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The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing more than 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals and the owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) announces the Association’s Global Connect business development program activations at KBIS 2025. NKBA’s International Hub, located in South Hall, will feature more new-to-North America products and services than ever, plus informative programming and content at the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 25-27, 2025. More than 75 international member companies and four international pavilions will exhibit throughout KBIS with many concentrated in and around the Global Connect Lounge and Kiosks in South Hall.
“The Global Connect program is making its mark,” said Heather Shannon, Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth, NKBA | KBIS. “This business development program is bringing our industry closer together, providing richer opportunities for the entire value chain — from manufacturers to designers. Showrooms and dealers are exposed to a broader selection of product lines and solutions, design and construction professionals are learning about new approaches to design challenges and manufacturers are collaborating on technology. This is how the industry is growing and KBIS is the platform where it all comes together.
NKBA Global Connect is designed to help international brands reduce their risk when expanding into the North American market. Given the complexities, size and scope of the North American kitchen and bath industry, international manufacturers benefit from insights and expertise the NKBA Global Connect program offers including access to industry advisors, NKBA proprietary market research and customized recommendations for entering the market. Additionally, those Global Connect members who choose to participate in KBIS are offered a concierge experience, helping them to maximize the opportunities afforded by the show.
Companies will participate in several capacities, including through Global Connect international pavilions and kiosks, in independent exhibition spaces highlighted on the Global Connect Design Trail, through robust programming in the Global Connect Lounge, and through the International Delegation program and media tour.
Returning Global Connect member, Schott, a German-based brand that produces the glass ceramic used by manufacturers of ranges, ovens and cooktops around the world says of the program and kiosk space at KBIS. “For Schott, the KBIS Global Connect program is incredibly valuable,” said Jennifer Zink, marketing manager, home tech, for Schott North America. “The Global Connect Pavilion allows us to showcase our part in building the completed appliance, but more importantly, lets us tell our story about how we use glass to power technology throughout the home.
Here’s a rundown of Global Connect Activations at KBIS 2025:
NKBA’s International Hub at KBIS
NKBA’s International Hub of KBIS includes the Global Connect Lounge, Pavilions and Kiosks, all located
within South Hall. Three days of programming in the lounge will include International Brand Spotlight
presentations, International cocktail and breakfast events, and roundtable luncheons. Ten Global Connect
Kiosks will feature international product and service providers interested in finding North American
business partners.
International Country Pavilions
International Pavilions — including the Brazilian Stone Exporters Association, the German Modern
Kitchen Association as well as the UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association — will bring thousands
of square feet of international kitchen and bath products and designs to the show.
The Global Connect Design Trail
More than 75 Global Connect member companies will participate at KBIS. In addition to those who are
part of the international country pavilions, more than 40 Global Connect members will exhibit
independently throughout the show. All, as well as the Kiosk participants, will be highlighted on a “Global
Connect Design Trail,” found on KBIS.com, KBIS Directory, and NKBA.org.
International Delegation Program
All international guests visiting KBIS are invited to register to participate in the International Delegation
Program. This VIP package offers new-to-KBIS and returning international attendees and exhibitors the
opportunity to network, meet with Global Connect Advisors, and connect personally with NKBA
Leadership. The program includes a Welcome Orientation Cocktail Event, tickets and preferred seating at
the NKBA Design + Industry Awards, the Opening Night Party and Opening Ceremonies, and tickets to
the NKBA BASH, NKBA Leadership Roundtable, and Global Connect Lounge programming. For more
information and to register contact globalconnect@nkba.org.
International Media Tour
NKBA Global Connect will host 10 international journalists at KBIS, introducing them to North American design and market trends, NKBA, Global Connect, and KBIS show activations. They will participate in select Delegation Program activities and will be included in a curated tour of KBIS exhibitors. Journalists from Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany plan to attend.