June 2025 Membership Appreciation and Food Drive

Texas North Plains Chapter Membership Appreciation Event: A Smashing Success! The Texas North Plains Chapter (TNP) once again delivered an unforgettable Membership Appreciation Event, and this year was no exception! Our annual gathering, held at At Fault, was a fantastic blend of energetic pickleball matches, delicious food, and lively conversations. Members showcased their skills on the pickleball courts, enjoying some friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Off the court, the atmosphere was just as vibrant, with attendees connecting over great food and engaging in wonderful discussions. Beyond the fun and games, the event also served a meaningful purpose. We successfully collected food donations for our annual food drive for Friendship House, demonstrating the generosity and community spirit of our TNP members. We're already looking forward to next year's event and another chance to celebrate our incredible TNP community!

May 2025 Happy Hour and Scavenger Hunt

ProSource-Allen Hosts Thrilling May Scavenger Hunt & Happy Hour! A huge thank you to ProSource-Allen for graciously hosting our May Scavenger Hunt & Happy Hour event! Their recently remodeled showroom proved to be the ideal backdrop for a highly competitive and engaging search. The space is not only beautiful but also perfectly on-trend, providing a fantastic atmosphere for all attendees. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Samantha Vogt, our Programs Chair, for her incredible work in creating such a masterminded game! Her efforts ensured a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

April 2025 Speed “Dating” Networking Event

Daltile's beautiful Design District showroom was the vibrant setting for our second annual Speed "Dating" Networking Event, a highly anticipated occasion that drew almost 50 valued peers and members. The event's unique format allowed attendees to engage in focused three-minute conversations with one another, providing a dynamic platform to discuss their businesses and explore potential collaborations. Adding to the event's success, Daltile provided an amazing spread of TexMex cuisine from the popular Campuzano Mexican Food. The opportunity to personally meet and speak with so many individuals in a concise timeframe proved incredibly valuable, making this Speed "Dating" Networking Event a resounding success and a well-received initiative within the community.

March 2025 Mini KBIS

Cambria recently hosted a successful Texas North Plains Mini KBIS event in their wonderful showroom, creating a vibrant hub for the local design and building community. The event brought together ten local vendors eagerly sharing their latest products and innovations. Attendees had the opportunity to explore offerings from member vendors, including our valued partners Cambria, Rev-a-shelf, Reece, ProSource, Kitchen Bath and Home, Adream Décor, and Kichler. Adding to the lively atmosphere, Frezko Taco Spot provided delicious food, ensuring a pleasant and engaging experience. The Mini KBIS proved to be a valuable occasion, fostering the exchange of great information and providing an even better platform for networking amongst industry professionals in the Texas North Plains region.

January 2025 Certified Designer Luncheon

Texas North Plains Chapter's first annual Certified Designer luncheon, hosted by Kitchen, Bath & Home under the guidance of Andrew Risinger, our chapter President, and supported by Stephan Sardone of Sardone McLain, proved to be a significant and enriching experience for NKBA-certified designers. The event fostered a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere, allowing for an extended round table discussion covering crucial industry topics such as current market trends, the importance of nurturing relationships with both vendors and builders, insights into upcoming conferences, shared experiences in navigating client interactions, and the discovery of remarkable new products. Delicious food and a bag full of swag further contributed to the event's success, making it a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking within the certified design community.