The association’s international business development initiative strives to raise awareness of the program and benefits of membership for international companies exploring opportunities in North America.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
Continuing its mission of broadening communication and interaction among kitchen and bath companies around the world, NKBA Global Connect will join its Strategic Alliance Partner interzum at its interzum trade show in Cologne, Germany, May 20 to 23. The show is a leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design and one of the world’s largest expos for semi-finished products, accessories and component parts. It takes place every other year in the koelnmesse exhibition and fair center.
The fair typically attracts more than 1,600 exhibitors in 1.8 million square feet of trade show space, drawing more than 60,000 visitors. Koelnmesse GmbH, which operates the fair, has participated at KBIS in the German Pavilion.
NKBA Global Connect strategic consultant Sherry Qualls will deliver a presentation on “Understanding the North American market,” revealing data on the North American housing, kitchen and bath market, consumer purchasing drivers, and important insights about doing business in the North American kitchen and bath market. Veronika Miller, NKBA Global Connect Consultant and CEO of M2 Consulting Group, will facilitate a conversation about “What We’re Watching” with a focus on the potential impacts of policies coming out of Washington, DC.
NKBA will also participate in an exhibitor workshop on the nuances of doing business in the U.S. and Canada and how it differs from other international markets, host a dinner with Strategic Alliance Partners at the event, and join in Exhibitors Night festivities for networking and building relationships.
The North American business outlook will offer details from NKBA’s exclusive market research on the design trends, economic factors impacting the business, and consumer expectations projected to shape the industry throughout the year. This proprietary research is included in membership dues and available to NKBA Global Connect members at no additional charge. Members may also access a team of Global Connect Advisors, all subject matter experts based in North America, who can offer savvy advice in numerous business areas to help international firms prepare for a successful entry into the market.
The theme of this year’s interzum show is “Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions.” The fair’s focus is on sustainable production for furniture, including freestanding and built-in kitchen and bath cabinetry. The expo will showcase new technologies, materials and innovative design, offer trend presentations, networking parties, new product demonstrations, and trend forums on topics including biocircular materials that reduce CO2 emissions, textiles and machinery, and combining responsible resource use with near-infinite lifespans. Learn more about interzum and register to attend here.
