Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2020 18 tenure as CEO and Board Member at Serta Simmons Bedding, he led the company through the most significant transformation in its history. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of BSH Home Appliances for North America, which includes the Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands, where he led the development of award-winning products and dramatically increased market share. In addition to his role as CEO of BSH Home Appliances Corporation in North America, Michael also served as a member of the Board of Directors for BSH in the United States and Chairman of the Board in Canada. Traub was the President and CEO of BSH's Latin America division, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he restructured its sales and industrial footprint. Prior to that he held several leadership positions at BSH in Europe and Asia Pacific. "I'm truly honored to lead as CEO, working alongside David to scale Plum's business globally. In my time on the Board of Directors, it became obvious that Plum's innovation has created an opportunity to build a global consumer brand," said Traub. "David and his team have disrupted the appliance industry by merging hardware, software and AI to deliver an incredible user experience with the most innovative appliance the industry has seen in decades." For love of wine TM , visit www.plum.wine. KITCHEN & BATH INDUSTRY SHOW (KBIS) MOVES FORWARD WITH HEIGHTENED HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE AND NEW VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING Registration opens September 1 for the February 9-11, 2021 show The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announced plans for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in February and is moving forward to include a new omni-experience format. KBIS, which is the largest North American trade show dedicated to the kitchen and bath market, is scheduled for February 9-11, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. In addition to the on-site experience in Orlando, KBIS 2021 is expanding its presence through the integration of a new live virtual program over the three-day event to provide attendees access to exclusive show content all year long. "These are extraordinary times. KBIS 2021 is going to have a unique look and feel," says Suzie Williford, executive vice president, industry relations and chief strategy officer, NKBA. "We are fully intending to host an in-person event. As long as we are able to safely bring our industry together for this extraordinary event, we will. For those who are unable to be there in person, we will bring KBIS to you." These virtual experiences are available to all show attendees and exhibitors and are designed to help bridge the gap with those unable to attend KBIS in person. The virtual component will be used to amplify educational content and exhibitor product launches, as well as a variety of networking opportunities. Show details are in the final planning stages with the new programming scheduled to be announced shortly. "The Emerald and NKBA teams are talking with our exhibitors and attendees every day, and I can confidently say our industry is ready to rebound," says Amy Hornby, KBIS show director. "Many of our legacy brands including Miele and Cosentino, as well as newer exhibitors like nobilia are confirmed to exhibit and are looking forward to connecting with their clients. We have also signed several new partners that we are excited to share with you in a few weeks." KBIS 2021 features hundreds of returning and new exhibitors across two halls, along with a full complement of educational offerings including the NKBA Voices from the Industry series. HEALTH & SAFETY Health and safety are a critical component for KBIS 2021. Leaders from the NKBA and show producer, Emerald, are working diligently with convention center executives, vendors and state and local authorities to design the in-person experience. A corporate- wide preparedness plan with comprehensive health and safety guidelines and protocols has been established to provide attendees with the safest experience possible. "At this time all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and partners are required to wear face masks inside the Convention Center and maintain appropriate social distance," says Hornby. "Masks will be available at registration upon request." ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE: • Increased hand sanitizer stations positioned throughout the convention center • Daily, heightened cleaning of all public spaces, exhibit halls, meeting rooms and registration areas • Contactless registration process with remote badge printing I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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