Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2017 60 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S A plethora of informative sessions are on tap once again during KBIS, the kitchen and bath industry's premier trade event, all designed to help attendees build their businesses, enhance their skills and develop business strategies. With a robust 80 sessions slated over the three show days, Jan. 9, 10 and 11, KBIS' popular Voices from the Industry (VFTI) makes the experience as much about learning as it is about shopping. Additionally, the National Kitchen & Bath Association has scheduled certification exam prep classes and weighted courses for earning credits toward certification on Jan. 8. Members taking the prep classes will be able to take the exam afterward, onsite. The presentations are grouped into five themes: Design; Grow Your Business; Management; Customer Service, and Kitchen and Bath Specialty Training. Many of the sessions feature innovations in products and technology, others offer strategies for using social media and electronic communication to enhance the reach and promotion of the business, and still others present case studies and data culled from research into current trends and consumer dynamics. VFTI sessions are all one hour long, and each is led by an expert in design, manufacturing, retailing and marketing, independent consultants, or by leading professionals in business strategy. Professional Development courses are two hours, and the exams are three hours. Sessions count toward continuing education units in the certification process as well. To take any sessions, attendees must sign up for the Voices from the Industry conference, either during the registration process online or onsite. All information is on www.kbis.com. Among the highlights for the Design category are macro trends in materials; designing smart kitchens; designing for small spaces; use of artisans in the design process; maximizing showroom space; latest color trends; balancing luxury and budget; integrating technology and creativity, and addressing Universal Design needs for all ages and physical capacities. Grow Your Business sessions will address such topics as how mobile and internet technology is changing marketing; asking smart questions in the initial stages of the interview process; closing the sale; understanding true luxury and its value in design; enhanced marketing in traditional and new media; strategic planning; optimizing your web site; photography and visual presentations, and increasing your social media following. Customer Service tackles subjects including communication; timing on the job; dealing with prickly clients; the art of the "first meeting," and the importance of follow-through to build long-lasting relationships. Specialty training classes cover specific segments of the business with an eye toward improving technique and use of specific materials including lighting, surfaces and fixtures; incorporating sustainable product and design in projects, and designing healthy homes. Under the Management banner, look for discussions including effective leadership; employee engagement; motivation; steering through a crisis; understanding estate planning, taxes, net profit and exposure to lawsuits; pricing strategies, and achieving marketing goals. Don't miss the NKBA SHARK! Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 11. This event connects manufacturers in need of representatives, and hungry representatives looking for manufacturers. It provides a forum in which to network, discuss résumés and explore potential working relationships for possible career positions. The breakfast takes place from 7:45 to 10 a.m. Bring plenty of business cards! Additionally, on Monday, Jan. 8, the day preceding the expo, NKBA is hosting six learning courses and prep sessions for designers who want to sit for the Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer or Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer exams. The learning courses include: • The use of interactive technology in design renderings; • Advanced lighting design and installation; • The emerging trend of the kitchen as a living room, its implications for designers and how to apply specific design components to representative kitchens; • Going beyond design to put a monetary value on creative skills and capitalizing on specialized skill sets; • The two certification prep courses. Achieving certification in kitchen and bath design is an important milestone in career development and advancement. Certified designers are more apt to find quality employment, increased income and wider media exposure over non-certified competitors. These refresher courses are two hours and instructor-led, and provide key concepts including the NKBA guidelines, sample study questions, tips and best practices for taking the exams. The prep sessions are great final reviews before taking the onsite afternoon exams at KBIS, immediately following the course. Full descriptions of the sessions, details on locations and information about the instructors are all available on www.kbis.com, click on "Learning," then select "Voices from the Industry Conference," or "Professional Development Courses." SPEAKING TO THE INDUSTRY KBIS 2018 is brimming with classes, discussions, workshops and interactive labs. RO

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