By Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO

That “Can-Do” spirit always hits me in the spring months. Whether it’s home improvement, personal improvement, professional development or raising the bar in business, there’s something about the energy of spring that makes everything seem possible.

Hopefully, spring brings positive expectations and a sense of renewal for the months ahead. Our industry is performing at an accelerated level, and we’re confident this is the time to build on that momentum and reach even higher. NKBA is offering a number of terrific opportunities in the coming weeks that can help elevate our industry.

“Our industry is performing at a high level, and we’re confident this is the time to build on that momentum and reach even higher.”

We are especially excited about our NKBA Summit: Luxury Defined, to be held virtually on June 23-24. This is the first in our Summit series in 2021, and the first devoted to the luxury kitchen market. We’re anxious to share findings from our latest research, and have a great lineup of speakers and panelists who will discuss what modern luxury means. It’s not just about price point or vast square footage. Luxury manifests itself in tangible ways — including high-end cabinetry, surface materials, appliances, artwork and other physical products — as well as the intangibles, like having more time, serenity and security, which can be created through inspirational design. We’ll explore these topics and so much more with luxury-market thought leaders, who will share their experiences about ways to elevate the K&B design and remodeling process.

For fabulous kitchens and baths that are already completed, it’s time to enter the prestigious NKBA Professional Design Competition. It’s open through July 2 to all designers and builders, but NKBA members can take advantage of the early-bird entry period through May 31, during which the first member submission is complimentary. Members pay $129 per entry after that, and non-members may enter for $199 per project. Entrants compete for more than $60,000 in cash prizes, and winners elevate their industry profile with exposure in consumer and trade media.

For subject matter experts at the top of their game, there’s still time to submit a proposal to present at the highly regarded Voices From The Industry Conference at KBIS 2022 in Orlando next February. This annual institution is another way to raise your industry profile, share your expertise and build brand recognition among thousands of attendees. The deadline for proposals is June 5.

Finally, for the next generation of K&B rock stars, nominations for NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 program are open June 2 through July 28. This program, now in its 10th year, recognizes accomplished young professionals with the potential to lead the K&B business into the future.

Check out nkba.org for all the details, or scan the QR code — and we look forward to seeing you at the next level!