Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2019 40 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S T he National Kitchen & Bath Association is pleased to announce its inaugural NKBA Global Connect Business Summit. Taking place in conjunction with the British Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) annual Conference October 7, 2019 at the Carden Park Resort, Cheshire, England, the summit will address macro-economic, social and political trends important to conducting business in North America. "The NKBA is the Global Connector for the kitchen and bath industry — forging relationships and sharing insights and innovative ideas to inform, inspire and empower the kitchen and bath community around the world," said Bill Darcy, NKBA's CEO. "We are operating in a global marketplace. Our all-industry Association is uniquely positioned to facilitate important connections internationally. NKBA GLOBAL BUSINESS SUMMIT – PROGRAM The day-long business summit is designed for C-Suite executives interested in (or in the early stages of embarking on) a North American distribution strategy. Topics include: • Opening Remarks – Veronika Miller, CEO, M2 Consulting "Dawn of a Decade – New Business in a New World" An honest stab at current events and issues that are impacting our ability to drive our businesses. This talk will set the tone for the day, addressing the elephant(s) in the room and reinforcing the mutual benefit of cross-collaboration. • NKBA Market Outlook – Bill Darcy, CEO, NKBA A deep dive into the U.S. construction market, breaking down new construction and residential remodeling segments with a focus on the kitchen and bath. Data will show the strength of the residential remodeling market vis a vis new construction. Plus – a look at the latest Kitchen Bath Market Index (KBMI) and how the NKBA is using the index to track (quarterly) shifts. • "North American Demographic & Geographic Realities" — Steve Basten, Senior Manager, John Burns Real Estate Consulting America is a big place! Its various regions, overlaid by regional demographic data, paint a different picture than a homogenous look at the entire country. This presentation demonstrates the differences between the various geographies, their demographic makeup and what it all may mean for product design, distribution strategies and pricing programs. • "North American Lifestyle, Life Stage and Design Trends" — Kerrie Kelly, Principal, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, NKBA Design Professional As the American population shifts, the impact on macro trends like "Living in Place — Livability, Wellness and Smart Home/ Whole Home Technology Integration" will be important for all design and construction brands to understand. Additionally, comprehending micro-trends like "Farmhouse" and "Industrial" — as well as design terms like "Traditional, Transitional and Contemporary," will be essential to design and develop relevant products for the various consumer market segments. • "Tackling the North American Market" — Veronika Miller, CEO, M2 Consulting, Moderator This panel discussion will include government trade, logistics, customs/export, finance and tax professionals from the UK, U.S. and Europe who will suggest how to navigate the various agencies and services to deliver the American market. • "North American 'Go-To' Market — Understanding the Options" — Suzie Williford, EVP, Industry Relations and Chief Strategy Officer, NKBA, moderator Many brands come to the North American market thinking there's only one way to sell direct to the consumer. This panel will reveal options for leveraging the broad realities of the distribution and service needs of the marketplace. Participants will discuss the pros and cons of utilizing a master distributor, independent sales representatives, multi-location showrooms, direct-to-consumer showrooms and more. The day will conclude with a cocktail reception and dinner hosted by the NKBA for all attendees. In addition to Q&A sessions after each presentation, individual brands are invited to request on-site follow-up meetings with presenters and panel participants. NKBA welcomes all interested brands, associations, organizations and media to email Silvia Lattoz, senior manager, governance and global relations, at globalconnect@nkba.org for a link to RSVP or to receive more information. FIRST GLOBAL CONNECT BUSINESS SUMMIT NKBA Announces "Looking West: Understanding the North American Market" RO

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