To all in the K/B industry:

“As the newly elected President of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), I am thrilled to share some of what you can expect to see and do at the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS 2015). 

The theme for KBIS 2015 – Bigger, Bolder, Better – could not be more appropriate. KBIS 2015 marks our second year in Design & Construction Week (DCW), co-locating with the International Builders’ Show. This year DCW will also encompass the International Window Coverings Expo, the International Surface Event, and the Las Vegas Market. Yes! Five shows for attendees to take in! To witness the degree of positive energy around this event, and the sheer scale of opportunities in the design and construction industry is nothing short of inspiring. 

Home base at KBIS for NKBA is our booth, #N2163. Once again, our booth’s Center Stage will feature a solid lineup of informative programming. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Michela O’Connor Abrams, President/CEO of Dwell Media, will present insights on The New Face of Affluence, a survey that is now in its fifth year.  The presentation will include insights into New Affluents' residential home improvement and building plans, design trends, influencers and the evolving relationship between the new affluents and design professionals. 

On Wednesday, January 21, David Mayer of Houzz will share insights from this popular online design inspiration resource. Mayer will mine Houzz’s web traffic statistics to share which color, material, and finish choices are trending on the site. He’ll also share tips on how to maximize your exposure to the over 20 million users who use Houzz every month for ideas for their next home remodeling project.

On January 22 the Silestone Trendspotters: Courtney Cachet, Julia Buckingham, Kerrie Kelly, Kim Lewis and Mark Williams, will take part in an insightful discussion about color and design trends for the kitchen and bath, moderated by Hearst Design Group Market Editor Carisha Swanson. 

We’re continuing the popular HGTV open auditions, which will take place in the NKBA booth at different times throughout the show. Not only are the auditions fun, but the buzz in the booth when people are taking a shot at becoming the next big HGTV personality is incredible. Give it a shot!

Professional of the Year, NKBA University’s inaugural contest, culminates at KBIS on January 20, NKBA University’s inaugural contest, culminates at KBIS on January 20. Finalists will go before a panel of NKBA judges on Center Stage and present how the NKBA U courses they took help fuel their success. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Spain, courtesy of Cosentino, the contest’s Platinum Sponsor. Runners-up will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to tour the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of one of the contest’s Gold Sponsors, Kohler Co., and GE. 

Those seeking more formal learning options at KBIS 2015 are in luck! On January 19 (the day before the show officially kicks off) and January 21, NKBA U will host 11 courses – 10 of which are exclusive to the show. Can’t-miss courses include DisCover Your Selling Style, Born to Buy – Growing Your Kitchen & Bath Business with Multigenerational Clients, and Ah Ha! Learning to Think Critically and Creatively. 

Additionally, Voices From The Industry (VFTI) conference sessions will run throughout the duration of KBIS 2015. There are over 90 VFTI conference sessions, many of which offer CEU credits. CEU credits are not only from the NKBA, but also from our industry affiliates, including NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and AIA (American Institute of Architects). 

I am also excited to announce VFTI’s two feature speakers who, like so many of us, have their eyes on the future of our industry. On January 20 Jason Tester, Research Director at the Institute for the Future, will reveal research and insights during his talk entitled, Design for Balance in the Home of 2030. On Wednesday, January 21 at 1:30 pm, Kevin Murphy, COO of Ferguson Enterprises, will deliver the State of the Industry Address at the Westgate Hotel. The topic of his address will be "Embrace Change: Fear Status Quo." Murphy will look at how our industry is evolving, and what the future holds for those with a stake in the kitchen and bath industry. Both presentations are not to be missed!

On Thursday morning, a unique opportunity exists in The Shark Breakfast. Manufacturers seeking representatives, and sales representatives seeking manufacturers have a chance to speed network and gain new, valuable contacts. 

Of course, KBIS will not be all work and no play! The evening before the show officially kicks off, the NKBA will announce the winners of its 2014 Design Competition. Immediately following the awards presentation, we will celebrate in style at The Party, held at Vegas’ popular Tryst Nightclub. On Wednesday evening, we’ll gather once again for THE BASH. Held at XS Nightclub and sponsored by Cosentino, THE BASH is a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new contacts, and have fun with peers as we celebrate our industry. 

To be the NKBA President during KBIS 2015 is an honor that I can not put into words. I hope that, like me, you will discover that KBIS offers limitless opportunities to learn, grow, connect, get inspired and have an absolutely great time!

Enjoy!”

– Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD
NKBA President