Can’t-Miss KBIS 2024 Events

February 27, 2024

Can’t-Miss KBIS 2024 Events

February 27, 2024

Our list of the show’s best happenings, programming and activations 

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

KBIS 2024, which kicked off this morning, celebrates its 60th anniversary and pulls out all the stops to give attendees an unforgettable experience! This year features the original Design & Construction Week (DCW) co-location duo of KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), owned by National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). 

Click here to sign up for KBIS 2024, with NKBA | KBIS members receiving a discount on registration. You can also sign up in person at the show, in the LVCC West Hall: W102-W109 or the LVCC South Hall: First Floor, Show Area. You can print your badge directly from a kiosk to save time, or have it printed at the registration desk.

This year, Design and Construction Week will take place in  the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). 

To help plan your show schedule, check out this year’s can’t-miss events.

EVENTS

DCW Opening Ceremonies

Open to all attendees, the DCW Opening Ceremonies are the “official” start of the week with host, magician Mat Franco, and his awe-inspiring stage show. The event has limited general seating so get there early to find a seat since reservations are not accepted. Doors open at 7am.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 8 am
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 featuresNKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy’s annual membership address, which includes an overview of the association’s accomplishments and future direction. This is followed by the SOI, which this year features a panel of experts from four organizations that are widely recognized as authoritative sources for economic, housing and remodeling insights and trends: the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, John Burns Research & Consulting, Zillow Group and Zonda.

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 8:30 am
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall: N109-N112
Tickets: No
Tip: Get there early to get a good seat near the stage.


NKBA | KBIS Design Council Introduction

NKBA | KBIS will officially launch its first-ever Design Council at KBIS. The Council features industry leading designers Thom Filicia, Thom Filicia Inc.; Michel Smith Boyd, Smith Boyd Interiors; Caleb Anderson, Drake/Anderson; and Celerie Kemble, Kemble Interiors. Cindy Allen, Interior Design Editor-in-Chief, will kick off the introduction of the Council with a champagne toast at the NKBA | KBIS booth.

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 1:30 pm
Where: LVCC, North Hall at NKBA | KBIS booth: N2539
Tickets: No
Tip: Arrive early since there is limited seating… and champagne!

SHARK Matchmaking Event

If you are a manufacturer’s representative looking for a new product line, look no further. The SHARK event offers the chance to explore new working relationships and career opportunities with industry leading K&B brands.

When: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 10 am
Where: LVCC, North Hall: N109-N110
Tickets: Yes. $70. Buy tickets here.
Tip: Manufacturer representatives can buy tickets in advance;walk-ins must pay at the door. (Companies looking to set up a tabletop display should contact noelle@nkba.org.

The BASH

It wouldn’t be KBIS without the BASH. The BASH is an opportunity for attendees to celebrate after a long day on the KBIS floor, and relax and socialize. Taking place at an exclusive Las Vegas club, attendees can enjoy a night of fun, music and dancing!

Thank you to our BASH sponsors Cosentino; Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; nobilia and Signature Kitchen Suite. 

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 8:30 pm
Where: Encore, XS Nightclub 
Tickets: Yes. $40. Buy tickets here.
Tip: Buy your tickets 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 through the end of 2024 for sessions you couldn’t fit in during the show.  

Thank you to Title Sponsor Floor & Decor and Gold Sponsor Bed Bath and Beyond Trade.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall: N254, N256, N258, N260, N262, N264
Tickets: Yes. $975 for a three day conference pass (including the Expo pass and access to on-demand classes); discounts available for members. Buy tickets here.
Tips: You can also purchase on demand VFTI sessions post-KBIS for those unable to attend the show.

PROGRAMMING

KBIS NEXTStage

In 2024, KBIS NEXTStage moved 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 business and technology to sustainability and wellness.

KBIS NEXTStage will host the Best of KBIS awards, Best Booth awards and DesignBites. The KBB Person of the Year, the 2024 Thirty Under 30 class and the 30s Choice Awards will also be announced at KBIS NEXTStage, which also features special activations and happy hours for networking.

Thank you to 2024 Daily Design Trends sponsor Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
Where: LVCC, South Hall: SL10040
Tickets: No
Tip: Review the NEXTStage schedule here to ensure you attend the panels and events most relevant to your business.

NEW! Luxury Lounge

For the first time, KBIS debuted a second programming area – the Luxury Lounge – that focuses on the evolving nature of luxury and what it means for residential design. Content includes panels, discussions and interactive sessions by expert speakers and industry executives.

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

Global Connect Lounge and Product Kiosks  

The Global Connect Lounge offers North American companies/designers an opportunity to make international connections, while offering insightful programming that includes brand spotlights, roundtables and panel discussions. There are also networking opportunities and happy hours.

In addition, the Global Connect Kiosks feature international exhibitors and brands showcasing their products and services.

Thank you to sponsors BORA, Concelo, Dekker, Hideaway, Richelieu, SICAM and SCHOTT.

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

ACTIVATIONS

FREE Professional Headshots

Here’s your chance to get a professional headshot taken for free! Just show up, stand in line and get your photo taken. It’s easy, fun and you can enter a contest to win the Avallon Beverage Center from the event sponsor, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. You can enter here, and the winner will be announced on the NEXTStage during the KBIS 60th anniversary celebration Thursday at 2:30 pm.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Where: LVCC, North Hall at NKBA | KBIS booth: N2539
Tickets: No 

NEW! KBIS 60th Anniversary Toast

This year we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of KBIS! When it first launched as a trade show in 1964, NKBA | KBIS was called the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD) and the show was named the AIKD Show. The show contained a mere 24 exhibitors and 250 attendees.  

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, come toast with champagne and macarons on Thursday at NEXTStage in the South Hall. No reservations required.  

When: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 2:30 pm
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! 

Click here to sign up for KBIS 2024, with NKBA | KBIS members receiving a discount on registration. You can also sign up in person at the show, in the LVCC West Hall: W102-W109 or the LVCC South Hall: First Floor, Show Area. You can print your badge directly from a kiosk to save time, or have it printed at the registration desk.