By Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO

As most of you know by now, after much deliberation and in the ongoing interests of safety, we’ve determined that KBIS will be an all-virtual event this year.

We are all disappointed that circumstances beyond our control have mandated this decision. It’s the prudent thing to do, however, because we value people above all else. The health and safety of our community is paramount — including our NKBA members across the continent; KBIS attendees and exhibitors; the people on the ground who work so hard at the show venue to keep it clean, safe and running smoothly; our partner Emerald, whose tireless staff produces the show, and our own staff of fantastic colleagues within NKBA’s national organization, who never cease to amaze me in what they accomplish in putting together the programming, digital, visual and verbal content, scheduling, member outreach, events, coordination, sponsorship and finance to make it all possible.

We’re happy to extend free registration to our members, starting Dec. 7, and, as is the case with the in-person event, all attendees will have access to KBIS as well as IBS (International Builders Show) exhibitors, to enjoy the full spectrum of Design & Construction Week.

As we have stated in past columns — especially over the past eight months — change is an inevitable part of life. And it’s when we are comfortable in a routine, thinking things are going well, that change seems most disruptive. “If it ain’t broke…,” right?

But this is when bold change is most important. And most valuable.

We stretch ourselves, challenge ourselves to become better, stronger, smarter and more creative in the ways we do things, tackle problems and find solutions. Most great inventions and discoveries don’t happen because people are content with whatever gadget or technology is getting the job done. They happen because people seek a better way of doing things — and many times, these creative solutions are developed by those whose backs are against the wall. Circumstances beyond their control demand innovation, leaving them no option but to reinvent themselves, find a new way, advance the status quo. The alternative is failure —  and failure is not an option.

The magic of KBIS for so many of us is the product discovery, the expansion of knowledge, the networking and camaraderie. And apart from the live aspect, we will still bring you outstanding CEU-qualified educational opportunities to broaden your skills and learn about new technologies, innovations and trends — all in a virtual format. We are working with our exhibitors to create digital product discovery experiences unlike what most of us have seen before. Not only will we be exploring new products and technologies, but we will be doing it in a whole new way. The method of discovery will be part of the discovery, in and of itself.

All of our efforts are focused on elevating the trade show as we previously knew it, in this uncharted territory. This is not what we expected — as John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” But it is what we must do to keep our industry strong and our community connected. This circumstance, while far from what anyone had envisioned, has challenged us to grow, develop new ways of reaching an even broader audience, and strengthen our connection with the KBIS community all year long — and all over the world.

We are hopeful for the future. Our industry fundamentals are solid, and many top economists believe the vibrant housing market will lead the economy out of recession. We are a major part of that journey, and will continue to contribute in meaningful ways. Our community must continue to reinvent, stretch, innovate and exchange ideas, to nurture the seeds of that growth.

It starts by transforming the KBIS experience.