Retail Observer

R ETAI LOBSE RVE R.COM APRIL 2017 12 in demand. KBIS hosted a "Beers & Cheers for Trade Careers" event in 'The Backyard', a new show space located outside of South Hall, to celebrate the donation and initiative. At the event, Mike Rowe of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation accepted a $ 500,000 check from the charter partners of the This Old House Ventures' Generation Next initiative. Also this year, the NKBA Presents KBISNeXT Stage, sponsored by HomeAdvisor, offered thought-provoking and inspiring pro-gramming delivered from some of the most well- respected names in kitchen and bath design. Stage programs showcased trends and insights on timely topics including Airbnb design, outdoor living, designing for downsizing, and color trends. It also gave exhibiting brands the opportunity to take to the stage and highlight new kitchen and bath products and innovations during the highly popular Design Bites ™ sessions hosted by Kevin O'Connor of This Old House and Jeff Devlin of HGTV and DIY Network. The KBISNeXT Stage also played host to the NKBA's 2017 30 Under 30 program, designed to help recognize outstanding young professionals and to share their insights regarding significant trends, sustainable business practices, and emerging business models found at the show. KBIS 2017 created new destinations on the show floor to further enhance the attendee experience. The all new Discovery District served as a center for exploring unique and potentially undiscovered brands and products new to KBIS, several of which were honored as Best of KBIS award winners, including The Copper Shower Kit and GEOLUXE. Also new for 2017 was the Design Milk X Modenus Social Lounge, a hub for bloggers, social influencers and design VIPs to connect, chat and (re)charge. The Social Lounge hosted a series of talks and discussions on topics around blogging, social media, trends and the business of design. Another new and exciting destination, the Student Lounge, sponsored in part by Ferguson, was created to afford students a space to unwind during KBIS. The lounge was home to this year's Tiny House Challenge competition, and also provided an opportunity for student networking. KBIS will return to Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center Jan. 9-11, 2018. Visit www.kbis.com for more information. RO S TA G E P R O G R A M S S H O W C A S E D T R E N D S A N D I N S I G H T S O N T I M E LY T O P I C S I N C L U D I N G A I R B N B D E S I G N , O U T D O O R L I V I N G , D E S I G N I N G F O R D O W N S I Z I N G , A N D C O L O R T R E N D S . KBIS SEES STELLAR GROWTH

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