NKBA’s Global Connect program hosts new-to-market international product vignettes and spotlight programming
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing close to 50,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals and owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), announces the 2023 NKBA Global Connect Pavilion program lineup. The NKBA Global Connect Pavilion is a combination exhibit and programming space designed to host a select number of new-to-KBIS international manufacturers.
Located in the North Hall (N638) of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, the pavilion will feature high-level international exhibitor brand “Spotlight” presentations complemented by roundtable and panel discussions. Panel and roundtable topics include a review of the health of the North American kitchen and bath sector, “Go-to-Market” distribution and sales strategy and “Meet the Designer” discussions that will dive into the various types of North American kitchen and bath market considerations.
International exhibiting Pavilion kiosk brands include:
- BALTECO
- Established over thirty years ago, Balteco has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of bathroom products in Northern Europe. Balteco Xonyx™ solid surface stone bathtubs, handmade in Estonia, honor traditional craftsmanship and deliver exceptional quality. Every bathtub is hand-crafted by experienced masters with no detail being overlooked through final testing.
- KALE
- Founded in 1957, KALE is the largest ceramic tile manufacturer in Turkey, the 6th in Europe and the 17th in the world today. KALE brings branded tile and sanitaryware products to more than 400 export points in 100 countries from Europe to America, from Middle-East to African markets. The brand has committed to deliver environmentally friendly and sustainable-oriented solutions.
- Dekker Zevenhuizen bv
- Dekker is a 100% family-owned company and the largest European fabricator of customized kitchen and bathroom worktops, focused on developing and investing in sustainable solutions including the new Sustonable product.
- TEKCOM
- Established in 2005, TEKCOM specializes in offering plywood solutions for use in furniture cabinetry and other architectural needs. The nature of plywood and its capabilities offer aesthetic, functional and environmental alternatives.
International Brand Spotlights include:
- TEKCOM
- Established in 2005, TEKCOM specializes in offering plywood solutions for use in furniture cabinetry and other architectural needs. The nature of plywood and its capabilities offer aesthetic, functional and environmental alternatives.
- WALL-SMART
- A Multi award-winning manufacturer, WALL-SMART is enhancing the way smart homes look at function by developing aesthetically pleasing mounting solutions that recess a wide range of home tech devices flush with wall and ceiling surfaces
- VitrA
- Turkish manufacturer of sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, faucets and ceramic tiles – one of the few global brands offering every component of bathroom.
- PITT Cooking
- Founded in 2009, PITT gas burner cooking products are made, by hand, in Holland. PITT cooking is a globally patented system and carries CSA certification.
Global Connect Pavilion Roundtable and Panel discussions include:
“Meet the Designers”
The Importance of Design Professionals in the North American Market
Moderator, Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media
Panelists, Cheryl Clendenon, Principal in Detail Creative Group; Jeanne Chung, Principal Cozy, Stylish, Chic; and Kimberley Kerl, Principal Kustom Home Design
The North American Design Industry differs from other international marketplace in the importance of individual design professionals as key influencers and decision makers. Over 75,000 kitchen, bath and interior design professionals in the US alone are the frontline when it comes to specification and sales of products. Join this discussion to learn how design pros work and what they need to feel comfortable buying from international brands.
“Health of the North American Kitchen and Bath Market”
North American Market Outlook: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities
Moderator, Sherry Qualls, President, White Good, NKBA MARCOM Agency
Tricia Zach, Head of Research, NKBA
The North American Kitchen and Bath market is experiencing a number of changes. This 1-1 Q&A session will delve into NKBA market data, exploring strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for marketers interested in breaking into this fertile marketplace.
“Go-to-Market Strategies”
Understanding North American Kitchen and Bath Industry Sales/Distribution
Moderator, Sherry Qualls, President, White Good, NKBA MARCOM Agency
Panelists, Greg Rohl, Principal, The ROHL Model; Oliver Bleich, Principal, Vella LLC; Bill Butler, CEO Decorative Plumbing Distributors; and Jeremy Parcels, Principal, Jeremy Parcels Design
The North American kitchen and bath industry has a number of “go-to-market” schemes. Depending on product category, manufacturer strategy and level of installation complexity, there are several approaches a manufacturer or exporter may choose to follow. This panel will discuss various scenarios, exploring pro’s and con’s of each. Any manufacturer or international exporter interested in growing into the North American kitchen and bath market should attend.
“German Engineering: Trends in Technology, Design and Production from the German Kitchen and Bath Market”
The German Association of the Modern Kitchen (AMK) and a select group of German kitchen and bath product manufacturers and industry experts including Hacker Kitchens, Hettich and MHK, one of Europe’s largest kitchen purchasing groups, will present latest trends in German technology, design and production from Germany.
To learn more about the NKBA Global Connect program, visit NKBA.org/globalconnect
Members of the media should visit the Press Service Center on the KBIS website to learn more about registration and the criteria for complimentary press credentials. Only editorial media will be granted complimentary passes. To register for an Editorial Press Pass, visit here.