Bath & Kitchen Pro

2011 KBIS Is Reinvented

Attendees at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), in Las Vegas from April 26-28, will find a broader array of offerings, the latest in trends and technology, and more opportunities to collaborate with peers and exhibitors.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and partner Nielsen Exhibitions have enhanced KBIS with the introduction of mobile applications, interactive and hands-on displays, and an expanded array of conferences and events.

“In response to the challenges of today’s economy, our members and exhibitors have changed the way they do business to be more productive,” said Dave Alderman, NKBA’s president-elect. “Our goal at KBIS is to make sure we provide the most up-to-date tools and trends to help them stay successful.”

An extensive research project was initiated in 2010 to help redefine the strategic direction of the show for the future. Focus groups were conducted with hundreds of past and present exhibitors, attendees and NKBA members. This has resulted in new exhibits, speakers and education, and a re-branded strategic position.

The new logo and tagline, “Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.” developed by show organizer Freeman, will be seen in advertising and collateral materials, as well as on the re-launched KBIS.com.

Attendees and exhibitors will see changes on the trade show floor, in the conferences and speakers, and in the way they can navigate the show and collaborate with each other, according to Brian Pagel, vice president of the Kitchen and Bath Group for Nielsen Expositions. “We felt it was important to rebrand KBIS to mirror the significant changes in the show.”

KBIS Connect, an online scheduling and mapping tool, will allow attendees and exhibitors to plan and update meetings and classes, as well as research and review exhibits and products. Also, a KBIS Smartphone app will be available for the first time, beginning in January. In addition, attendees will be able to download a KBIS QR (quick response) code to access show guides and materials throughout the venue.

KBIS 2011 will be kicked off by keynote speaker Pat Croce, best-known for leading the Philadelphia 76ers through their dramatic “worst to first” turnaround as the team president.

The conference and education schedule has been built around the topics most requested by member and attendees, including: “Moving Your Business Digital,” by kitchen and bath technology specialist John Morgan, and “Gen-Now” by columnist and designer Sarah Reep. The conference and education slate has been expanded, with a number of conferences available to view online, another first for KBIS 2011.

The NextGen Home Experience will feature two fully-functioning homes: the Eco-home, featuring the latest products and trends in sustainability, and another featuring universal design.

Also new this year: the Industry Segment Connection, a networking and educational event targeted to professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry.

KBIS 2011 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Encore at the Wynn will be the NKBA headquarters hotel. Other NKBA-preferred hotels will include the Las Vegas Hilton, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and Paris Las Vegas.

For more information, visit KBIS.com or NKBA.org.

source: KBIS