Bill Darcy will discuss the current state and potential of the North American K&B market, followed by a panel discussion with North American Cabinetry, Furniture and Closet Manufacturers
By Dianne M. Pogoda
The NKBA Global Connect international business development program will have a significant presence at the major trade fair of one of its Strategic Alliance Partners, SICAM, the International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished Products for the Furniture Industry. The expo takes place in Pordenone, Italy, from Oct. 15 to 18.
NKBA President and CEO Bill Darcy has been invited by the Expo to present an updated look at the North American residential design and construction market, October 16, 2024 at 3:30 PM in Hall 5 at Pordenone Fiera. Following his talk, a panel discussion featuring North American Cabinetry, Closet and Furniture producers including VIPs from Sauder Woodworking, Genesis Products, Grabill Cabinetry will explore the needs of the North American market. Darcy will share NKBA proprietary market research outlining the current state of the North American K&B market, economic trends in the industry and key consumer dynamics driving purchasing decisions. Attendees and exhibitors interested in attending this event may register here.
NKBA Global Connect, in partnership with EXPO SICAM, is hosting its first North American Buyers Tour at the Fair. The tour for over 20 cabinetry, closet and furniture manufacturers will be led by Kenn Busch, NKBA Global Connect Advisor and publisher and founder of Material Intelligence, Eric Marshall, principal, the Closet Training Institute and Sherry Qualls, consultant, NKBA Global Connect, visiting over 30 exhibitors who are interested or currently in doing business in North America. Exhibitors interested in applying to be a part of the tour may inquire by clicking here.
“EXPO SICAM brings together important sub-segments of the international furniture manufacturing market,” said Darcy. “We look forward to sharing our market insights and detailing the potential that the North American market holds for international partners and potential NKBA Global Connect members. We are also honored to be co-hosting with EXPO SICAM our first SICAM Buyers Tour, which will introduce North American manufacturers to innovative components and accessories featured at the Fair.”
NKBA Global Connect will also maintain a kiosk at the show to introduce exhibitors and attendees to the Global Connect business development program, discussing the health and business opportunities in the North American kitchen and bath market. The NKBA team will also field questions about the NKBA owned Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the benefits of attending North America’s most comprehensive trade show dedicated to residential design, building and remodeling.
SICAM is expected to draw some 20,000 visitors, with about 500 components parts manufacturers exhibiting. Many of the exhibiting companies are connected to NKBA and/or the Global Connect program.
The Global Connect Program
The Global Connect program offers important benefits to international companies that want to explore ways to break into the North American market. Included in the core membership, which is $3,200 annually, is access to NKBA | KBIS’ extensive market research covering key topics from overall and category-specific design trends to economic data, market outlooks, quarterly reports on the current state of the industry, and much more.
Members also may access an array of expert consultants through the team of Global Connect Advisors on design, distribution, compliance, finance and business strategy, as well as a Business Development Roadmap to define high-level considerations for doing business in the North American K&B industry. Joining the program also includes the Business Development Kickstarter plan, which assesses business goals, provides a roadmap for development, and offers an annual business development review.
Members receive the NKBA | KBIS discount to participate at KBIS and join the NKBA | KBIS Delegation Program. Additional benefits and opportunities for brand development are also available. For information on how to join Global Connect and explore building a business in North America, visit the NKBA website and click on Global Connect, or click here.