Can’t-Miss KBIS 2024 Programming, Events and Activations

September 7, 2023

Can’t-Miss KBIS 2024 Programming, Events and Activations

September 7, 2023

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

KBIS 2024 promises to be uniquely special, as the show celebrates its 60th anniversary and pulls out all the stops to give attendees an unforgettable experience that tops last year’s success.  Unlike 2023 with multiple shows occurring at the same time as Design & Construction Week, 2024 will feature the original co-location duo of KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), owned by National Association of Home Builders(NAHB). 

The two partner DCW shows will again take over the Las Vegas Convention Center and expand into South Hall that last year was given over to The National Hardware Show(NHS), which will not be showing in 2024. To date, KBIS has over 500 exhibitors and show attendee registration opened earlier this week. 

Go here to sign up for KBIS 2024, with NKBA members registering for FREE in September.>

To find out what’s new and recurring plus those can’t-miss events, education, programming, and activations below.   

EVENTS

Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards and Opening Party

A night to celebrate the best of the best in K&B. The Design Awards and Opening Party – sponsored in 2024 by Miele, 2020, Ferguson and Perlick –  is where the entire industry shows up to see who takes home the prestigious first, second and third place awards for the following categories:

  • Best Overall Kitchen
  • Best Overall Bath 
  • Large Kitchen 
  • Specialty Kitchen
  • Small Kitchen
  • Primary Bath 
  • Secondary Bath
  • Powder Room

The 2024 event has been shifted to a bigger ballroom, nearly double the size to accommodate the larger crowds and offer more available seating during the show. NKBA’s very own Bill Darcy, CEO, and Suzie Williford, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, are once again the show hosts and are looking forward to offering the crowd a few unexpected surprises. 

In addition to the Professional Design Awards, the show announces the winners of the Student Design Competition, the Innovative Showroom Awards, the Hall of Fame Award and the Chairman’s Award.

When: Monday, February 26, 2024
Where: Wynn Las Vegas, Lafite Ballroom
Tickets: Yes. $150, buy tickets here.
Tip: Buy your tickets in advance as part of your KBIS registration package. 

DCW Opening Ceremonies

Open to all attendees, the DCW Opening Ceremonies is the “official” start of the week with its celebrity host (2023 featured Mike Rowe) and awe-inspiring stage show. Since there is limited general seating at the event, it’s advised to get there early and find a spot since reservations are not accepted. Doors open at 7am. 

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Where: Westgate – Lobby Level – Paradise Event Center
Tickets: No
Tip: Come early, as seating is limited and available on a first-come, first served-basis. 

State of the Association(SOA)/ State of the Industry(SOI)

This highly anticipated event for NKBA members and non-members is where NKBA CEO Bill Darcy gives his SOA, an overview of the association and its accomplishments as well future direction. This is followed by the SOI, which focuses on what’s happening in the industry through guest speakers, panels and discussions moderated by Darcy.

In 2023, the standing-room only crowd came to hear Darcy and listen to his conversation with HGTV celebrities, Jonathan and Drew Scott of The Property Brothers. 

Attendees can expect to learn invaluable information about the current state of the K&B industry as well as discover all the benefits of becoming an NKBA member.  

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center(LVCC), North Hall: N109-N112
Tickets: No
Tip: Get there early to get a good seat near the stage.

SHARK Matchmaking Event

If you are a manufacturer’s representative looking for a new product line, look no further. The SHARK event offers you the chance to explore new working relationships and career opportunities with brands, who will be featured in tabletop displays. You can buy tickets in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome to pay at the door.

When: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC,  North Hall: N109-N110
Tickets: Yes. $50-$70. Buy tickets here.
Tip: Buy your tickets in September and get an early-bird rate.

The BASH

It wouldn’t be KBIS without the Bash. The Bash, sponsored by Ferguson, is an opportunity for attendees to celebrate the KBIS, relax and socialize — and make industry connections, too. Taking place at an exclusive Las Vegas club, attendees can expect a night of fun, music and dancing!

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Where: Encore, XS Nightclub 
Tickets: Yes. $40. Buy tickets here.
Tip: Buy your tickets in advance as part of your KBIS registration package.

