The inaugural NKBA Global Connect Delegation Program, launched at the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), successfully connected international visitors with the largest North American Kitchen & Bath event. The model will return in 2022, offering expanded opportunities to connect and learn about the market, opportunities for business development and insights regarding product development and positioning.
The program is designed for brands considering entering the North American kitchen and bath market, wishing to learn more about the scale, size and opportunities that KBIS offers. Co-located with the International Builders Show (IBS) – organized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the three-day delegation will include access to major programs, VIP events, conferences and one-on-one meet ups with NKBA management and Global Connect Advisors. Additionally, delegates will meet North American design and construction professionals, members of the media and other important buyers in the marketplace.
Keep reading for more insights into the program, as shared by Veronika Miller, Lead Consultant, NKBA Global Connect and German NKBA Global Connect Consultant, Elmar Stumpf.
Q: What was the duration of the 2020 KBIS Delegation?
VM: The 2020 Delegation took place over the course of 3 days. It was kicked off Monday afternoon before the official start of KBIS, with the Global Connect Orientation, followed by the NKBA Opening Night Awards. The tour officially ended on Thursday, with a VIP luncheon hosted by NKBA leadership and the KBIS production team. AMK Germany extended their time with a specially planned kitchen and bath showroom touring Las Vegas, including visits to “big box” retailers, independent kitchen and bath designer showrooms.
The Delegation Tour events included:
- Welcome Orientation
- NKBA Opening Night Awards Gala
- Design & Construction Week Opening Session and Keynote
- State of the Industry/State of the Association Presentation
- KBIS Next Stage Design Bites lunch and presentations
- Curated Show Floor tours
- New American Home and Remodel Tour
- NKBA VIP Cocktail Reception with NKBA Leadership
- Shark Breakfast
- Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge – Design Pro Roundtable
- NKBA Bash
ES: The entire tour was incredibly eye opening for all participants and feedback was that all had learned a lot about America and the KB industry – including the diversity, size and scale!
Q: How many people participated in the tour?
VM: There were 19 participants from four countries, 12 of which were from Germany – including association leadership (AMK/VDM) and C-suite level brand representation.
Q: What were the biggest draws (i.e. events, panels, etc.) that participants enjoyed most during the delegation?
VM: The entertainment, of course!!!
ES: I personally really enjoyed the State of the Industry Address
Q: What are the benefits of participating?
VM: The program is helpful to learn about the market, to see and establish relationships with the most important industry players at the show and the face-to-face exchange between international brands, associations and the NKBA/ KBIS teams. Nowhere else to do this…. It felt like a real Global Connect Family.
Lastly, it’s an important opportunity to get first-hand experience with all the components that go into producing KBIS, which is hard to identify when you attend alone – understanding the exhibition structure, programming and marketing opportunities is key.
Save the date for KBIS, which will be held in Orlando, Florida February 8-10, 2022!