• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EBOOKS
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
Plumbing NewsBath & Kitchen Pro

NKBA hosts 2nd annual Global Connect Business Summit

NKBA Global Connect
September 18, 2020

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) held its second annual NKBA Global Connect Business Summit, Sept. 9 and 10, 2020.

Originally scheduled to take place in London, the Summit was broadcast virtually to international attendees — from Germany to Guatemala — over two afternoons. The NKBA Global Connect Summit has become a key element in connecting the international kitchen and bath market, bringing brands and information together to develop successful, omnidirectional business strategies to grow the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.

“While I would have liked nothing more than to host our second annual NKBA Global Connect Business Summit in London this past week, I’m pleased that so many of our friends and colleagues were able to join us for our first virtual Summit,” said Suzie Williford, EVP and chief strategy officer of NKBA. “The opportunity to share critical insights and information — especially during this extraordinary time — is very important to us and our industry. We invest a tremendous amount of time, talent and financial resources to stay on top of all that’s happening in and around residential kitchens and baths. Sharing that knowledge, as well as connecting the marketplace, is very rewarding.”

The Program — Day 1

Market Outlook, KBMI, Geographic and Demographic Trends and Lifestyle/Life Stage Research

Bill Darcy, CEO of NKBA, and Todd Tomalak, VP and principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, took a deep dive into the 2020 remodeling market with a focus on the kitchen and bath sector.  Despite the impact of the coronavirus, the residential remodeling sector — especially kitchen and bath spaces — are projected to be “white hot” strong this fall. Of the $130 billion expected in 2020 K&B sales, 46%, or just over $60 billion is attributable to kitchens with the remaining 54%, or about $70 billion coming from bathroom expenditures.

North America is a Big Place — Geographic and Demographic Overview

Chris Porter, SVP and Chief Demographer for John Burns Real Estate Consulting, and Steve Basten, Senior Manager at JBREC, shared insights about the shifts in demographic and geographic trends in North America, pointing out significant migrations from urban “A” markets like New York, Los Angeles  and Chicago,  to secondary areas like the “Inland Empire in SoCal,” Santa Rosa in Northern California, and Central Florida and the Panhandle. They elaborated on the regional differences of each of these markets, reinforcing the need to understand the nuances that drive product design, distribution and pricing approaches, reminding viewers that North America is very large indeed.

NKBA Lifestyle/Life Stage Research

The NKBA Lifestyle/Life Stage Study was presented by Kerrie Kelly, principal of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab and a collaborator on the study, revealing a new, forward-looking approach to gathering insights.  The study queried designers, consumers and showrooms, with an eye to understanding lifestyle shifts and attitudes regarding their homes, concentrating on kitchen and bath remodeling and design over the next three years. Four key influencing themes emerged: Simplified Living, Connected Living, Living in Place and Healthy Living. Kelly discussed each theme in detail, further identifying specific wants around each, offering insights for product development and design, as well as interior and space design.

The Program — Day 2

Go to Market Strategies — Understanding Distribution and Sales Options

Suzie Williford, NKBA’s EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, hosted Greg Rohl, principal of the Rohl Model, and Jason Artus, partner DoveTail Sales, for a discussion on “Go to Market” strategies, detailing the many distribution and sales scenarios one might consider when entering the North American kitchen and bath market. The pro’s and con’s of working with independent sales agents vs. company or factory representatives — as well as taking a hybrid approach, were unpacked. A review of various distribution models was also discussed, including the benefits of two-step distribution when a tiered approach to servicing a large market is necessary, as well as when it makes sense to consider a master distribution partner who can service and support large and small customers as your domestic brand agent. The panel explored the role of showrooms and their expectations from manufacturers, sales representatives and distribution partners, emphasizing the importance of building trustworthy, profitable and personal relationships, and reinforcing the need to consider multiple approaches to build a successful business in North America.

Marketing to the Kitchen and Bath Customer

DJ Carey, editorial director of Cottages & Gardens Media, and Debi Hammond, principal of Merlot Marketing, sat down with Sherry Qualls, president of White Good Marketing and PR, to discuss how to approach marketing to the kitchen and bath customer. They evaluated influencer programs, channel and showroom programs, trade shows, events and media partnerships, with an emphasis on building fully integrated programs that target key decision-makers. The panel underscored the need to understand different messaging approaches — depending on customer group — as well as determining where to target resources.

Understanding the Design Influencer

Veronika Miller, CEO of Modenus Media, moderated a discussion with Jeremy Parcels, AKBD, kitchen and bath designer at Christopher’s Kitchens, Cheminne Taylor-Smith, CEO of Cheminne.com, Laura Mueller, owner and principal of Four Points Design Build, to define the differences between design build firms, kitchen and bath and interior designers. Speaking about their various areas of expertise, they clarified the importance of the various designer roles and how they operate, independently as well as collaboratively. They emphasized the value of understanding how to engage design professionals, including leveraging social media, events and trade shows, as well as taking the time to meet with designers, even if they are not purchasing products directly, so they can knowledgably present products and systems with confidence. Developing a trusting relationship with design professionals will be annuity for years to come.

How to KBIS — Maximizing Participation in North America’s Largest Kitchen and Bath Show

Amy Hornby, show director of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Kent Panther, VP and business development director at Wray-Ward, and Veronika Miller, CEO of Modenus Media, shared the various ways brands can learn, engage and exhibit at KBIS. For individuals who have never been to the event, a guided tour or visit hosted by show management is a great way to get an overview.  Participation in a delegation or curated group is another. For international brands, one of the best ways to experience exhibiting for the first time is to be a part of a pavilion, typically produced by one’s home country. Once a brand has had two or three opportunities to truly learn the show, exhibiting may be a logical next step. Kent, Veronika and Amy elaborated on the many opportunities to maximize presence and engagement, including sponsored and gratis packages, ensuring a strong ROI.

 

This article was originally posted on www.supplyht.com.
KEYWORDS: bath and kitchen news Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) NKBA plumbing industry

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Green Plumbing and Mechanical
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

The interior of a government building.

President Trump signs executive order promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

Figure 1 is a sketch of the flow problems of the current plumbing system.

Hydronic heating glitch solved: Why adding a circulator won't fix primary loop flow issue

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

PM BEMIS June 25 Free Webinar: Optimizing Plumbing Solutions for Single-Family, Multi-Family & Public Spaces

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • NKBA Global Connect

    NKBA announces Global Connect Alliance Partner Program

    See More
  • NKBA Luxury Kitchen Summit

    NKBA announces its first Luxury Kitchen Summit

    See More
  • Bradley Hosts 2010 Green Manufacturing Summit

    See More
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!