NKBA’s international business development program will have vibrant programming, a global design trail, and an International Hub concentrated in the South Hall at KBIS 2025

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing more than 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals and the owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) announces the Association’s Global Connect business development program activations at KBIS 2025. South Hall, named the international hub, will feature more new-to-North America products and services than ever, plus informative programming and content at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 25 to 27. More than 75 international member companies and four international pavilions will exhibit throughout KBIS with many concentrated in and around the Global Connect Lounge and Kiosks in South Hall.

“The Global Connect program is making its mark,” said Heather Shannon, Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth, NKBA | KBIS. “This business development program is bringing our industry closer together, providing richer opportunities for the entire value chain — from manufacturers to designers. Showrooms and dealers are exposed to a broader selection of product lines and solutions, design and construction professionals are learning about new approaches to design challenges and manufacturers are collaborating on technology. This is how the industry is growing and KBIS is the platform where it all comes together.”

NKBA Global Connect is designed to help international brands reduce their risk when expanding into the North American market. Given the complexities, size and scope of the North American kitchen and bath industry, international manufacturers benefit from insights and expertise the NKBA Global Connect program offers including access to industry Advisors, NKBA proprietary market research and customized recommendations for entering the market. Additionally, those Global Connect members who choose to participate in KBIS are offered a concierge experience, helping them to maximize the opportunities afforded by the show.

Companies will participate in several capacities, including through Global Connect international pavilions and kiosks, in independent exhibition spaces highlighted on the Global Connect Design Trail, through robust programming in the Global Connect Lounge, and through the International Delegation program and media tour.

Returning Global Connect member, Schott, a German-based brand that produces the glass ceramic used by manufacturers of ranges, ovens and cooktops around the world says of the program and kiosk space at KBIS, “For Schott, the KBIS Global Connect program is incredibly valuable,” said Jennifer Zink, marketing manager, home tech, for Schott North America. “The Global Connect Pavilion allows us to showcase our part in building the completed appliance, but more importantly, lets us tell our story about how we use glass to power technology throughout the home.”

Here’s a rundown of Global Connect Activations at KBIS 2025.

The NKBA Global Connect International Hub at KBIS
Anchored by the Global Connect Lounge, Pavilions and Kiosks, the South Hall has been designated as the International Hub of KBIS. Three days of programming in the lounge will include International Brand Spotlight presentations, International cocktail and breakfast events, and roundtable luncheons. Ten Global Connect Kiosks will feature international product and service providers interested in finding North American business partners.

International Country Pavilions
International Pavilions — including the Brazilian Stone Exporters Association, the German Modern Kitchen Association as well as the UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association — will bring thousands of square feet of international kitchen and bath products and designs to the show.

The Global Connect Design Trail
More than 75 Global Connect member companies will participate at KBIS. In addition to those who are part of the international country pavilions, more than 40 Global Connect members will exhibit independently throughout the show. All, as well as the Kiosk participants, will be highlighted on a “Global Connect Design Trail,” found on KBIS.com, KBIS Directory, and NKBA.org.

International Delegation Program
All international guests visiting KBIS are invited to register to participate in the International Delegation Program. This VIP package offers new-to-KBIS and returning international attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to network, meet with Global Connect Advisors, and connect personally with NKBA Leadership. The program includes a Welcome Orientation Cocktail Event, tickets and preferred seating at the NKBA Design + Industry Awards, the Opening Night Party and Opening Ceremonies, and tickets to the NKBA BASH, NKBA Leadership Roundtable, and Global Connect Lounge programming. For more information and to register please click here.

Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner Forum
Some 14 Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partners will have a presence at the show. These include:
– German Modern Kitchen Association (AMK)
– German Furniture Association (VDM)
– British Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA)
– British Institute of Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Installations (BIKBBI)
– Lyrical Communications/InstallerSHOW
– European Association for Taps and Valves Industry (CEIR)
– Spain Manufacturers of Bathroom, Sanitation and Ventilation Equipment (AMEC ascon)
– Spanish Association of Kitchen Manufacturers (AMC)
– Spain Bathroom Manufacturers Association (ASEBAN)
– Spanish Federation of Bathroom Manufacturers (FEBAN)
– Brazilian Natural Stone Exporters Association (Centro Rochas)
– International Exposition of Accessories, Components and Semi-finished Products for the International Furniture Industries (EXPO SICAM)
– Ukraine LVIV Furniture Cluster (LVIV)
– Italian Taps and Valves sector of ANIMA Confindustria (ANIMA AVR).

These international NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner organizations will convene at KBIS to share plans and programs for the coming year and to participate in an all-day pre-show conference. An idea exchange, with the theme “Forward. Together. A Coalition of the Willing.” will take place moderated by Aljan de Boer of the Netherland’s think tank TrendsActive.

International Media Tour
NKBA Global Connect will host 10 International journalists at KBIS, introducing them to North American design and market trends, NKBA, Global Connect, and KBIS show activations. They will participate in select Delegation Program activities and will be included in a curated tour of KBIS exhibitors. Journalists from Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany plan to attend.