Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2015 72 RO The Professional Resource Library will also have the latest editions of its books available for purchase. FEATURED SPEAKERS VFTI will present two featured speakers during the show. Timing and topics are: Tues., Jan. 20: Jason Tester, Research Director, Human-Future Interaction, Institute for the Future shares insights on "Design for Balance in the Home of 2030" (Design and Inspiration – 0.1 CEU). Wed., Jan. 21: Kevin Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Ferguson will present the State of the Industry address on "Embrace Change, Fear Status Quo (Sponsored by Danze)." (Business Management– 0.1 CEU). 30 UNDER 30 The 30 Under 30 is a select group of young kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30 who represent some of the brightest up-and-comers in the kitchen and bath industry. The 30 Under 30 use the KBIS exhibits as a research tool, investigating industry trends, innovations and new technologies. This talented group will present their findings at Center Stage in the NKBA booth on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 21. They will share the results of their explorations on the KBIS show floor and answer questions from the audience. NKBA U PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINAL AND WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT Tues. Jan 20, 12:30-2pm – Center Stage in the NKBA Booth Just as exhibitors will unveil their latest products, NKBA University will unveil its first-ever NKBA U Professional of the Year. The winner will be announced following the final competition and awarded an all-expenses- paid trip for two to Spain, courtesy of Platinum Sponsor Cosentino. Runners-up will also receive all-expenses-paid trips for two to tour the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of one of the contest's Gold Sponsors: Kohler Co., who will provide a tour of its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Kohler, Wis., and GE, who will provide a tour of its Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, KY. "The NKBA U Professional of the Year contest embodies the Association's spirit for professional development across the entire industry, setting a new industry standard for excellence," says National Kitchen & Bath Association CEO, Bill Darcy. "Our finalists have experienced the benefits of NKBA U firsthand—it's not only a resource for kitchen and bath designers, but an online professional development platform for builders and remodelers, architects, dealers, manufacturers and representatives, as well as retailers." Helping to balance the excellent learning opportunities available from the NKBA at KBIS 2015 will be the Association's many networking opportunities. The NKBA has a reputation for hosting some of the most successful events in the kitchen and bath industry, providing invaluable opportunities for professionals to connect in a fun and engaging setting. The NKBA kicks off KBIS in celebratory style with The Party on Mon., Jan. 19, 2015 from 8pm to 10pm at Tryst Nightclub in the Wynn Hotel (immediately following the presentation of the Design Competition Awards). Traditionally a sell-out event, The Bash is a time when the kitchen and bath industry comes together to celebrate friendships new and old, successes, and all that the future has to offer. The Bash takes place on Wed., Jan. 21 from 8:30pm to 1:30am at XS Nightclub, located at the Encore Hotel. For complete KBIS 2015 Conference details, visit www.kbis.com/ conference/conference-schedule/. For complete details on other KBIS 2015 events, or to register online, visit www.kbis.com. continued from page 70 O P P O R T U N I T I E S [ N K B A ] subscribe today for print & digital access! www.retailobserver.com/subscribe THE RETAIL AN EYE ON THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1970 EDITOR'S NOTE: For the record— The picture printed in the Prizer Hoods article on page 18 of the November 2014 issue of The Retail Observer was incorrectly captioned. The image captioned as Iron Chef Jose Garcas' kitchen was of the Peterman kitchen. The correct image of Chef Jose Garcas' kitchen is pictured here. Thank you, The Retail Observer Both beautiful and practical, Prizer Hoods can make any kitchen into that of an Iron Chef's. This hood graces the kitchen of Chef Jose Garcas. Photo Credit: Jason Varney

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