International brands will have the chance to build brand awareness as they explore options for entering or expanding in the North American market.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

NKBA Global Connect, the association’s international membership program, is offering brands two high-exposure opportunities at KBIS 2026, Feb. 17 to 19, in Orlando.

Global Connect programming will take place in the NKBA booth at the Orange County Convention Center, providing high-traffic opportunities to build brand awareness. Options include custom events and brand spotlights. This programming is a great way to explore a foray into the North American market and to gauge interest in the brand among KBIS attendees.

To participate in a sponsorship program, brands must be an NKBA Global Connect Member or Alliance Partner. Among the benefits for all sponsors are:

  • The sponsor logo will be highlighted on all event materials and coverage, both digital and printed, including a recap slideshow.
  • A 20-second brand video will play during the event.
  • The sponsor will be included in NKBA marketing materials, including social media posts, the NKBA newsletter and other online sources; the KBIS-specific NKBA landing page with a hyperlinked logo; a hyperlinked logo on the “Save the Date,” invitation and thank-you emails to all attendees.
  • Professional event photos will be shared with the sponsor after the event for social media sharing and use on the brand’s website and digital assets.
  • Third-party opt-in list of attendees for communication/promotion.

Brand Spotlights

Brand Spotlights include a 10-minute presentation for sponsors to introduce attendees to their brand and products and highlight their story and background.  Post-presentation, there will be five minutes for Q&A from an audience of North American designers, buyers, specifiers, and influencers. A video of the presentation will be available after the show for exhibitor use across social and digital platforms for marketing and promotional purposes. 

Custom Events

Brands that wish to sponsor a custom event will collaborate with the NKBA Global Connect team to create a special experience at the booth for key customers. In the past, these events have included beverage tastings and live demonstrations. The team will invite 20 to 25 kitchen and bath dealers, designers, showrooms, and other professionals, depending on the brand’s audience targets. The brand may order and coordinate catering if desired, and may redistribute the NKBA Global Connect invitation to its own key customers or team members and promote the event as part of its KBIS promotional efforts. The custom event offers broad exposure to a targeted audience for an extended period.

The deadline to commit to a custom event or Brand Spotlight is Nov. 1. For pricing and availability, please contact Kevin Shea, Sales Specialist for Global Accounts, at Kshea@nkba.org. Go to NKBA Global Connect to learn more about the program and opportunities to visit and exhibit at KBIS 2026.