EDUCATION

Voices From the Industry (VFTI) Conference

VFTI features K&B industry experts who offer CEU-accredited courses, with 75 sessions in six learning tracks: 

  • Building & Remodeling
  • Business Management
  • Design
  • K&B Trends
  • Leadership 
  • Marketing

The popular educational conference sells out quickly and also offers On-Demand viewing for sessions missed during the show.  

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall: N254, N256, N258, N260, N262, N264
Tickets: Yes. $875 for 3-Day Conference Pass (including the Expo pass), discounts available for members and early registration. Buy tickets here.
Tips: Purchase a full conference registration and receive the Expo pass plus all on-site VFTI presentations with unlimited access to on-demand sessions through 2024 — and save by applying early as a member.

PROGRAMMING

KBIS NEXTStage

It’s the stage you don’t want to miss, with Daily Hosts, headliners and content that focuses on current and upcoming business issues, strategies and trends. In 2024, KBIS NEXTStage moves to the South Hall, giving it more room/prominence and making it the go-to destination for attendees looking to gain valuable insights. Programming includes more than 20 sessions over three days ranging from well through its more than 30 sessions ranging business and technology to sustainability and wellness.  

In addition, KBIS NEXTStage hosts awards like Best of KBIS, unveils the new class of Thirty Under 30 and features special activations as well as happy hours for networking. 

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, South Hall: SL10040
Tickets: No
Tip: Review the NEXTStage schedule in advance to ensure you attend the panels and events you want to see. 

NEW! Expanded Content at NKBA Booth

NKBA will offer expanded programming in its booth in 2024, focusing on the economic state of the industry, design trends and more. There will also be a wall map of the KBIS campus to find your way about, as well as opportunities to meet the Design Award winners, network and have a cocktail or two. Programming wll range from trends and market forecasts to CEO Talks, designers interviews and more.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall: N2539
Tickets: No
Tip: There’s limited seating so get to the booth early to reserve your spot for key programming. 

NEW! Luxury Stage

For the first time, KBIS is debuting a second programming area – the Luxury Stage – that will focus on the evolving nature of luxury and what it means for residential design. Content will include panels, discussions and interactive sessions by well-known and expert speakers and industry executives.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall: N177
Tickets: No
Tip: Look up the programming beforehand so you can sit in on the luxury panels and events that interest you most.

Global Connect Pavilion  

The Global Connect Pavilion is an expanded area that will feature country pavilions, stage area, branded kiosks and a lounge. The kiosks will feature  international exhibitors and brands showcasing their products and services, offering North American companies/designers an opportunity to make international connections. Programming will take place in the Lounge and include brand spotlights from Global Connect members including SICAM, SCHOTT, Hideaway Storage, roundtables and panel discussions as well as networking opportunities.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, South Hall: SL7015, SL8027, SL8031,SL8040, SL8044
Tickets: No
Tip: Look up the Global Connect Lounge programming schedule to attend brand spotlights that interest you.

ACTIVATIONS

FREE Professional Headshots  

Looking to get a new headshot or don’t have one at all? Here’s your chance to have a professional photographer take yours at KBIS. (Not to mention, have it featured on the NKBA booth display wall for all to see!). There’s no cost and all you need to do is show up, stand on line and take your pic. It’s easy, fun and you can network, watch booth programming and/or take a break from the show while you wait.   

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall at NKBA booth:  N2539
Tickets: No
Tip: Register early so that you don’t have to fill in any forms on line. 

NEW! KBIS 60th Anniversary Toast

2024 is the year to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of KBIS, when it first launched as a trade show in 1964. That was when NKBA was still called American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD) and the show was named the AIKD Show, with tk attendees and tk exhibitors. Quite a change from today, when thousands stream into Las Vegas to visit KBIS and discover the latest products, innovation and technology.

To celebrate the special anniversary, a celebratory toast will be shared with all at NEXTStage on Thursday (2.29) afternoon in the South Hall. Come join the fun and the memories as well as the champagne and cake. No reservations required.  

When: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, South Hall at NEXTStage: SL10040
Tickets: No
Tip: Remember to check out any outstanding booths on your list before attending this final kick-off! 

Go here to sign up for KBIS 2024, with NKBA members registering for FREE in September.>